Chapter 689

The winds were strong during that season, and the chill in the air was palpable. Hugo noticed Pearl sitting on the stairs near the garden, looking fragile as if a strong gust of wind could easily knock her over. She appeared thin and not dressed warmly enough for the weather. Hugo draped the coat he had been holding over her shoulders, and as she felt the weight of it, she didn't look up. "Cry if you have to. I know you must be feeling terrible after finding out." Pearl spoke calmly, "I'm not upset at all." "I'm sure you know if you're upset." "I said I'm not." "Alright. If you want to put on a strong front, I won't force you to do otherwise." Pearl stood up and tossed the coat back to him. "How could you be so heartless?" Hugo took the coat and regarded her with a faint smile. "Life would be dull if everyone was nice." "That's a ridiculous perspective." Pearl didn't want to spend a second more with him. Just standing around him would make her feel cold. Hugo, however