The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 16

The phone had barely rung a few times before someone picked up, but it wasn't Aaron's voice on the other end.

“Suzie, what kind of game are you playing?”

Jamie's icy tone sent a chill through her.

Suzie remained silent for a few seconds before replying calmly, “Something came up. I’ll contact you in a few days.”

“What could have possibly come up? Weren't you the one making solemn promises this morning? What's the deal? Hiding away this afternoon? If you want something, just say it. I don't have the patience to play these games with you.”

His aggressive tone was grating. Suzie held the phone away from her ear and answered coolly, “It's a personal matter, and I'd rather not discuss it. I'll be in touch in a few days. That's all.”

With that, Suzie hung up.

She let out a soft sigh. If her body hadn’t betrayed her, she would have had the divorce papers in hand by now.

A thought suddenly struck her. If she was on bed rest, she would definitely need someone to take care of her. She picked up her phone again and dialed Stella's number.

Stella answered almost immediately. “Suzie! I have to rush out for an emergency, and I’m about to board a plane. Just text me if you need anything, okay? I’ll be off the plane in two hours. Gotta go!”

Before Suzie could even get a word in, the line went dead.

Staring at the silent screen, she slowly traced a finger over the smooth glass. She checked her account balance and did the math in her head. She had no idea how much the hospital stay would cost, and if she had to hire a private nurse, she probably wouldn't have enough.

As she was hesitating, the door to her room creaked open again.

“Hi, I’m the nurse assigned to you tonight.” A woman in a gray uniform entered, a wide smile on her face as she looked at Suzie.

Suzie was taken aback. “I haven't hired a nurse,” she said softly. “Are you sure you’re in the right room?”

Suzie was stunned. Was it really her rescuer who paid for it? A complete stranger being so generous?

After a moment's hesitation, she decided to keep the nurse for the time being. Once she recovered, she would find a way to track down the man and pay him back.

***

Meanwhile, Jamie entered the manor, his face dark and brooding.

Martha, the housekeeper, hurried over to him, her voice filled with anxiety. “Mr. Baylor, you’re finally back. Mrs. Baylor left. And she looked very pale when she went.”

Jamie loosened his tie as he walked past Martha and headed upstairs. Once he reached the top of the stairs, he turned to face her. “She is no longer Mrs. Baylor.”

After dropping that cold statement, Jamie disappeared into his study. He smoked several cigarettes before finding himself drifting irresistibly toward the bedroom. He pushed the door open slowly, and his eyes immediately fell on the ring sitting on the corner cabinet.