The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 244

Jamie stared at the paper on the table. “Suzie, do we really need such formalities between us?” he asked quietly.

“Didn’t we sign divorce papers?” she retorted. “Ten million might be nothing to you, but it’s a lifetime of debt for me. You said it, but how do I know you won’t go back on your word? You’re not above using despicable methods.”

“Have I ever been despicable to you?”

Ignoring his question, Suzie pressed, “Are you going to write it or not? Sign it or not?”

Looking at her calm, determined face, Jamie suddenly felt he had been played. He knew perfectly well that the debt was the main reason he could keep her at the Baylor Manor. Without that leverage…

“So, you were just bluffing?” Suzie’s words were sharp, cutting straight to the heart of the matter while he was silent. “If the debt is gone, I’m supposed to immediately do whatever you want? Get back with you tonight? Sleep in the same bed? But if the debt remains, you have a reason to control me? And threaten my friends along the way?”

She had laid bare the unspoken purpose of the money that both of them understood so well.

Jamie frowned. He used to think Suzie was simple, but how had she suddenly become so sharp? She could even guess what he was thinking.

But he had already made the offer. If he refused to write it, he would prove himself a liar, which would only make her push him away even more. He had said it to move her, hoping that with his careful attention, she would be willing to stay.

After a long silence, Jamie said softly, “I’ll write it.”

After a few moments of contemplation, something seemed to click in his mind. He refused to believe it. If he was gentle with her now, catered to her every need, and took care of every detail, how could he fail to win her heart?

With that thought, Jamie began to dote on her, serving her soup, deboning her fish, and peeling her shrimp. It was a level of attentiveness he had never shown before, as if he had transformed from a cold-hearted man into a warm, caring partner overnight.

Perhaps because the weight on her mind had been lifted, Suzie ate with a hearty appetite, savoring every bite.

Later that night, Suzie went into her bedroom and locked the door from the inside. Throughout the evening, Jamie kept finding excuses to come to her door, first with snacks, then with drinks. Each time, Suzie refused to let him in, telling him through the door to just leave them outside. She could feel him standing there for a long time before finally walking away.