The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 216

Suzie couldn't find a reason to refuse, worried that doing so might make Jamie suspicious. So she simply adopted a lighthearted tone.

"Ruby, you can go out whenever you want. It's going to be busy here tomorrow, so if you want to stay and have some fun, you should. Whatever makes you happy."

"Okay! You're the best sister," Ruby said, giving Suzie a quick hug. "Well... I'll let you and Jamie talk. I'm going to the closet to pick out some pretty clothes. Oh, by the way, Suzie, where's all your makeup? Have you stopped wearing it?"

Suzie nodded gently. "Yeah, my skin gets irritated easily, and I don't go out much, so I stopped. Your skin is great, though. You're beautiful even without it."

Ruby's face lit up with a satisfied smile at the compliment. She touched her cheek and grinned. "Suzie, you're still prettier. Your skin is so fair and has this natural rosy glow. I'd have a hard time believing you aren't wearing any foundation."

Suzie playfully pinched her cheek. "Ruby, you're the prettiest, and you have such a great sense of style. Now go on, go pick out something beautiful to wear."

Flattered, Ruby's heart swelled with delight. She happily agreed and skipped up the stairs.

Once Ruby disappeared from view, Suzie turned to Jamie, her voice soft. "Your friend is back in the country, so I assume other friends will be coming too? Are you holding the welcome party in the backyard or inside?"

"We can move to the backyard for the second half," Jamie replied.

Suzie thought for a moment. "In that case... I'll ask the staff to bring my meals to my bedroom tomorrow. As for Ruby..."

"No," Jamie refused flatly. "They don't care about that stuff."

Suzie didn't understand what he meant. What kind of answer was that?

But she didn't ask. Instead, she placed the fruit platter on the table and slowly stood up. "Then it's settled. I'll stay upstairs tomorrow. I hope you have a good time."

She had only taken a few steps when Jamie's voice sounded behind her again. "If you think it's awkward, I can just tell them you and Ruby are distant relatives."

With her back to him, Suzie's lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. Nothing he said surprised her anymore. In fact, it was exactly what she had expected. It wouldn't have mattered if they were still married; he had hosted parties at the Baylor Manor before and never allowed her downstairs.