Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 22

Shipley chuckled softly, arching a brow as he tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Of course, I just thought our Sweet Silvia could use a little time to spread her wings. Consider it practice for when you’re the boss’s wife someday.”

Boss’s wife?

Silvia met his gentle, smiling gaze. Once upon a time, she might have believed him without a second thought.

But she wasn’t that naive girl anymore.

This was… for Vianne, wasn’t it?

“And what else?” she asked, her tone calm, her clear eyes unblinking.

Shipley’s expression flickered just slightly, his lips curving upward. “And Vianne. She’s not been well lately, and now she’s taken your spot. Sweet Silvia, you’re more than capable. Why not take this chance to enjoy some peace and quiet at the branch office?”

He reached out, fingers long and elegant, aiming to touch her face, but Silvia turned away.

She lowered her gaze, then suddenly replied, “Alright.”

She’d poured three years of her life into this place, all for Shipley.

But she didn’t want him anymore.

It didn’t matter where she went.

As for everything she’d worked for—her position, her sacrifices—if Vianne wanted them, she could have them.

Silvia knew she’d worked herself to the bone for three years; even Vianne might not be able to fill her shoes.

Shipley’s smile faltered for just a moment when Silvia agreed so readily.

Then, with a complicated look, he said quietly, “You’ve really grown up these past few days, Sweet Silvia.”

It wasn’t maturity. She was just tired.

Silvia was about to leave when she paused, turning back. “Did it ever cross your mind to send Vianne to the branch office instead?”

Shipley hesitated, brow furrowing.

After a moment, he gave a helpless little laugh and explained, “It’s not that I didn’t think of it, but Vianne just started here. She’s not familiar with the projects, so I need to guide her personally. You’re different, Silvia. Even without me, you could handle anything on your own.”

His reasoning sounded reasonable enough, but Silvia saw right through it.

“Is that really what you think?” she pressed, her gaze sharp.

Shipley ruffled her hair, his voice soft. “Of course. I don’t want to be apart from you, either.”

Silvia couldn’t help but laugh, the bitterness in her heart growing colder.

Love or indifference—it all came down to his choices.

From the start, she’d lost completely.

She said nothing more.

After leaving the study, Silvia went straight to a nearby hotel, booked a room, and spent the night alone.

She didn’t care how Shipley treated her, but she couldn’t just stand by and watch the man she once loved dote on another woman.

Out of sight, out of mind.

She had no interest in being the silent witness to their romance.

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