A deal with the devil

Chapter 99

“You weren’t surprised at all when I asked you to come back to me and start over. You saw this coming, didn’t you?” Samuel said, his voice raw and broken

Bevelled in anguish, “Shirley, this is revenge, isn’t it?”

Shirley’s heart trembled at his words, but she tightened her hold on the little boy in her arms, refusing to turn around and look at him. “You’re wrong, Samuel” she said softly, “I never wanted revenge. How can I avenge myself against someone I never truly understood? I’m just tired. I’m tired of waiting for you.”

Everyone told her he wouldcome back to her sumeday But the had never dared to hope

Before Samuel, Shirley, the most celebrated socialite in Elderstone, had always del small

This wasn’t how she’d wanted things to turn out

didn’t understand. Sampel had done everything in his power to bring Sophia back to him. Now that he had her, why couldn’t he be content? Why would he ding to the past? She and Samuel were long past the print of retur

Samuel She saved your life.

already chosen Sophia over her. Shirley hoped he could move on with his choice because there was no turning

Shirley turned and walked into the house, closing the heavy door

for you.“These words kept echoing through Samuel’s mind as he stood frozen at the same spot. He stared at the closed door, and tears welled up in his eyes He knew Shirley was truly done with

door symbolized the distance between them. She was in heaven, while he was in hell. They were parallel lines now, destined

didn’t go home, and spent the next day and night lost in thought. He needed to figure out what it was he truly

slumped against the door, feeling as though all her strength had left her. Thankfully, Janine was there to study

“Are you okay?”

shook her head “Janine, why do people only

s gone!

and said, “It’s clear he’s in a lot of pain. I think he loves you, but he’s been held back by his gratitude toward Sophia Now that he’s lost you, he’s finally realizing how much you mean

hand. “Shirley, if you both love each other, why are you

best friend