After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 151

That familiar word hit Shirley like a cold shower. Little sister.

That was how he’d always defined what they were. Even though she’d linked arms with him, held his hand, even stolen a kiss when he wasn’t paying attention, he never pushed her away or moved closer. He just gave her that title. Sister.

It made Waldo’s feelings for Catherine look almost laughable.

“Waldo, I don’t want to be your sister.” Shirley caught his arm and moved in, close enough that her red lips nearly brushed his cheek. “You know exactly what I want.”

Waldo looked at her, really looked. Shirley was stunning, no denying it. She had the kind of beauty and confidence that turned heads wherever she went. But for some reason, she just never managed to get under his skin.

“Shirley, you’re amazing. Smart, ambitious, driven. Keep doing great work on Resonance AI, and I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.” He reached out and ruffled her hair, his voice softer, almost coaxing. “Try not to overthink things, okay?”

Shirley bit her lip, a flash of frustration in her eyes. “Fine. I’ll wait for you.”

She let her lips brush his cheek on purpose, then shot him a sly look. “Sisters can get promoted, you know.”

She’d only met him after Catherine, which meant she’d been crushing on him in secret for five long years. The more she thought about it, the more she hated that fact.

Waldo’s tone was quiet. “Go back to work.”

Shirley nodded. “Alright, I’ll leave you alone. I’ve got a meeting with the Resonance AI team anyway.” She paused at the door. “And don’t forget that auction item you promised me. I’m seriously looking forward to it.”

“That belonged to Catherine’s grandmother,” Waldo replied, glancing up.

“Oh? You think I don’t deserve it?” Shirley gave him a teasing smile.

“That’s not it,” Waldo said, his lips curling up a little.

“So you’re planning to get it for her?” Shirley’s face darkened, her annoyance obvious. “I’m the one who asked for it.”

But Adelina wasn’t fooled. She knew Catherine had just come back from the tech institute, sent there by Lawrence for that project.

She pulled Catherine over to the table, her voice full of care. “Eat up. Susan made her special chicken soup, it’s so nourishing. Have a couple of bowls.”

“Okay, Mom,” Catherine answered, feeling warmth bloom in her chest.

She could tell Adelina’s care was genuine, straight from the heart.

Dinner felt cozy and full of love. Adelina watched over her, making sure she ate enough and asking about the Harrisburg trip. When Catherine shared that she’d secured the Project Apex Initiative, Adelina couldn’t stop praising her.

Lawrence sat quietly by her side, peeling shrimp and slipping them onto her plate, chiming in now and then.

Susan brought over another big bowl of soup just for her. Surrounded by their love, Catherine felt completely wrapped up in family warmth. It was something she hadn’t really known since her mother had passed away.