Chapter 34
“But Vera hesitated, unsure of what to do.
“Do as I say” Marilyn whispered in her ear, her tone firm and unyielding.
As the words sank in, Vera’s face grew increasingly pale.
She told herself that this wasn’t her fad. If anyone was to blame, it was Courtney–for having such rotten fuck.
After all, there were countless people in this world who met injust ends. Courtney would simply be one more.
Courney was busy organizing the medications at the pharmacy when Austin showed up
He seemed to have plenty of free time lately
“Courtney, have you eaten yet? Austin asked as he handled her a freshly made waffle, still warm and giving off a tempting arom
Courtney paused for a moment, looking at him. I’m not hungry”
In fact, she was starving, but she didn’t want to eat anything from Austin.
“Courtney, not speaking isn’t a long–term solution. I’ve been learning sign language, but I still hope you’ll start talking again. How about we go w Jack together?” Austin’s tone was gentle, as if trying to soothe a wife who was merely upset with him,
[Just go. I’ll eat it later.] Courtney typed on her phone, knowing Austin couldn’t understand her sign language.
“Courtney, it’s already dark out. When do you get off work! Let’s grab some steaks. There’s that ten–year–old restaurant we used to l open Austin’s voice was soft, as though trying to remind her that their shared memories still existed.
love–it’s still
[No, Austin. It’s been five years. We’ve both changed.] Austin read the words on her phone screen, falling silent.
It had been five years, and they really had changed.
“Courtney, did you print the medication inventory for today!” the pharmacy owner asked as he returned to the store.
Courtney nodded and quickly walked away, eager to bury herself in work and avoid dealing with Austin.
Ausun lingered at the door, waiting for her to finish.
ner teased. “Handsome guy, huld Seems well–off too. That BMW outside is his right? Must’ve cost close to a
“Who’s that? Your boyfriend?” the owner million”
Courtney didn’t respond, lowering her head.
That wasn’t the Austin she knew. The Austin she once loved came from modest means. Spending 300 thousand dollars on a house had already stretched him to his limits.
The Austin the knew would never buy such an expensive car. He had once told her, “A car is just a means of getting around. Even if I had money. I wouldn’t spend more than 100 grand on one. It’s pointless”
The Austin she remembered was frugal, pragmatic, and fall of plans for the future. But now, he was a different ina
“Take tomorrow off and head home early tought,” the owner said, gesturing toward Austin with a grin. “Your boyfriend’s waiting for you?”
Courtney tried explaining in sign language, but the nom didn’t understand, only smiling and encouraging her to leave.
Left with no choice, Courtiary finished up larr tasks and stepped outside
Austin was still there, waing for her
When he saw her, he smiled and said, “Courtney, I called the owner of the steakhouse. She has reserved a table for us?
Courtney nodded.
She agreed to gri, leit not because she wanted to rekindle anything.
She wanted closure. She wanted a divo
If Austin wouldn’t agree, or if he refused to return her family’s old mansion, she was ready to take him to court.
1/2
2:46 PM D
Chapter 31
Austin, thrilled by her willingness, opened the car door for her, gesturing to the passenger seat.
Courtney didn’t
it move. Instead, she pointed to the back seat.
She no longer deserved to sit in his passenger seat.
“Courtney… I had it cleaned. No stains, no trace of her anymore. My passenger seat will always be yours.” Austin said softly.
Courtney glanced at the seat. The sticker was indeed
gone.
But while marks on a car could be removed, the scars left on a person’s heart could not.
Courtney chose to sit in the backseat, and Austin didn’t press her. He figured he’d take things one step at a time.
When they arrived at the steakhouse, Courtney looked around. The environment felt both familiar and foreign, and her eyes reddened.
“Hey, you’re back! Brought Vera and Phoebe again?” The owner greeted them warmly the moment they walked in.
It was clear that Austin was a regular here. Over the past five years, he had often come with Vera and their child.
Noticing Austin’s awkward expression, the owner finally noticed Courtney.
She stared for a moment before hesitantly asking. “And this is…”
Five years was a long time. It wasn’t surprising she couldn’t immediately recognize Courtney. She seemed to have a vague impression, but nothing
Comicrete
“1…” Austin hesitated as he introduced Courtney. The steakhouse was close to the hospital, and he was wary of running into familiar faces.
“My college classmate,” he finally said.
That was all Courtney was to him–a college classmate. Nothing more.
“Daddy!” Suddenly, a small figure rushed in, deliberately pushing Courtney aside and throwing herself into Austin’s arms,
Austin froze, his face darkening as he turned to look at Vera, who was walking in from the door.
It was obvious she had brought Phoebe here on purpose.
“You wicked woman! Stop trying to seduce my dad! You’re nothing but a vixen!” Phoebe pointed at Courtney and shouted, her voice sharp and cutting-
The steakhouse was crowded, and now all eyes were on them.
Meanwhile, Vera stood nearby, her expression smug and challenging as she glan
glanced at Courtney.
She was confident that Austin would care more about their daughter, Phoebe.
