A deal with the devil

Cupler 93.

Every time Shirley got close to him, Samuel had to summon all his strength to force himself to push Shirley away Even during their kisses, he held back, terrified of crossing a line and betraying Sophia.

Only now did Samuel realize how foolish he’d been

She had put on a wedding dress and almost became his bride And yet, he had celidly abandoned her, turning her into the subject of cruel gossip throughout the city.

The woman who once adored him, who couldn’t go a day without clinging to his side, now had no room left in her life for him.

was his fault. He had pushed her into another man’s arms.

The bitterness of it all consumed him, but he could only swallow it, silently enduring the torment of his own making.

That night, Samuel sat staring at Shirley’s phone until dawn.

The next morning. Shirley tied awake at the sound of Benjamin moving about Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she got out of bed and quickly freshened up in her room before heading to the dochen

When Benjamin walked in, Shirley had already prepared a bowl of oatmeal, looking at him intently,

Benjamin sat across from her, giving her a cold, skeptical glance as though she were up to something

s thinking, why don’t I

coffee, and if you get

that,” he replied without even

leaned in. “I’d really like to learn more about business and how to manage a company. Don’t

of Shirley attempting to read a book yesterday, only to fall asleep for two

“So,

relieved to escape being grounded.

said dryly,

looked at him with wide, pleading eyes. “Tenjamin, what do

her gaze, and said calmly, “Che me a reason that convinces

didn’t know what reason would comince

parents and help

of yourself first. You didn’t even know how you

didn’t know what

cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Trying to recover, she quickly added, “I

his silence seemed to be challenging her to say

take care of Megan. I think this could be