The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 458

Pain flared in Jamie's shoulder, but he didn't even flinch. He just let her bite him.

The hand pressed against her back actually began to stroke her gently, coaxing her like a distressed child.

The moment the metallic taste of blood hit Suzie's tongue, she realized exactly what she was doing. All the hatred and resentment she had buried deep inside was being dragged to the surface by him.

Reacting like this proved she was still tangled up in their past.

She shouldn't be like this. Over the past few days, he had been messing with her head, but her goal was to treat him like empty air. Like he didn't exist.

Yet her every action, every outburst, was just screaming how much she still resented him.

He wasn't worth it. The day she ran away, she had promised herself she would let it all go. Total indifference was the greatest insult you could give a person.

Suzie released her bite. Her tense arms instantly dropped to her sides. She stood perfectly still, letting him hold her like a lifeless mannequin.

Sensing the shift, Jamie slowly let her go.

He moved his hands to her shoulders, pushing her back just enough to look at her face.

Her eyes were completely empty, staring blankly past him.

A muscle feathered in Jamie's jaw. His grip tightened, then loosened, before he finally pulled his hands away, his expression heavy with turmoil.

His voice was deep and rough.

"What I lost, I want back. What I owe you, I want to make right. That's my only motive. It's late. Get some rest."

Honestly, they were thrilled for her.

Zelina whispered, "If Ms. Sterling can get married again, that's wonderful news! This man... you've seen him on the news, right? He's a total catch. And look at his face, his height—wow. If my daughter could find a man even half that good, I'd wake up laughing in my sleep."

Wilna looked a bit worried. "But... Ms. Sterling has three kids. The Baylors are old money and incredibly powerful. Even if he's crazy about her, his family might never accept it."

"What era are you living in?" Zelina scoffed. "It's not like when we were young."

"True," Wilna conceded. "But a woman, no matter how capable, still needs a man to lean on. And the kids, even with all their nice clothes and food, it's a bit sad not having a dad."

Zelina didn't like that. "What are you talking about? If Ms. Sterling remarries, it'll be for love! Have you seen how capable she is? Why would she need to rely on a man? Do you think she's like us, only good for doing chores? The only point you made that makes any sense is the kids needing a complete family..."