After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 18

“The launch is in three days. Isn’t that cutting it a little close?”

Shirley couldn’t help but scoff inside. Close? If anything, she wished it could happen even sooner.

Just a few minutes ago, she’d been worried about winning Waldo’s heart, but now she felt completely sure of herself. Waldo was as good as hers.

Catherine had always been kept safe and sheltered by Waldo, living life in a bubble. But Shirley was the one who could stand right next to him, the one who could chase down the future with him, side by side.

“It’s set for three days from now,” Shirley said, her voice steady and sure. “Get the presentation slides ready for me.”

After hanging up, she felt a new energy running through her. Turning to her mother, she flashed a confident smile. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be Mrs. James before you know it.”

Alice didn’t really understand much about tech, but seeing Shirley so confident made her happy. “I always knew you were better than Catherine,” she said, grinning.

Shirley leaned back against her pillows, already picturing the launch event in her mind. When she introduced ‘Resonance AI’ to the world, everyone would be amazed and full of praise.

Waldo would be watching her with nothing but admiration and love.

Catherine? She’d have no choice but to watch from afar, wishing she could be where Shirley was.

Shirley actually looked forward to seeing the look on Catherine’s face when she saw Shirley’s success. Too bad Catherine had already fallen from the top of society to the bottom.

Still, Shirley knew Catherine wouldn’t be able to avoid her. Her name and face would be everywhere online.

***

In the old house’s garden, Catherine took a quiet breath and wandered into the yard, her mind swirling with ideas and plans for what came next.

She looked up at the huge banyan tree, just as Lawrence came back, carrying bags full of fresh groceries.

She yelped in surprise, sputtering as she tried to turn the water off. Her shirt and face were soaked. Still, she wiped at her cheeks with a stubborn little grin, looking over at Lawrence.

He couldn’t quite hide the amusement in his eyes. He left for a second and came back with some paper towels.

Catherine reached out to take them, but Lawrence just said, soft and gentle, “Hold still.”

She froze, tilting her damp face up, water droplets clinging to her lashes as she blinked at him.

Lawrence was careful and gentle, dabbing at her cheeks to dry them.

Catherine took the chance to study him up close. His lashes cast shadows on his cheeks, his nose was straight and sharp, and his lips were perfectly shaped.

When his thumb brushed across her skin, just rough enough to send a shiver through her, Catherine’s heart started beating faster than she’d ever admit.