The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 737

Suddenly, the air shifted around them. Maybe at a different time, it wouldn't have. Maybe a time ago, the moment would have been colorful — something that made eyes sparkle with delight, and cheeks fold with smiles — but no longer. The moment had only made the distance between the two awfully clear.

"Sher…" Charles tried to break the silence. "Even if you remember now, I know that… I know you couldn't possibly accept it. My grandfather wanted to have you move back and live with us, that's how it was supposed to happen. But I know we can't just demand that of you." Charles looked at her with gentle eyes. "When you're ready to move back, you can tell me, and I will bring you back. What do you think of that?"

Sheryl's eyes were already glassy at that point. She didn't know how to take it all — the way Charles spoke to her, the way he looked at her. "Why would you do this for me?" The kinder he was to her, the guiltier she felt.

Charles' hand twitched, as if he was ready to reach out and wipe her tears away. He leaned in a little closer. "Silly girl, for whom else would I do this for?" Charles' smile was loving.

Save for Sheryl's trembling breaths, the silence between them was heavy with the unspoken. It took everything for Sheryl to finally ask, "Don't you… Don't you want to know where the other baby is?"

He swallowed shakily. "You…you remember?" he asked, sounding smaller than he was.

Sheryl looked down and shook her head slowly. "I've remembered everything but that day. Nothing about the day I gave birth... My mind is cruel that way."

There was an ache in Charles' chest, when he saw Sheryl the way she was, in that moment, like she was mourning for a whole life that she had lost. In an attempt to bring some comfort, he made sure his voice was confident. "It doesn't matter. I'll continue investigating on it. We'll find out soon, one of these days. Trust me."

A sigh escaped the woman's lips — Charles had not found the other baby either. She couldn't help but feel more hopeless than anything.

The two shared a silent dinner. There was no idle talk, nor talk of the past.

When they headed back and reached Sheryl's door, she stopped to look at Charles. "Goodnight, Charles. I need to be alone for a while," she said, sounding firm.

Charles didn't seem to mind. He put his hand comfortingly on her shoulder. "Alright. I know you need to be alone for some time." He took a few steps back. "But not forever, Sher. You know if you take too long, I'll do everything I can to take you back." His eyes were determined, and they pierced through her. "And I mean everything."

He had done everything to be with her again, and never again could anything pull them apart. He wouldn't allow it.

"Goodnight, Sher. Rest well." He resigned for the night. Sheryl said nothing more to him, but her eyes were tired, and he knew that she had to sort herself out. He left once he saw she close the door. 'At least, ' he thought to himself, 'I'm not watching her walk away this time.'

Meanwhile, eyes lingered at the scene. Anthony sat in his car not far away from where the couple stood — and as every minute passed by, his hands gripped the wheel tighter. His hands shook with anger, but there was an ache in his throat as tears dared to escape him.

Before Sheryl could tuck herself in, the doorbell rang. Much to her surprise, Anthony stood at her door. "Anthony? What are you doing here?"

She didn't know how to face him, not anymore. Maybe once, there was a deep softness for Anthony. Now, though, he didn't seem much like a familiar face in her eyes anymore.

Things had been changing lately, and she didn't expect to see him so soon.

"Why?" Anthony's tone was cold, but also broken. "Now that you've got Charles, you've lost interest in seeing me?" His eyes narrowed, and he leaned in, a little dangerously.