Chapter 87

Arnold calmly replied, “No, I can afford to pay that back.”

His tone was flat, unbothered, as if the conversation held no weight.

He loosened his bow tie, placed it carefully on the dresser beside his wristwatch, and disappeared into the bathroom. The soft sound of running water filled the silence.

Sarah stood frozen, gripping the equity transfer document. Her eyes lingered on the paper for a moment before she exhaled and slid it into a drawer.

A strange feeling stirred in her chest.

This was the first thing Arnold had ever willingly given her since their marriage. It wasn’t affection, wasn’t trust–it was just paperwork.

Yet, it still meant something. She just wasn’t sure what.

That weekend, at Arnold’s grandmother’s insistence, the three of them–Arnold, Sarah, and their daughter Alex–traveled to the Hot Springs Lodge.

Sarah never refused Grandmother’s arrangements.

It wasn’t about respect so much as habit. She simply complied, setting aside her work without protest.

It was easier that way.

The lodge was nestled deep in the mountains, surrounded by towering pines and a crisp, cool breeze that carried the scent of fresh snow.

The natural hot springs let off wisps of steam, making the place feel almost dreamlike in the late afternoon glow.

When they arrived, Arnold stepped away to take a phone call.

Sarah barely had a moment to breathe before she noticed familiar faces–Charles and Cole. She had barely registered them when Charles spoke up, deliberately raising his voice.

few minutes,” he announced with obvious satisfaction.

“Really?” he asked eagerly. But then, as if remembering something, his

14:09

A Life Without

Chapter 87

“I’m sure your mom has things to do. Right, Sarah?”

She wasn’t

let it show. She nodded with

room to work.”

looked relieved. Cole,

find Sarah gone. He glanced

went back to the

simply nodded, as

open, trying to focus on her work. The rhythmic clicking of keys echoed in the

escape–a world where emotions didn’t dictate

she tried, her mind kept drifting.

looked at her earlier, the excitement on his face when Linda’s name was mentioned… The way Arnold had so easily

*Why am I

on the door interrupted her

it to find a staff member standing

Sarah, here’s your

frowned. “I didn’t order

by Alpha,” the staff

moment, Sarah didn’t react. Then the meaning sank in.

Arnold.

chest. Arnold had

hesitated, then accepted the tray. “Thank you.”

14:09

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