The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 257

Oliver coughed, looking a bit sheepish. “Sorry, she was actually just directing me from her wheelchair while I did the baking. She was so happy when she heard they were for you. Go on, eat up. To avoid any problems, we won’t be stopping for a meal. We’ll eat when we get to the town. This will hold you over. I brought plenty.”

His words settled on Suzie like a gentle weight, and she couldn’t think of what else to say to thank him.

Seeing her dazed expression, Oliver said softly, “If you’re not hungry now, you can get some sleep. I’ve adjusted the back seat to be more comfortable. Just buckle up and pull that blanket over you.”

“Oh, okay. Drive carefully, and don’t speed,” Suzie replied, fastening her seatbelt.

As the car headed out of the city, the music on the radio was suddenly interrupted by a breaking news bulletin.

“We’re receiving reports that the Starlite Center was urgently locked down five minutes ago. There is chaos inside the mall. Rumors suggest a valuable item was stolen, while others claim it’s part of a police operation to apprehend a criminal. Police have been dispatched to the scene. This station will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.”

That news report, combined with Stella’s messages, confirmed it: Jamie had discovered she was gone and was frantically searching for her.

She didn’t owe him any money, and she certainly hadn’t taken his check. Why was he still looking for her?

Suzie gazed out the window at the darkening sky, her heart feeling both lighter and clouded with an indescribable emotion. This was it. They were parting ways for good.

She figured he’d search for a few days, and when he couldn’t find her, he’d slowly give up. Perhaps they would simply live the rest of their lives as strangers.

From the driver's seat, Oliver occasionally glanced at Suzie. Seeing her lost in thought as she stared out the window, he spoke softly. “Do you regret leaving?”

“Suzie, let’s go. The house is just down that alley ahead,” Oliver’s voice pulled her back to the present.

Suzie blinked, then nodded.

As she started walking, Oliver quickly added, “When I was here looking for a place, I noticed a lot of these cobblestones are old and uneven. Watch your step.”

“Okay,” she murmured, walking forward at a steady pace.

The evening light in the old town was soft, and Oliver, walking behind her, worried she might trip on the unfamiliar path. He turned on his phone’s flashlight, illuminating the ground in front of her.