The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 238

After Ruby left, Suzie lay in silence for a while longer before forcing her heavy body out of bed. She chose a loose, pleated dress and found a silk scarf to tie around her neck, strategically hiding the tell-tale marks from the night before.

As she reached the turn in the staircase, her downcast eyes spotted a pair of large slippers. She slowly looked up to see Jamie standing two steps below her, his palm held out. “Give me your hand. I’ll take you both shopping after we eat.”

Suzie could ignore the first part of his sentence, but the second part… She had planned to contact Stella today. Regardless of whether Stella had secured the check, Suzie wanted to leave. But then she realized that if Stella hadn't gotten the money yet, her sudden disappearance would put Jamie on high alert. If he started investigating the lawyer, everything would become much more complicated. Still, she had to meet Stella today. Just before coming downstairs, she had texted Stella to meet at their pre-arranged spot. But if Jamie came with them…

Suzie glanced around at the army of servants in the hall and reluctantly placed her hand in his. She had to keep up the act until she was gone. Any slip-up could derail her entire plan.

He led her to the dining table and, like a perfect gentleman, pulled out her chair. He even carefully stirred her soup until it cooled to a lukewarm temperature before handing it to her.

Beside them, Ruby chattered excitedly. “Jamie, are you really coming shopping with us? Won’t we be mobbed by reporters?”

Jamie ignored Ruby, his attention fixed on Suzie. “Have you picked a mall? I can have Aaron arrange private access for us.”

Suzie froze with her spoon halfway to her mouth. Private access would mean Stella couldn’t get in.

…

By the time they arrived at the mall, Jamie had already put on a baseball cap and a mask before even getting out of the car. Suzie saw this and couldn't help but feel a wave of contempt for his actions the night before. He spoke of wanting to get back together, yet he couldn’t even bear to be seen with her in public. He could appear openly with Chloe, but with her, he had to be so cautious. She even remembered seeing a news story once with Chloe clinging to his arm, the media practically announcing their wedding date. Even the car they were in today wasn't his usual one.

As the car came to a stop, Suzie pulled her chaotic thoughts back to the present. Just as she was about to look away, her eyes met his. He seemed to have caught the complex emotion in her gaze and offered an explanation.