Chapter 6
Returning to the coastal city, this time I had an extra suitcase.
It was packed full of my parents‘ worries.
A coworker helped me find an apartment, and 1 quickly moved out of the hotel and
into it.
Besides work hours, I spent my free time watching movies and occasionally going
to the beach.
The water that once terrified me now rolled up to my feet, bringing a sense of
comfort.
Unknown numbers still called incessantly every day.
Mixed with messages, I didn’t read a single one and changed my SIM card.
I only told my parents, instructing them not to say anything if Lance Mitchell asked
about me.
My mother hesitated: “He might just want to check on you.”
“No, Mom, don’t bother him.”
And don’t let him bother me anymore.
I think he just hasn’t adapted to me suddenly not following his every word.
But Tang Peiruo will help him adjust.
His long–lost love has finally reunited with him.
Even the deepest wounds will heal, including those from their youthful sorrows.
But half a month later, the coffee shop door opened.
I was looking down, making coffee: “Welcome.”
A familiar voice came from close by: “I’m here to report for duty.”
Startled, I looked up and met Lance Mitchell’s gaze, spilling water everywhere.
As I fumbled to clean up, he laughed.
“Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?”
I watched him sitting across from the boss, talking animatedly.
My heart was filled with confusion and unease.
It felt as if the hard–earned peace had been abruptly shattered.
I slipped out to call my parents,
06
Their voices were full of guilt: “He comes to ask about you every day.”
A huge question mark kept rising in my heart.
What about Brooke?
Why did he leave his pregnant lover and come here?
When I returned, he had already changed into a server’s uniform.
The place was full of college students working part–time; he stuck out like a sorel
thumb.
I tried my best to keep my head down and avoid his gaze, but I couldn’t escape his dogged pursuit.
Finally, my shift ended. I changed clothes and left immediately.
Lance Mitchell chased after me, dragging his suitcase.
“Where do you live?”
I stopped in my tracks, the frustration that had been building all day finally boiling
over
“What exactly do you want?
“What about your job? Why did you come here? To humiliate me again?”
He looked completely at ease: “I quit. Came to see you.”
He made it sound so simple.
I turned to leave, but he hurried after me.
“I didn’t book a hotel. I’ll stay at your place for now.”
I had to stop again, reminding him coldly.
“Lance Mitchell, we’re divorced, and Ms. Taylor needs you.”
He remained silent, but followed me relentlessly.
At the intersection, I had completely lost my patience.
“What do you really want?”
He stared at me intently: “Are you afraid of me?”
I shook my head. What was there to be afraid of?
“We have nothing to do with each other anymore. You’re troubling
ΠΡ
I even took out my phone: “Do you want me to call Ms. Taylor to pick you up?”
2/3
06
He just looked at me:
“This is between us.
“Samantha, are you so determined to cut ties with me because of her?”
I almost thought I had misheard.
He was the one who showed up at my birthday party with his pregnant ideal love.
He was the one who couldn’t wait to take wedding photos.
He was the one who was afraid I’d drag my feet on the divorce.
Now, after I’ve cut ties, he’s here questioning me?
I asked him: “What else do you need me to do?”
His brows furrowed as he lowered his head.
I felt like I was seeing the Lance Mitchell who used to smoke on the rooftop. Full of confusion and uncertainty.
After a long while, he finally spoke: “Brooke and I… we never slept together.”
His hand at his side clenched slightly.
“Samantha, I think I actually like you.”
This statement surprised me even more than what he said about Brooke.
I unconsciously took two steps back.
When he raised his head and reached out to me, I instinctively slapped his hand
away.
“Samantha… you!”
I spoke quickly: “Don’t like me. I don’t want to be with you at all.”
His expression was a mix of emotions, his brow furrowing even more.
you resenting me?”
“Are
