Chapter 13
Shailey frowned slightly and repeated, “Sister–in–law?”
“Isn’t that what you are?” Warren responded.
“Warren,” Shailey said, “I saw all the photos you left for me.”
Warren’s expression remained unchanged. He simply replied with a soft hum, acknowledging that he’d heard her.
“But some of them were destroyed by Jacob,” Shailey added.
“That’s to be expected,” Warren remarked. “He’s your husband. He can handle your belongings however he wants.”
“He’s not my husband!” Shailey threw her arms around his waist and explained anxiously,” Warren, I didn’t marry him. When I realized you were gone, I called off the wedding.
“I’ve been looking for you these past few days. When I saw that boy who committed suicide wearing the clothes you donated, I thought you were…”
Warren frowned and said coldly, “Please let go of me, Sis–in–Law.”
“Don’t call me that!” Shailey demanded.
Warren looked at her and smiled politely. “Very well, I’ll call you Ms. Ralston. Is that better?”
Shailey was furious. “Warren!”
Taking a deep breath, Warren carefully pried her hands off his waist. He then stepped back and stood beside Thandie.
“I wasn’t finished with the introductions earlier,” Warren said. “This is my girlfriend,
Thandie.”
Thandie was taken aback, but Shailey was even more surprised than she was.
“How long have you known her? How can you get yourself a girlfriend so soon? Don’t kid yourself, Warren!” Shailey chastised.
“Knowing each other for a long time doesn’t necessitate a strong bond,” Warren replied pointedly.
Shailey understood exactly what he meant. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself before saying, “Warren, can we have a proper talk?”
“There’s nothing left to talk about between us,” Warren said coolly.
His frigid response stunned Shailey.
Chapter
He continued, “Your new husband is waiting for you back at home. I’m doing well in Melrand. I have a career, and I have people keeping me company here. Thank you for all you’ve done for me over the years. I’ll repay you someday.”
“I don’t want your repayment!” Shalley snapped
“Then, what do you want?” Warren shot back.
Shailey choked on her words. She wanted him, but faced with his distant gaze, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
“Go home. You’ve already disappointed one man. Don’t disappoint another,” Warren stated plainly.
“Jacob isn’t my man! Please just give me ten minutes and let me explain-
“I have plans with my girlfriend. Maybe another time.”
With that, Warren gently pulled Thandie’s sleeve. She left with him, trailing behind him quietly.
After they had walked a good distance, Thandie glanced back and said, “Your sister–in–law hasn’t left. She’s still standing there.”
“Don’t mind her. Come with me to check out other furniture,” Warren said.
“Are you sure? She looks so dejected,” Thandie replied uncertainly.
Warren chuckled and said, “She just got married. A newlywed wouldn’t be dejected.”
That afternoon, Thandie accompanied Warren as they explored the entire mall.
Warren bought many things–anime figurines he liked, photography equipment, and at humungous plush bear.
Thandie loved the bear, so Warren bought it for her as thanks for her company and care. The bear was even larger than Thandie herself.
As Warren carried the bear through the mall, everyone turned to look at him..
Thandie grew embarrassed and said, “Maybe we should put the bear back.”
Warren asked, “Do I look ridiculous?”
Before Thandie could answer, two girls who were passing by laughed and said, “No, you look like you really love your girlfriend.”
Thandie’s face turned bright red, and she stammered, “We’re not… I mean…
Warren was amused by her flustered response.
Perhaps having a kind and gentle girlfriend like Thandie wasn’t such a bad thing. He wouldn’t have to second guess whether she loved him or not. She expressed her feelings for him clearly through her affectionate gestures.
By the time Warren dropped Thandie off at her place, the sky had already gone dark. Ever the gentleman, he knew it would be inappropriate for him to go into the apartment of a single young woman. He helped carry her belongings to the door and left them there.
“Why are you just standing there? Come on in,” Thandie urged.
“It’s okay. I’m just here to make sure you got home safely. Now, I can report back to David without worry,” Warren replied.
Thandie hesitated for a moment before asking, “Warren, what you said earlier… Did you mean it?”
“Which part?”
“You said that… I’m your girlfriend.”
Warren thought about it for a moment before nodding firmly. “I admire your courage and accept your confession. But right now, I’m at the level where I’d like to try starting a relationship with you.
“I haven’t yet reached the point of reciprocating your feelings of love. If you’re okay with that, we can take our time and see how things go.”
Thandie’s face lit up with joy. “Really?”
Warren nodded with a small smile. “Yes.”
“I thought…”
“What did you think?”
“I thought you were just trying to upset Shailey.”
Warren sighed and decided to be frank. “To be honest, I might have done that in the past.”
“What about now?” Thandie asked curiously.
Warren replied seriously, “Now, I genuinely want to start a new life.”
“Warren, you… You liked Shailey, didn’t you?” Thandie bit her lip. “In the past.”
Warren didn’t hide it from her. He nodded and said, “Yes.”
He thought Thandie might press him for details or be shocked by the revelation that he had romantic feelings for his sister–in–law.
To his surprise, Thandle merely looked at him with wide, trusting eyes. Her understanding response left him feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
“What is it?” Thandie asked.
“I thought you’d ask me if I still like her,” Warren said.
“You already said it was in the past,” Thandie replied, wiping her face nervously and smiling.” I believe you.”
Chapter 14
