Chapter 8
Warren’s question came like a bolt from the blue and stunned everyone present.
Dahlia covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. She gave David a playful look while nodding, her expression suggesting that they were about to witness the birth of a new couple.
David caught on immediately and returned a knowing smile. Even Thandie froze for a moment, not quite understanding what Warren meant by asking that question.
Warren clarified, “The passenger seat is a special spot normally reserved for one’s other half. If you have a boyfriend, I can sit in the back with David and Dahlia.”
Thandie quickly denied it with a wave of her hand. “I don’t have a boyfriend. Don’t worry.”
Only then did Warren get in the car.
Once the car started, Dahlia turned to him and said warmly, “You don’t have to stand on ceremony, Warren. You and Thandie aren’t complete strangers.”
Warren replied politely, “No matter how familiar we are with others, we need to maintain proper boundaries as adults.”
This was a lesson that Shailey had personally taught him. It was a lesson he would never forget.
Dahlia smiled and said to David, “Look at Warren. He’s so polite and well–mannered. One can easily see he’s a refined young man.”
David nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Shailey raised him well. That’s why he’s so outstanding.”
“By the way, Warren, Shailey must be 27 or 28 by now, right? Does she have a boyfriend yet?” Dahlia asked.
David quickly tugged at Dahlia’s sleeve. “You’re addicted to matchmaking, aren’t you? Shailey is different from Warren. Her marriage isn’t something to take lightly.”
Dahlia nodded and said, “You’re right. She’s so exceptional–her standards must be very high.
“Exactly. I’m sure she knows what kind of man she wants. We should stay out of it,” David
added.
Warren spoke up. “Thanks for your concern, Mrs. Keaton. She… She has a boyfriend now.”
David and Dahlia were both surprised. “When did that happen? How come you never mentioned it before?”
A bitter smile formed on Warren’s lips. What could he say? He couldn’t tell them that his decision to move abroad was mainly due to Shailey’s boyfriend.
Even boyfriend wasn’t the right term anymore. Jacob wasn’t just Shailey’s boyfriend now. By the time Warren’s plane had taken off, he should have become Shailey’s husband.
“As grown ups, we have our individual lives now. So, I don’t keep in touch with her much these days.” Warren’s tone carried a noticeable sense of detachment.
Dahlia asked worriedly, “Warren, did you decide to move abroad because Shailey’s boyfriend couldn’t tolerate having you around?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” David quickly interjected. “Warren chose to come abroad to advance his career. Isn’t that right?”
Warren took a deep breath and nodded firmly. “That’s right.”
For the time being, Warren stayed at David’s house since he hadn’t found a place to live yet. Dahlia had already prepared a room for him.
Lying on the soft bed, Warren stared at the moonlit sky outside the window. Everything felt so unfamiliar that it was almost unreal.
This was it. He had decided to say goodbye to Shailey for good and start a new life here.
The new house was adorned with cheerful decorations befitting of a wedding.
However, Jacob didn’t dare say a word.
Warren had disappeared.
Halfway through the wedding, Shailey couldn’t find him anywhere. She stormed out with a group of her men to search for him and left Jacob standing awkwardly on the stage in front of all their guests.
Jacob felt wronged. When she finally returned home, he wanted to complain about it.
But before he could say a word, Shailey glared at him with pure disdain and growled, “Stay away from me.”
Jacob gritted his teeth in frustration, wishing he could tear Warren apart. He cursed inwardly,” Warren did this on purpose! He’s doing this to ruin everything between me and Shailey!”
“Shay,” he said carefully, leaning in closer to hug her from behind. “You’ve been busy all day. Let’s get some rest.”
As he said that, he loosened the belt of his robe to reveal his chest and abs. It was a wordless invitation for intimacy.
But this gesture only made Shailey lose her temper. “I said stay away from me! Don’t you understand simple language?”
Shailey yanked her arm out of Jacob’s grasp. Her reaction shocked Jacob, causing his face to go pale.
“Shay, I know you’re worried, but Warren is an adult. He’ll be fine,” Jacob said, trying to comfort her.
It would’ve been better if he hadn’t brought up Warren. The moment he mentioned Warren’s name, Shailey’s expression became even frostier
Just then, her phone rang.
Shailey answered it, and whatever the person on the other end said immediately set her off.” If you can’t find him, keep looking! How can a grown man disappear without a trace? If anything happens to Warren, you know the consequences.
After hanging up, her expression remained dark, like a storm was brewing.
At this inopportune moment, another call came in.
This time, Shailey didn’t pick up right away. Instead, she stared at the number on the screen for a long while.
Jacob noticed that her expression was tinged with panic, and even her hand that was holding the phone trembled slightly.
When she finally answered the call, her voice was shaky. “Have you found him, Officer Falco?”
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