Sheryl hesitated for a moment and decided to let him in. Shirley showed off her new dress to Anthony once again. She did a little twirl for his benefit. After he smilingly exchanged a few words with her, he said gently,"Shirley, I want to chat with Sher. Could you go watch cartoons for a while?"
"All right." Shirley always knew when to take a cue and give them their space. She didn't want to bother them.
After Shirley walked away, Anthony hesitantly said to Sheryl,"I have cancelled the flight ticket."
Deep down, Anthony knew that he had made a mistake, but he had seen no other option. He had been utterly desperate to take her away and have her all to himself.
"Really?" Sheryl said to Anthony in front of her, not entirely believing his words. As the meaning sank in, a ghost of a smile appeared on her face.
"Sher, I know you're mad at me," Anthony said to Sheryl with a sad smile. "I thought things over for a long time last night. I really shouldn't have bought the tickets without asking you first. More importantly, I shouldn't have said all those words. I sincerely apologize for my behavior."
Sheryl had also calmed down after a night, so she had the potential to forgive Anthony.
With her brows knitted slightly, she had no idea how in the following days she could maintain their relationship.
"Why are you silent? Please say something," begged Anthony, staring at Sheryl with a look of desperation.
"I don't know what to say," said Sheryl with a smile.
Indeed, she had realized there was nothing she could say to him.
"Don't you want to discuss the contract of BM Corporation with me?" Anthony voluntarily brought up the subject himself to make conversation. He felt insecure and vulnerable, which had something to do with the city and the people in it.
Sheryl hesitated and remained silent for a good while. Then she said to Anthony,"I haven't signed the contract yet. I planned to discuss it with you, but after yesterday..."
It had been much easier to blurt out hurtful things yesterday. Exposing herself and explaining her wishes to Anthony were much harder.
"Can you at least tell me why you want to stay?" 'She is Sheryl now.' He believed that she would by no means stay for Charles. Their love story was over, according to him.
His remarks yesterday had been attempts to cover up his diffidence.
"BM Corporation has given me a good job offer." Sheryl smiled and continued,"I have mentioned to you that I couldn't get a sense of belonging in the US. I am a native of Y City all along. I really feel out of the element in the US."
"Since Shirley is getting older, her education is my primary concern. I have mulled over this for quite a long time. I want her to attend school in Y City. BM Corporation has assured to help me find a really good kindergarten and an apartment there. It also offers a generous annual salary. I couldn't refuse these conditions," resumed Sheryl, after a pause.
"Sher, I have already told you..." Anthony furrowed his eyebrows slightly. Sheryl didn't have to worry about these things, but she refused to listen to him.
"I can give you all of these. Don't you think the three of us could have a great life in the US?" said Anthony with a deep frown.
It did not seem like he could change her mind. She had a firm idea of what her life should look like.
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