Chapter 33
For the past few days, Jared had been staying at home to rest, but Yvonne hadn’t visited once. She was clearly worried about him. How long could she keep pretending she wasn’t concerned?
In the meantime, Shirley brought him any documents that needed to be handled at work
Fresh out of the shower, Jared descended the stairs in a bathrobe. Shirley couldn’t help but steal a glance at his exposed chest. Her gaze lingered with subtle,
flirtatious intent.
“Mr. Ford, here are the documents that need your signature.”
Jared sat on a couch, his whole demeanor weighed down with a sense of quiet frustration.
“Have you had dinner yet, Mr. Ford? I know your stomach isn’t great,” Shirley said, her voice soft and sweet. “I’m quite a good cook. What would you like to eat? I can make it for you.”
She smiled inwardly, thinking if he wanted her instead, that would be even better.
Jared glanced at the kitchen, about to refuse, but then changed his mind.
“I’d like some ravioli.”
“Sure, I’ll make it right away,” Shirley replied, eager to seize the opportunity to impress him.
Having come from a poor background, she was indeed good at cooking.
When the bowl of ravioli was placed in front of him, Jared stared at it for a while before finally taking a bite.
“How is it, Mr. Ford?” Shirley asked.
Jared couldn’t quite figure out what was missing inside him. He just felt like nothing could fill the emptiness.
He put his fork down. It just didn’t taste the same when it wasn’t made by Yvonne.
Shirley watched Jared frown, unsure of what he was dissatisfied with.
“Mr. Ford, are you having a headache? Would you like a massage?”
Before her hands could even reach him, Jared stopped her. “You can go now, Shirley.”
“…Okay.”
Shirley reluctantly left, casting one last glance at the villa. “One day, I’ll stay here overnight and be the lady of this house.”
Jared returned to the empty bedroom, feeling restless. He couldn’t sit still, but lying down didn’t feel right either. His body just didn’t feel comfortable.
In the middle of the night, he finally couldn’t resist any longer. He grabbed his car keys and headed out the door.
Just as he reached it, his phone chimed with a new email notification. It was a ticket booking confirmation.
In that instant, Jared’s mood shifted.
“Yvvy sent me the booking details on purpose. She’s clearly trying to tell me she wants me to go after her. I knew it. After 18 years together, she would never leave
me.”
With that, Jared quickly bought a ticket for the same train Yvonne was taking.
The next day, Yvonne took a two–hour train, traveling from Jeriton City back to Swindon.
The slower pace of life in the small town made everything feel calmer. The sunrises and sunsets were filled with a peaceful, nostalgic warmth.
What struck her the most was the memory of her parents taking her and Ian back to visit when they were younger.
Even though many people were gone now, those memories still held a special place in her heart.
This time, Yvonne hadn’t called ahead. When she suddenly appeared at the door, Lily, who’d been watching TV, jumped up.
Yvvy! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back? I’ll go buy some groceries now.”
“I missed you, Mom,” Yvonne said, her voice soft as she gave in to the little girl inside her. “Let’s go visit Dad.”
Lily nodded with a tender smile on her face.
At the cemetery, Yvonne placed a bouquet of flowers on the grave and gently wiped Andrew’s photo on the tombstone with a tissue.
“Dad, I have some good news to tell you. I opened a design studio. Do you remember Professor Weedle? I’m her apprentice now. Don’t worry. I’ll become a great designer. One day, everyone will know that I’m your daughter.” Yvonne’s voice faltered slightly.
