Chapter 15
Lisa’s words felt like knives stabbing into Shailey’s heart.
Her expression fell and grew darker by the minute. Before Miranda could finish telling her about the golden couple, she cut in, “I have something urgent I need to do at noon too. Let’s take a rain check on lunch.
“Sure thing, Ms. Ralston. Take care,” Miranda said. “Don’t forget to send me your requirements for the photographs so 1 can send them to Mr. Gardner.”
Miranda thought that this was the first time the two had met.
Shailey seemed to not hear her–or if she did, she chose not to respond. She walked away briskly without turning back.
Miranda was baffled and confused. They’d had a pleasant time talking to each other before. What brought on this sudden change of behavior? As far as she knew, no one had done. anything to offend Shailey.
Thandie had the same question too, though hers was directed at Warren. “What happened? You don’t look good.”
Warren did not give her a straight answer, though he relaxed and said, “Must be the changing weather. I’m feeling a little cold.”
Thandie did not think much of it. “Then we’ll have something hot for lunch. Mr. Keaton said he was feeling like some good soup. Let’s get the ingredients and make him some nice pumpkin soup. You’ll warm right up after that.”
That suggestion was apt for the season.
Not wanting to dampen her enthusiasm, Warren accompanied her to the supermarket to get the ingredients she needed. When they arrived at David’s house, arms full of groceries, it was just in time for lunch.
David was delighted when he saw his students.
“You’ve come at the perfect time,” he said, taking the bags from them and taking them to the kitchen. Smiling, he added to Warren, “Your sister–in–law is here too. It’s rare to see everyone in the same place nowadays–do stay for a while to chat.”
Thandie turned to look at Warren instinctively.
“Sure.” Warren’s expression betrayed nothing. He gave David a smile before entering the kitchen to help with the cooking. Once everything was ready, he joined the group in the dining where Thandie and Shailey had already spent a while pretending like the other did not
Toom,
exist.
Chapter 16
The soup on the table was steaming hot, but the people sitting around the table were stiflingly quiet. No one spoke.
The sound of Thandie ladling the soup into everyone’s bowls was the only thing that filled the
room.
Warren had chosen a seat between Thandie and David, intending to avoid Shailey. However, when he looked up, he realized that he was sitting right opposite her.
Shailey stared at him for a moment. Then, abruptly, she launched into a polite conversation with David. “Mr. Keaton, how’s Warren been doing during his time abroad? Is everything going well?”
She could’ve asked Warren herself, but she chose to beat around the bush even though he was sitting right there.
David did not think much of it. He pulled his bowl of soup closer to himself and reminisced, Warren’s doing great. Everyone he has worked with praises him. My friends are all telling me that I lucked out for having such an outstanding student.”
“He hasn’t caused you any trouble, has he?”
David shook his head hastily. “Of course not. If not for Warren and Thandie visiting me from time to time, I would’ve been bored out of my mind.”
His gaze flickered between Warren and Thandie. His smile widened. “Ms. Ralton, this is Thandie Sage. She’s also one of my students. I’m sure Warren has introduced her to you, so I don’t think I need to do much introduction. But I do have to say that among all the students I’ve mentored so far, these two are the best. Why don’t-”
It was evident he wanted to play matchmaker in front of Shailey, assuming she had some sort of guardianship over Warren just because she was his elder brother’s wife.
Shailey did not let him finish. Firmly yet polite, she interjected, “Mr. Keaton, I know what you’re trying to say. However, I don’t think they’re suitable for each other.”
David faltered.
Shailey glanced at Thandie. Unconcerned, she continued, “I’m here today to discuss. something important with Warren–I’ve already chosen a future wife for him.”
“Is that so? I’ve never heard him mention this before,” David said with concern. “Who is the lucky lady? Do I know her?”
“In a way.
“And what’s her situation like?”
After a moment of thought, Shailey answered, “She’s running her own company. Pretty and financially well–off too. Warren will be able to do anything he wants. She’s three years older
Chapter 15
than him, but that shouldn’t be a problem. She likes Warren a lot too…”
Warren knew exactly who she was talking about. Unable to stand it, he snapped, “That’s enough!”
His outburst drew everyone’s attention.
David finally realized that something was wrong when he saw Warren, who was usually calm, lose his composure. He glanced between him and Shailey, suspecting a disagreement between
the two.
Realizing his mistake, Warren took a breath to calm himself before saying, “Sorry, I’m not really interested in money. I’m happy with my current job, which pays me enough to do what I want to do. I don’t need your help, Shailey,”
“If I don’t look out for you, who will?” Shailey responded gravely.
“I am an adult. I can make my own decisions. I don’t need anyone to look out for me or control me!”
