The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 18

“He’s doing well. He’s already eating solid food. Ms. Sterling, I have to go, Mr. Baylor is calling for me. I’ll confirm a time with him later and let you know.”

The call ended. Suzie said softly, “Stella, I want to see Richard, but I’m afraid that hearing about the divorce will make his condition worse.”

Stella patted her shoulder reassuringly. “I know how much Richard means to you. If you want to go, then go. I doubt anyone will go out of their way to tell him. After all, haven't the Baylors been dying to kick you out?”

Suzie nodded, her voice thick with emotion. “Okay. I’ll wait until Jamie isn’t at the hospital and then I’ll visit.”

In no time, Stella had finished packing. Just as they were leaving the room, Suzie’s phone rang again. Jamie’s name flashed across the screen.

Suzie didn't answer. Aaron could just relay the time for the City Hall appointment. Why was he calling her personally?

The ringing stopped, but just as Suzie was about to put her phone away, it started ringing again. This time, she saw Aaron’s name and her slender fingers slid across the screen to answer.

“What's this? You’ll answer Aaron's calls, but you deliberately ignore mine? Do you hate me that much, Suzie?”

Jamie’s voice came through the receiver. Compared to a few days ago, it held little anger and was strangely calm.

Suzie paused, then said slowly, “If you’re free tomorrow, let's meet at City Hall at 9 AM.”

Jamie replied nonchalantly, “I need to talk to you about something. Tell me where you are, and I'll send a driver.”

Suzie refused without a second thought. “I don't have time. If you’re still worried about the divorce settlement, I’ll repeat myself: I don't want anything.”

After she spoke, silence filled the line. Suzie added, “See you tomorrow at 9 AM.”

“Wait,” Jamie interjected, his tone still surprisingly mild.

Suzie hesitated for a moment before replying, “I have to meet someone, Stella. You can go home first.”

Stella frowned. “Is Jamie coming to see you? You're not going to get soft on him, are you?”

Suzie managed a faint smile. “Do you really think I would?”

Stella shrugged. “Well, it’s your business at the end of the day. But remember, don't let yourself get taken advantage of again. You need to channel that 'reborn heroine' energy from the novels. Okay, I’m heading back. Watch your step, don’t trip over anything.”

After her brisk words, Stella put an arm around Suzie and walked her to the elevator. At the hospital entrance, they went their separate ways.

Suzie crossed the street and reached the café. Instead of going inside, she sat down in the outdoor seating area to wait.

She kept glancing at the time on her phone. When there were only a few seconds left of her ten-minute deadline, she picked up her bag and started walking down the steps.