Chapter 206 Trip
Shawn let out a faint, disappointed laugh. Hope you have a good trip!”
Finished
1 muttered a quick “thank you” and hung up the phone. My flight was that evening, and by the time I landed at Craneport, I already had the keys to the house Shawn had given me.
I stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows, alone. The night view was beautiful.
In that moment, I felt like I could breathe freely.
I rested for the night. The next day, I threw on a casual outfit and went shopping in Central.
I had wanted to invite Melanie to join me, but she couldn’t get the time off. She had a court case to handle, so we agreed to plan for next time.
I wandered through unfamiliar streets alone, my mind at ease. It felt like the woman whose life once revolved around meals and routines was slowly fading away.
I bought a few things I liked. Although the divorce had left me with a hefty sum, I knew the days of mindlessly spending were over. Without Shawn, I’d have to live within my means–only spending what I earned–unless, of course, I managed to make a fortune through investments.
As I walked along the street, a slim figure in a black T–shirt caught my eye. From behind, it looked just like Jace.
I paused for a second, then hurried after him. But when I saw his face, 1 felt a wave of disappointment.
“Jace, where the hell are you?” I leaned against the railing, staring at the busy street below, for the first time truly worried about someone.
I’d asked around at the property management, and found out that Jace’s great–uncle had rented the apartment, it wasn’t his own. The door had been shut for days, and I’d even knocked on it myself.
A knot of unease twisted in my chest. I pictured Jace’s clean, delicate face, his bright eyes clear when he smiled.
“Dammit…” I cursed softly, frustrated with myself for caring so much.
Later in the afternoon, Yuna called me on video. I didn’t answer the first time, but when she called again, I was sitting in a cafe, so I picked up.
Yuna propped her chin on her hand, lying across a sofa, her dark eyes wide and staring at the screen.
“Mom, guess where I am?” she asked with a grin.
“I don’t know.” I took a sip of my coffee, not looking up. “What’s up?”
“I’m at Dad’s office. He’s working. Where are you having fun at?” she said, holding the phone so I could see Shawn sitting at his desk
Shawn glanced over at the screen, and Yuna quickly turned the phone back to her face. “Mom, when you come back, can you bring me a little gift?”
I glanced at Yuna. Her eyes were wide, full of hope, as she waited for my answer. I said coolly, “We’ll see. If we find one, I’ll buy it for you”
“Okay, Mom Did you and Dad really get divorced? Dors that mean I have to live with the Hartwell family from now on? Will you ever come to see me?” Her voice broke, and her eyes began to glisten with unshed tears. She buried her face in her arm, hading the raw emotion that threatened to spill over. When she looked up again, her words came out in a shaky whisper, “Mom, Im sorry I always made you angry You must hate me I won’t make you mad anymore. Will you come see me when you have time* Please”
8:17 PM c
Chapter 206 Trip
Finished
Without the comfort of my indulgence, she would learn. She would grow strong, unspoiled. I had my own faults. I couldn’t blame everything on her or Shawn.
It was because I knew I was at fault that I didn’t hold on to bitterness. I just wanted to break free.
Suddenly, Shawn’s voice broke through the silence. Tiffany, did you go to Craneport?” His voice was sharp, quick. Before I could respond, his hand grabbed Yuna’s phone. His eyes must have caught something in the distance, connecting the dots in
an instant.
I froze. The sight of his face made my stomach twist. My mood shifted in an instant. I’ve got things to do. I’m hanging up now,” I said, my voice cold
Without waiting for his reply, I ended the call. Tonight, I wanted to lose myself in the night view of Victoria. A quiet dinner, then home to rest.
As the sky darkened. I found a cozy restaurant. The meal was simple, but it tasted better in the cool air. I walked, letting the wind brush past me, heading to a popular spot known for its breathtaking view.
Standing in the crowd. I lifted my eyes to the skyline. It was stunning–shimmering lights, the faint hum of distant chatter. But then. I saw them.
A group of young, good–looking people walked toward me. And the one leading them–he looked like Jace.
My heart skipped a beat. Was it really him? I stepped forward, my pulse quickening.
Before I could get close. I overheard one of the boys laughing, Jace, are you really going back to that crappy workplace in Hanzora tomorrow?”
The name hit me like a jolt. I took a few more steps, keeping my distance. It was him–Jace.
But something was different. The Jace standing before me wasn’t the one I remembered.
