From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 355

“Shut up.” Lance Carter’s voice cut through the air, sharp as a winter wind. His cold blue eyes narrowed, a chill settling over the room. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“Yeah, that’s right. I am ridiculous.” Shirley Carter stared right back at him, a bitter little laugh escaping her lips.

It was a laugh full of heartbreak.

“We grew up together. You liked me, I liked you—we were supposed to be together. If it hadn’t been for her coming between us, you never would’ve left me. I’m only like this because of her.”

Lance’s expression didn’t soften an inch. “I never liked you. Not like that.”

Shirley blinked, stunned.

Her already pale face drained of the last bit of color.

She tried to laugh, but it sounded broken. Tears welled up in her eyes, clinging to her lashes.

She stared at him, shaking her head. “That’s not true. You did like me. Things only changed after Adelina Lane showed up.”

“I’ve only ever seen you as a sister, Shirley. That’s it. Nothing more. Not ever.”

Lance’s voice was icy, each word like a shard of glass slicing through Shirley’s heart.

She lowered her gaze, pain spreading from her chest to her whole body, making her breath catch.

No matter how many times she heard it, it hurt the same.

He kept going, relentless. “All my life, I’ve never treated you as anything but family—if anything, I’ve been more careful with you than most people are with their siblings. I never crossed the line, not once.”

“I don’t know what made you think I had feelings for you. I told you years ago how I felt.”

“We both have our own lives now, our own families. I thought you’d moved on, but you’re still like this. And now you’re dragging Ethan into it? There’s no line you won’t cross.”

If Lance had felt the same, Lily wasn’t so old-fashioned—she might have accepted it. But you can’t force love. And Lance had never wanted that.

She couldn’t blame Shirley for being heartbroken, but she couldn’t force Lance, either.

Shirley had resented them for it. She’d even threatened to leave the Carter family, running off to the Abbotts in a fit of anger.

Lily had forgiven her, thinking she was just a kid.

But Shirley had never let it go.

Back in the present, Shirley’s tear-stained face came back into focus. Lily sighed softly, almost to herself, and turned to Lance. “Let’s go. This isn’t worth it.”

Lance looked at her, his expression softening for the first time. He nodded. “Alright.”

Lily started to walk away, but then hesitated, glancing back at Shirley.