10%
Shannon’s POV
When I looked down, I immediately understood why everyone was confused. I had forgotten to take off my wedding ring.
52
I was speechless. At myself, mostly.”
A million explanations fought to get out of my mouth, but I was too afraid of saying the wrong thing and making things worse, especially for Clayton. I didn’t care what people thought of me, but I didn’t want to drag him into any gossip.
Just as I was about to open my mouth, Clayton beat me to it.
“Thank you for your blessings,” he said with a polite smile. “Shannon told me I’m still being evaluated, so I guess I’ve got to keep working hard. We just got back and still have to get the house in order. Let’s catch up another time.“}
Then, without missing a beat, he took my hand and led me past the group of nosy neighbors.}
I was so stunned that my brain didn’t even have time to react. I just let him pull me along like I was being led by the nose.> Only after we stepped into his home did he let go of my hand and finally explain himself.}
“I figured it’d be awkward for you to explain everything, so I came up with something to say. If we’re ‘dating,’ then a breakup won’t raise eyebrows later on. But if it really bothers you, I can go talk to them tomorrow.“>
He looked at me nervously, which made me feel a little guilty. After all, I was the one taking advantage of his kindness this whole time. “It’s fine,” I said. “Let’s just go with what you said.“}
The moment I agreed, the tension left his face. He hesitated for a second, as if deciding whether or not to say something, then finally told me why he brought me back here.
“When you called me, I was really happy. But once I realized how upset you were, that happiness disappeared.“}
He paused, then continued in a softer voice, “People say when you feel lost or hurt, you should return to the place that made you happiest. So I brought you back here. But since your old house was already sold, just stay here with me. One room each.“>
A caught the subtle warmth hidden in his words, maybe even a hint of something more. But I wasn’t sure if I was just imagining it, so I
didn’t want to overthink it.
Since I stayed quiet, Clayton gently nudged me toward one of the rooms and added, “I’m heading out to get some food. Just stay in and get settled while I’m gone, okay?“}
I nodded, and the corners of his lips lifted just a little more. He seemed genuinely happy, and his mood started to rub off on me, too. Looking around the room, I felt a strange mix of familiarity and disbelief. It had been ten years, and somehow, I was standing in Clayton’s room again.”
On the desk was a photo frame with a picture of us in it.
I picked it up and gently brushed my fingers across the glass. We were smiling at each other in the photo. Right then, that bittersweet feeling rushed back in.
We were only fourteen when that photo was taken.
After losing my mom and watching my dad remarry, I clung to my grandmother for stability. I was angry, defensive, and kept my distance from everyone. My emotional thorns lashed out at anyone who got too close.§
But Clayton never left, no matter how much I pushed him away. Even when I hurt him, he stayed.}
As a teenage girl, I was moved and thought he would stay by my side forever.
Then one day, I overheard Clayton talking to my father, who had remarried and wanted nothing to do with me.§
He asked my father to take me back and take care of me.}
In my young, wounded mind, I twisted his words into betrayal. I believed he was trying to get rid of me.
When my dad came to pick me up, Clayton followed us downstairs, wanting to talk. But I froze him out, cold and distant. When the car pulled away, he chased after it, shouting through the window:
“Shannon, I had my reasons. Please don’t hate me. You can wish for anything and anytime for me in return.“}
After that, I had no choice but to live under my stepmother’s roof. But she made my life miserable. Even when Grandma passed away later that year, I wasn’t allowed to attend the funeral.
High school got busier then, and life moved forward. And with every new burden, I forced myself to forget Clayton. I never thought our paths would cross again.”
A knock at the door startled me. My hand shook, and I quickly set the photo back in place before opening it.
Clayton was standing there, but I couldn’t meet his eyes.!
He noticed the way I was fidgeting with the edge of my shirt and followed my gaze to the desk. Then he smiled, like he knew exactly what had happened.”
“Shannon, come on,” he said gently. “Dinner’s ready.”
I opened my mouth to explain, but no words came out. So I just nodded and followed him out for dinner.
