The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 95

“I’ll be fine, Stella. You must be tired after your flight. Drive safe, and I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Okay, see you soon.”

A few days earlier, Suzie and Oliver had planned to celebrate Stella’s birthday. As luck would have it, Stella’s business trip ended today, allowing her to make it back in time.

Suzie put down her phone and checked the gift-wrapped sleepwear one last time, setting it next to the cake and flowers she’d ordered earlier. A faint, satisfied smile touched her lips.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Suzie peered through the peephole and saw Oliver’s face. She opened the door.

“Suzie, I’m here to take you to the hotel. Are you ready?”

“Yeah, I’m all set. We can leave in a bit. Come in and have a glass of water first.”

Her original plan was to wait until Stella's birthday celebration at the hotel to ask Oliver about Josie’s job at Lumina Studio. But she was growing impatient. She had been turning it over in her mind all afternoon and couldn't figure out his motive.

“Have a seat, Oliver,” Suzie said, pouring him a glass of water. “Stella just left the airport, so she’ll probably hit traffic. We can relax for a bit before we head out.”

Oliver nodded in agreement.

After sitting down, he noticed the gifts and spoke up. “Suzie, are you feeling better today? Why didn’t you call me to go shopping with you? What if you had slipped or bumped into something?”

Suzie shrugged, her tone light. “I’ve been resting for days. I’m fine to be up and around.”

Oliver found himself captivated by her faint smile, momentarily forgetting to look away. He hadn't seen her smile like that in a long time. In fact, he’d hardly seen her smile at all since he’d returned to the country. Maybe she was only this happy because it was Stella’s birthday and she didn't want to spoil the mood.

Feeling uncomfortable under his fixed gaze, Suzie deliberately stood up to refill his water glass. Then, in a casual tone, she said, “Oliver, there’s something I want to ask you.”

As soon as the call connected, Stella’s frantic voice filled the room. “Suzie, is Oliver there?”

“Yes, he’s here.”

“Quick! Put him on the phone!”

Hearing the panic in Stella’s tone, Suzie immediately did as she was told. She held out the phone to Oliver.

He glanced uncertainly at her gesture before looking down at the phone. “Stella, it’s Oliver,” he said gently.

The moment he finished speaking, Stella’s panicked, tearful voice erupted from the phone. “Oliver! Why weren’t you answering your phone?! Your parents have been in an accident!”

“What did you say?!”