NovelStartChapter 2
[Shawn, I've been in a few relationships over the past few years, but none of them lasted. It always felt like
something was missing. Only later did | realize that deep down, I've always loved you.]
[I was scared to cback to Havenbrook because | worried you might still resent me, wouldn't want to see me.
| don't want to see someone else in your life, and realize that you might not loveanymore.]
[What happened to us was my mistake, Shawn. Can you forgive me?]
Allison read the messages quietly, feeling a heavy weight settle in her chest. She was just about to close the
chat window and walk away when Shawn's reply appeared.
Shawn: [Kate, | just need to know one thing: do you still love me?]
He left his computer on to receive her messages and even replied from his phone while in the shower.
Allison's heart gave a small, painful flutter. Shawn was always busy with work and often didn't have tto reply
to her messages. She'd gotten used to it and barely messaged him now to avoid disturbing him. But for Kate,
Shawn found time, even in the shower.
The difference was glaringly obvious.
Kate replied almost immediately: [Yes, | only love you.]
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Shawn: [Okay, I'll cpick you up.]
In that moment, Allison felt like her three-year relationship was a complete joke. She quietly closed the chat
window, put the mouse back in its place, and acted like nothing had happened.
She then went to the kitchen and served herself a bowl of the soup she had prepared. Slowly, she spooned it into
her mouth. Shawn had a sensitive stomach, so she had learned to make this special soup for him. She'd
prepared ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables and other ingredients ahead of time, then simmer them with
fresh sweet tomatoes.
The soup was a labor of love, time-consuming and tedious, but she had been making it for him for two years
because he had once mentioned liking it.
Shawn cdownstairs. He had showered, dried his hair, and changed into fresh clothes.
"Where were you? | didn't see you when | got back," he asked.
Allison responded softly, "Just went for a walk."
Shawn headed for the door. "I have to run out for a bit. If you're tired, go ahead and sleep. You don't have to wait
up."
Allison looked down and murmured, "Okay."
"Will you be back tonight?" She asked.
Shawn paused while putting on his shoes, hesitated for a moment, and then replied, "There's something urgent
at work. If it goes late, | probably won't make it back."
"Oh, alright." She didn't make a fuss.
Allison was always so understanding.
Shawn didn't think much of it, put on his shoes, and left without a second glance.
Allison went upstairs, opened Shawn's bedroom door, and saw the bowl of soup untouched beside his computer.
A message from her arranged fiancé, Joshua, popped up.
Joshua: [Allie, when are you coming back to Oak Lake?]
To Allison, Joshua was like the kind older brother next door. When he called her Allie, it felt more like a brother-
sister nicknthan one for an engaged couple.
Allison: [After | wrap things up here.]
Joshua: [Alright just letknow if you need any help.]
Allison: [Thanks, Joshua.]
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Joshua: [Get srest. Goodnight.]
That night, Shawn didn't chome.
The next morning, Allison was woken up by her phone ringing.
"Hello?"
"Allison, my birthday party's the day after tomorrow! Make sure you show up!"
Allison groggily checked her phone to see who it was.
It was Pearl, a friend from Shawn's social circle and someone Allison got along with pretty well. "Sure, send me
the details."
Once off the phone, Allison got up, got ready, and headed to the mall to pick out a gift for Pearl.
She chose a necklace from a well-known brand's latest collection, which perfectly matched Pearl's style.
On Pearl's birthday, Allison showed up early at the venue.
"Happy birthday, Pearl." She handed over the gift.
Pearl took the gift with a polite thank you.
As they were chatting, Shawn walked in fashionably late with an unfamiliar girl on his arm.
Their eyes met, and Shawn froze. "Allison, what are you doing here?"
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