Chapter 11
Though Steven had worked for Zachary for years, his mysterious role as private chef kept him out of James’s social circle. He greeted Sarah and Scarlett warmly before brushing past the others. “It’s getting cold out here. Let me give you ladies a ride
home.”
Scarlett brightened immediately. Any chance to spite James and Charlotte was worth taking. “That’s so sweet of you!” she
gushed.
Sarah couldn’t help but smile, knowing that easy–going Steven wouldn’t have offered without Zachary’s instructions.
As she followed Scarlett into the car, her gaze lingered on the shadowy building, remembering Zachary’s request.
“Professor Wells tells me you’re quite accomplished in psychology,” he had said. “I have a patient I’d like you to help with.”
She’d refused immediately. Maybe if she hadn’t married James, she would have become a successful therapist. But now, treating patients felt beyond her reach..
“I’m sorry, but I can’t help. You should find someone more qualified.” 1
In the sunset light, he’d looked even more graceful, his smile unfazed by her rejection. “Take your time to consider it,” was all
he’d said.
After Sarah left in Steven’s car, James’s expression hardened, thrown by how different she seemed.
The atmosphere in his car was tense until Charlotte leaned against him, her subtle perfume softening his mood.
“James, my parents are coming tomorrow to discuss the wedding. Will you be free?”
Charlotte’s beautiful face held such hope.
James felt oddly empty. He’d spent three years waiting for Charlotte to become his wife. Now that the moment was here, he felt…
nothing. 1
“James?”
Her gentle voice pulled him back. He took her hand. “Of course. I’ll clear my schedule for your parents this week.”
“They’ll stay through the wedding. Could they use one of the empty houses at the mansion?”
“Of course.”
The Garnetts were wealthy, though not quite at the Chancer’s level. Since Charlotte had gone abroad, they’d sold their properties
here. It wouldn’t do to have his future in–laws staying in hotels.
James called his assistant to arrange everything, never once considering Sarah’s opinion.
The next day, Sarah visited Professor Wells about Zachary’s request. “When Zachary asked for recommendations, you were my
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Chapter
‘first choice,” he said warmly. “You had more potential than any of my students. Don’t let these three years define your
future.”
Sarah’s voice was rough when she finally spoke. “Professor, I haven’t practiced in three years. Taking on a patient now would be
irresponsible.”
Transitioning from housewife back to her career would take time and courage.
The professor didn’t push. “Here’s an idea – Adams University just lost their counselor. I’ve recommended you. You could try that, and since Zachary’s sister studies there, you could observe her situation.”
Sarah felt warmth spread through her chest. The professor had thought of everything. She couldn’t refuse. T
“Alright, I’ll try.”
Given his reputation, the university accepted his recommendation without hesitation.
The new job meant moving closer to campus. Sarah’s current apartment was too far, but she owned a house near the mansion
complex. Perfect. T
However, when she arrived, she found Charlotte’s family having tea with her former mother–in–law in the garden.
Mrs. Chancer clasped Charlotte’s hands, beaming. “She’s exactly what this family needs. Charlotte’s worth a thousand Sarahs. When she marries James, we’ll treasure her like gold.”
“Charlotte’s blessed to join your family,” Mrs. Garnett replied. “If not for those unfortunate misunderstandings years ago, she and James would never have been apart. We wouldn’t have had this whole… situation.”
Sarah watched the scene, her face blank but her eyes turning to ice.
