“You’re the best.”
The man’s reply was crisp and without the slightest hesitation.
Leaning against a tree, Sarah watched as Shane supported Nora and helped her leave.
And just like that, something inside her let go.
She was finally free.
In the end, it had all been about letting go–of him, of herself, and of the
past.
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That evening, she received a call from a coworker. Word had gotten around that she’d transferred to the branch office, and they wanted to get together for a sendoff.
Sarah paused, a flicker of confusion flashing in her eyes.
She’d made it very clear in her letter–she had resigned.
Shane must have kept it quiet to avoid making a scene.
In the end, Sarah agreed to come.
These were the colleagues she’d worked with for three years–the ones she’d personally trained and guided. Even if Shane was out of the picture, she wouldn’t cut them off.
When she arrived at the private room, her former coworkers were already waiting, smiling brightly.
After food and drinks, someone finally brought up Nora. Clinging to Sarah’s sleeve, they complained:
“Sarah, now that you’re gone, Nora’s gotten even worse. She follows Mr. Shane around all day and constantly micromanages everything. I’m going nuts.”
“Exactly. Everyone says she’s Mr. Shane’s girlfriend, but it’s obvious that you and Mr. Shane were the real thing…”
Sarah and Shane had always kept things discreet at the office, but there were still those who’d picked up on the subtle signs.
Sarah hesitated briefly, then smiled and replied, “There’s nothing between us.”
Truthfully, she and Shane had never officially started anything.
Which was why the end had come just as quickly.
Her coworkers were momentarily stunned–they hadn’t expected that.
One of them Taughed, trying to smooth things over. “I used to think you were in a relationship with Mr. Shane. You always gave everything to his projects, and he definitely treated you differently. But I guess someone like Nora would need to rely on connections. You, Sarah, made it on your own.”
That’s right.
Favoritism is always obvious.
But in those three years without any favoritism, she had done her job with a clear conscience—and done it
Chapter 16 No Longer a Child
C
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well.
So well, in fact, that she was still sent off with warmth and gratitude.
“Let’s not dwell on that,” Sarah said with a wink. “For all you know, Ms. Nora might be your future boss’s wife. But I’ve said this since my first year here–merit comes first. As long as you have the ability, you’ll always have the confidence to stand tall. I’m leaving now, so I hope you all stay strong and confident too.”
Everyone assumed by “leaving,” she meant her reassignment. They smiled and echoed her words.
The group stayed out late, not parting ways until nearly 11:30.
Sarah was half–drunk, and didn’t expect to run into Shane and Nora on her way out.
They were entertaining business partners.
The air grew tense for a moment as everyone turned to look at them.
“Mr. Shane,” someone greeted politely.
Shane’s gaze landed on Sarah and paused, but his tone remained warm. “What are you all doing here?”
Before Sarah could speak, someone answered for her.
“Ms. Sarah’s leaving, so we’re having a little gathering. Hope you and Ms. Nora don’t mind?”
“Of course not.”
Nora smiled graciously, then turned to Sarah. “But Sarah, it’s not safe for a young lady to drink this much. Shane worries about you.”
Shane furrowed his brow slightly at her words.
Though tipsy, Sarah’s mind was sharp. She responded coolly and unhurriedly.
“What’s wrong with a woman having drinks? I’m with friends, chatting and relaxing–what’s so inappropriate about that? Ms. Nora, what era are you living in?”
She then looked at Shane and smiled faintly. “As for Mr. Shane, my affairs have nothing to do with him anymore.” i
She’d resigned. She was free.
Once they had that final meal, she and Shane would be finished–no ties, no regrets.
Shane looked at her, his voice still calm and restrained.
“Sarah, Nora was just looking out for you. It’s already late. If this is still about what happened before, there’s no need to act out like this. If I’d known-”
He still thought she was acting out, throwing a childish tantrum.
“You’re the one who always treated me like a child. But I haven’t been one for a long time.”
Sarah cut him off and said lightly, “Mr. Shane, Ms. Nora, you still have a dinner to attend. We won’t keep you. As for my life, I don’t need either of you to worry about it.”
Shane had always used her age as an excuse.
Chapter 16 No Longer a Child
But the truth was, she had long since become an adult capable of making her own decisions.
With those final words, Sarah turned and walked away.
Send Gifte
48 Pearls
a woman with a clear sense of right and wrong,
