Chapter 11 Leftovers
Sarah looked up and met Shane’s cold, unreadable eyes.
Her fingers unconsciously curled inward.
It was rare to see Shane angry. In all the years they’d known each other, the only time he’d ever truly snapped at her was when she disobeyed him as a teen–playing in the snow and catching a fever the next day. Only then had he shown her a cold face.
But since Nora’s return, his temper seemed to flare up all the time.
Maybe he just found her presence unnecessary now.
So be it. I’m leaving anyway..
Sarah forced a faint smile as Shane’s voice rang out again, soft yet laced with chill: “Sarah, apologize to Nora.”
“Nora’s never been in the best health. And she drank so much for the company tonight. You shouldn’t have caused a scene like that.”
She listened, face blank.
She remembered three years ago, when they’d just moved here and the company was starting from scratch- how she worked around the clock, accompanied clients, drank until she nearly passed out.
And in the end, Shane had only said she was overstepping.
But now Nora did the same, and he called it devotion. He felt bad for her.
So this is the difference between love and not–love.
Suddenly, Sarah thought of how pathetic she must have looked earlier that night, alone at the hospital, getting IV fluids with no one to even call.
Maybe all these years, the only person moved by her efforts had been herself.
She raised her eyes to Nora and suddenly smiled–her voice calmer than ever: “I’m sorry, Ms. Nora.”
No explanation, no excuse.
She’d already decided to leave, to return home and accept the engagement.
The only thing left she could give them… was her blessing.
Nora was caught off guard. The surprise in her eyes flickered and disappeared.
Even Shane was stunned.
She used to fight back whenever it came to Nora.
But this time, she surrendered so easily.
Before he could say anything, Sarah had already turned and walked back inside.
Shane turned his attention back to Nora, his voice warm with concern. “Did you hurt yourself? Are you feeling okay?”
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Chapter 11 Leftovers
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“I’m fine. Thank you, Shane…” she hesitated, then lowered her voice, biting her lip. “But do you think Sarah’s mad at me? This is all my fault…”
Shane paused, then spoke with little concern: “She’s just being childish again. It’s not your fault. I’ll calm her down later.”
He was sure of it.
After all these years, no matter how upset she got, Sarah never truly stayed mad at him.
As long as he softened his tone, she’d always come around.
Back in her room, Sarah shut the door behind her.
She stared at the countdown marked on her calendar, her fingers brushing the numbers.
Soon. She’d be gone soon.
So she didn’t want to argue anymore. The few days left were their farewell.
Just as she was settling into bed, the door opened again.
Sarah turned and saw Shane walking in.
“You getting ready for bed?” he asked with his usual warm smile, as if everything earlier had never happened. The same gentle, tender Shane again.
“Yeah.”
She answered softly, pulling back the covers.
But then–his hand grabbed her wrist.
“Are you still upset about earlier? Is that why you took it out
an
Nora?”
She paused, eyes meeting his.
So that’s what he thought? That she’d lashed out at Nora out of spite?
All these years, and he still didn’t understand her at all.
“Sarah, I’ll forgive you this time. But don’t be reckless like that again. Nora’s not a strong swimmer. Neither ́are you. If I hadn’t shown up when I did, someone could’ve died.”
But Nora swam just fine.
He just cared about her–so it felt dangerous to him.
Whether Shane forgave her or not didn’t matter anymore.
Sarah dropped her eyes and replied casually, “Got it.”
She shook his hand off and started to lie down.
But his hand grabbed her wrist again, pulling her closer.
。
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Chapter 11 Leftovers
The space between them shrank.
He smelled faintly of alcohol.
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“Sarah’s always so good. Be even better, alright?” he whispered, brushing the tip of her nose and gazing down at her lips.
Sarah pushed him away, her face blank.
Shane paused, his tone cooling. “Still upset?”
“No.”
She wasn’t upset.
But Shane had made his choice. And she was getting married soon.
Distance was best for both of them.
Her voice was emotionless, flat.
Shane stared at her a moment. “Alright, then. I’ll make you some soup in the morning.”
Sarah nodded, saying nothing.
He thought this small gesture would warm her up again. It used to.
But now, her heart didn’t move at all.
After he left and closed the door, Sarah slept soundly for the first time in a long time.
When she woke the next morning, it was already bright out.
She wasn’t even up that late, but when she came downstairs, all that remained on the table were cold leftovers.
No one had called her for breakfast.
Of course—there was no soup, either.
Sarah gave a half–smile and told Mandy to clear the table. Then she went into the kitchen and made her own. She’d be fine on her own.
Just a bowl of porridge. She used to treasure it because she loved him.
Now? She didn’t even want it.
After eating, Sarah planned to go out alone for a walk.
But just as she reached the door, Mandy called after her.
“Ms. Sarah, Mr. Shane asked you to come to the study. He said there’s something important he needs to talk about.”
Sarah froze mid–step.
She glanced at Mandy, then toward the study.
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After a moment’s pause, she nodded. “Alright.”
She pushed open the door and stepped in.
Shane looked up from a file, smiling. “Sarah, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Okay.” She lowered her eyes. “What is it?”
Her distant expression made him falter. He stood and moved closer.
“You don’t seem happy,” he said.
Sarah frowned and took a step back. “I’m just tired.”
Shane studied her for a moment, but couldn’t read her.
He gave her cheek a light squeeze.
Cool to the touch. And before she could react, he’d already pulled back and handed her a file.
“Take a look.”
Sarah opened it.
“Three–Year Expansion Plan: Regional Branch”
Her voice was flat. “What does this mean?”
Shane slipped an arm around her waist, acting familiar again. Sarah instinctively wanted to pull away.
“Sarah, you’ve grown so much. You’re capable now–it’s time for a bigger stage.“/
“You’re saying you want to transfer me to a branch office?”
Her brows furrowed involuntarily.
The branch had just been set up–a scrappy little team with no footing.
Being sent there now was no different from exile.
She’d have to give up everything she’d built. Her network, her influence—gone.
And once she left, who would benefit from her hard work?
Sarah studied him for a long moment, then asked quietly. “Why?”
