Chapter 31
So he was at the school for the Nick family’s parent–teacher meeting, thought Sally. No wonder Lena had the whole afternoon free to drag Nick around like a little tour guide.
“It’s not what you think,” she snapped, voice sharp as ice. “I’m here on business.”
“At a school? Your son’s school?” Brad’s eyes narrowed. “What else could you possibly be doing here? Don’t try to pull a fast one on me, sneaking around behind my back.”
Before she could react, his hand shot out and grabbed her arm, squeezing like he meant it.
“Let go. You heard me,” Sally’s voice was low and hard, and her eyes turned icy cold. “What’s your deal? Brad? Am I supposed to orbit around you and your kid forever? Can’t I have a life outside of your little family bubble?”
Brad stared at her like she’d just grown a second head–there was a chill in her gaze he’d never seen before. He raised his voice when Sally escaped from his hand to leave.
“You still owe me answers about Grandpa.”
–
That stopped Sally dead. She knew exactly what he meant the acupuncture she’d done, the risks she’d taken.
“What’s to explain? I saved Grandpa’s life,” she shrugged. “You can be grateful or not, but interrogating me like some cop? That’s just ridiculous.”
“Don’t play dumb,” he said, voice low and serious. “I asked the doctor. He said nobody would dare risk like that. But you did it anyway. What are you hiding?”
Sally’s face was calm, but inside she was burning. “I’m not hiding anything. I’m good at what I do. You just never cared enough to understand.”
She turned to him, locking her gaze on his face. Every time she saw his face, the old wounds–prison, betrayal, all that hell–felt fresh.
“Do you know someone called Skya?” Brad pressed on, “Are you her apprentice?”
Sally hesitated for a second, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, she shot back. “What? Does Mr. Zale have some secret illness he needs her to check?”
Her sarcastic jab caught Brad off guard. He widened his eyes, voice sharp. “When did you get so sharp–tongued?”
“Stop wasting my time already,” Sally rolled her eyes. “I’m busy. I don’t have time for your games.”
Brad narrowed his eyes, finally stepping back. Sally passed him by, but then stopped and turned, voice dropping.
“If you’ve got time, then sign the divorce agreement,” she reminded. Then, without waiting, she walked off.
“Signing it now?” Brad’s voice rang after her, “That’s like signing Grandpa’s death warrant!”
Sally’s heart skipped a beat, but kept walking.
She’d always thought he didn’t love her, and after everything in prison, divorce seemed like the only way out.
But the real problem was Howard, who treated her like family–how could she drag him into this mess?
All she could do was take it slow, one step at a time…
Back at home, Abigail was hauling in bags and boxes into Windmere Estates. When Sally arrived home, the scattered stuff were piled up.
“Sorry, Sally, I didn’t check with you first, but I just moved my things here… “Abigail grinned, looking awkward.
Sally glanced over at Lillian playing with blocks, then back at Abigail. “Wait,” she doubted “Did your landlord kick you out?”
“You read my mind!” Abigail nodded. “Her son came back early, so I had to clear out fast. Dumped my stuff here temporarily.”
“Well, why don’t you just move in for good?” Sally pulled out slippers with a warm smile.
“Really?” Abigail widened her eyes. “Won’t it be a hassle?”
“No. It’s just me and Lillian here anyway,” Sally shrugged. “You can keep an eye on her, and once the clinic opens, things are going to be nuts.”
Abigail didn’t hesitate anymore. “Sounds perfect!”
She stayed at Sally’s place for dinner. Over dinner, they chatted about the day’s events.
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Chapter 31
“So? How did the signing go?” Abigail brought up.
Sally paused, then took a deep breath and spilled it all to Abigail.
“Wait. When we were checking out the place, I looked up rents around here… Starting at a ten thousand a month… “Abigail’s eyes nearly popped. “But Jaxon’s friend gave you a steal? Even with discounts, that’s nuts!”
“Yeah, I can’t wrap my head around it either,” Sally smiled faintly, not wanting to say more.
Changing the subject, Abigail asked, “Have you found a school for Lillian?”
“Yep, she starts tomorrow,” Sally nodded.
Suddenly, a timid voice piped up. “Sally, I don’t want go to school…”
Sally looked down to see the little girl’s pout, trying hard not to cry.
“Why not, Lillian?” Abigail gently asked.
“Cause I don’t know anyone there. I want stay with Sally and Abigail…” Lillian lowered her gaze.
Sally felt a pang in her heart. The girl’s past was rough, raised under her cruel dad, and now all she wanted was safety and familiarity.
Before taking Lillian out of the orphanage, the director had already given her a heads–up. Under years of harsh treatment from her father, Lillian had developed some autistic tendencies. If necessary, Sally was advised to seek professional psychological help for the child.
“Lillian, it’s fine. The kids at school are all nice–they won’t bully you,” Sally crouched down to Lillian’s level, her voice growing even softer and gentler. “But if anyone does, just come back and tell me or the teacher. Okay?”
Lillian pouted, then finally gave a small nod. “Okay,”
Sally gently patted her head. “That’s my good girl. Let’s go to the amusement park this Saturday, how about that?”
Hearing that, a smile finally lit up Lillian’s little face.
Sally chuckled and smiled back. But just then, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen–and her expression immediately darkened.
The call was from Brad. Without hesitation, she hung up.
Yet to her surprise, he called again. And again. Three times in total, and she declined each one.
When the phone rang for the fourth time, Sally instinctively went to reject the call–but then her eyes caught on the contact name. Her fingers froze mid–air.
This time, the caller was Jaxon.
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