Chapter 23 Shirley’s Dangerous Obsession
Finished
Shane swirled the wine in his glass, his gaze lifting to meet hers as if unintentionally. “No need for such formalities, Naomi. There’s no need to be so polite with me
The soft melody of distant music drifted in through the window, carrying the scent of the night breeze. The flickering candlelight cast warm shadows, wrapping the room in an intimate, almost ambiguous atmosphere.
“Then… I’ll start eating. Naomi’s blush deepened, spreading all the way to her ears.
Avoiding Shane’s deep, starry eyes, she picked up her utensils and focused on her meal.
While their candlelit dinner was steeped in romance, another ligure stood in stark contrast. Shirley was waiting outside Shane’s door, looking utterly miserabile.
Ever since Shane had thrown those ruthless words at her on the rooftop, Shirley had been in turmoil. She had gone from hysterical crying to seething anger, then to calculating deliberation. But no matter how many times she called him, Shane never answered.
Was this it? Am I supposed to just accept defeat and let Naomi take him while I slink away like a pathetic loser? No. Never.
Her bloodshot eyes flashed with determination. What she wanted, she would obtain by any means necessary. And if she could not have it, then she would destroy it.
Once decided, she bought a gift and stationed herself outside his door, waiting. She waited from afternoon to nightfall.
The street had long since emptied, the silence of the late hour settling in.
Meanwhile, Shane, still basking in the warmth of his evening with Naomi, returned to his apartment in high spirits. He paused when he saw the crouched figure at his door.
A closer look confirmed his suspicion. It was Shirley.
His smile faded. He turned on his heel, prepared to walk away, but her pitiful voice stopped him in his tracks.
“Shane.” Shirley’s voice trembled, filled with grievance. I’ve been waiting here all day, just to explain everything to you. Why do you keep avoiding me?”
Shane sighed, finally turning to face her. ‘Shirley, you don’t have to do this.
She held out a small gift box, her teary eyes shimmering with reflections under the light. “This is for you,” she whispered. “Shane, I know I mean nothing to you. But please, just hear me out. After tonight, I won’t bother you anymore.”
Her voice was soft, almost pleading. Shane hesitated.
Shirley had been chasing him since they were children. No matter how many times he rejected her, she never gave up. Perhaps it was better to make things clear once and for all.
Without a word, he unlocked his door.
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07.15 Sun, Apr zu
Chapter 23 Shirley’s Dangerous Obsession
Finished
“Alright,” he said, stepping aside. If this is truly the last me, then let’s settle this completely. No more meaningless entanglements after tonight.
A thicker of triumph flashed through Shirley’s eyes. “Oourse,” she agreed, stepping inside.
The moment the door closed behind her, tears began to spill down her checks like a broken string of pearls.
“Shane,” she choked out, “our families have been close for generations. We were even engaged as children. We grew up together: we had something special. Everything was fine until… Until Naomi came along! She ruined everything! She forced her way between us, she destroyed what we had!”
As Shurley’s emotions spiraled, her face flushed red,
But Shane simply shook his head. “You’re wrong, Shirley.”
His voice was calm but firm. “I never liked your personality. Not since we were kids. Forced love never ends well. You should understand that by now.
He continued. “No matter how many times I told you, no matter how clear I made it, you refused to listen. Do you really think that even if we got married, we’d be happy?”
Shirley took a shaky step forward, her eyes wild with desperation. A twisted smile curled her lips.
“Married? Fine! Let’s get married! I don’t care if we’re happy or not, as long as we’re together. But now, with Naomi as the homewrecker, I
“Don’t call her that!” Shane’s voice turned sharp, cutting her off instantly. “Listen to me, Shirley. Even if Naomi never existed, I still wouldn’t have chosen you. So let this go. I’m telling you this for your own good. I don’t want to waste your time any longer.”
But Shirley was not listening anymore. Her fingers brushed over the small packet hidden in her pocket.
So be it. If I can’t have him the way she wanted, then I’ll have him another way.
She tilted her head, suddenly smiling sweetly. “Alright, Shane. I understand now.”
His brows furrowed slightly.
Did she really mean that? Was she truly giving up?
As if reading his mind, Shirley pulled out a bottle of wine and poured two glasses. “Don’t worry,” she murmured, her tone gentle. “This time, I really do understand.”
