Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 142

Chapter 142: 142-Give Me Comfort

Helanie:

“His mom is so clingy,” Jenny whispered in my ear as we took a break in the woods.

“We were upset with Kaye because his mom didn’t give him enough appreciation. And now everyone is judging her for sticking too close to his side,” I argued, raising my brow at her.

I was happy for Kaye. I guess he wanted his mother to recognize his worth and value all these years. Now that he was finally getting it, I didn’t want anyone to judge them.

“I guess you’re right. It’s just that I don’t believe people can change overnight,” Jenny pouted, but then a bright smile spread across her lips as she pointed at a pink flower–the same one we had been searching for all this time.

One hour in, we realized that finding this flower was nothing like what Emmet had asked us to do before. The herb he had chosen earlier was easy to find, but this flower was different. So far, everyone’s bag was empty. Now, however, Jenny had finally found one.

She walked over to the flower, plucked it from the stem, and turned to me, extending her hand to offer it.

“You’re our leader and class monitor–you should have it,” she said with a warm smile.

I shook my head instantly.

“Jenny, I can’t accept your help all the time. You found it, so you should keep it,” I replied firmly, trying to make her understand that she needed to do her best for her records as well.

It wasn’t easy to get admission to this academy, and I wasn’t okay with her giving up praise just for me.

“Now, let’s keep looking. Make sure everyone on our team gets the flower so they can experience its effects too,” I announced, glancing sideways at Lady Darcy and Kaye, who were nearby.

I noticed how Darcy had been engaging with him. It was true that Kaye seemed happy, but it was also true that he was supposed to be with his students. Instead, he was spending a lot of time with his mother.

When one of the students asked him a question, Lady Darcy immediately stepped forward, shielding her son and answering on his behalf. The proud look on Kaye’s face made it clear he was happy his mother was taking an interest in his interactions. But it just rubbed everyone the wrong way.

After a few more hours, we had all found flowers. I was a bit distracted, still thinking about the previous night and how Kaye had accepted me. I was so captivated by his charm and comfort that I forgot how our acceptance might affect my mother’s happiness.

In that sense, I was proving her fears right. She worried I’d ruin her relationship, and I had.

Finally, we were done and headed back to the garden where we had started. I could tell the students hadn’t enjoyed the task too much.

“I was expecting Professor Kaye to come up to everyone one by one and share some exciting facts about the flower beyond its main effects,” I overheard one of the girls saying to another.

“The seniors had so much fun taking his classes, but today, he was so dull–hiding behind his mother,” the other girl responded sadly.

I was stunned to hear the conversation. Kaye had worked so hard for himself, and for everything to be overshadowed by this one class didn’t sit well with me. But what could be done? Maybe it was because this was the first time his mother had appreciated his work, and he was a little overwhelmed by her presence. Maybe things would be back to normal tomorrow.

“It was an amazing find,” Darcy clapped her hands, taking over instead of Kaye. I noticed some of the students rolling their eyes.

“So, now–” Darcy began speaking but paused, sharing a glance with Kaye first to ensure she was on the right track. With a proud nod from him, his arms folded across his chest, he confirmed she was heading in the right direction.

“Everyone will take a sniff of the flower after heading to their bedrooms and enjoy the comfort it provides,” she announced loudly, her voice filled with admiration. The way she gestured with her arms and smiled widely made Kaye smile back at her.

Finally, after the whole day, his eyes landed on me. He squinted slightly, and this time, his happiness seemed on a different level. Even his smile had changed. It wasn’t just the usual–it felt like he was at ease, no longer needing to show off his achievements to earn my praise.

“I’ll do it too. I’m actually excited. It’s a shame I never knew a flower like this existed before, but now that I have it, I’ll definitely enjoy it,” Darcy said, holding the flower in her hand and gently caressing its petals as she spoke.

“She’s so faking it,” Jenny muttered beside me. At this point, I couldn’t help but think she might be right. Darcy did seem to be overdoing it.

“Anyway, everyone, please head back to your rooms,” Kaye finally stepped up and addressed the students. The group, which had been silent and unimpressed with Darcy’s speech, suddenly looked more engaged when hearing their professor’s voice.

We all made our way back to our rooms, where lunch had already been set out for us. We were eating in our rooms today. After finishing our meals, we freshened up, showered, and changed into comfortable pajamas.

It was finally time to take a sniff of the flower we had found ourselves and experience its promised comfort.

“I’m going to feel so light after this,” Lucy whispered, holding her flower while sneaking glances at Gavin, who was also ready to try it.

“I hope it eases my pain,” Jenny added.

I sat in silence, holding the flower in my hands and wondering if it would work for me. My pain felt far too intense for a flower to resolve.

But then, after much anticipation, I took a deep sniff of the flower.