Your Love Is But a Dream (Clara and Wren) novel Chapter 280

Shirley's tone shifted, and she gently held Carlisle's bandaged hand in her own, looking at him with concern.

"But… Carlisle," she began, her voice trembling with emotion. "I care about you. You've done so much for this family, working so hard to keep Zachman Group running, yet Katrina still doesn't understand."

She paused before continuing, "There is nothing between us. We've explained this to her countless times, yet she still refuses to trust you. Now, she's threatening divorce just to force me and Ivy to leave.

"You've done everything to calm her down, but she hasn't once considered your feelings. Instead, she hurts you and refuses to come home!"

She took a breath, trying to downplay the hurt she felt. "I'm a woman, too, Carlisle. I understand what she's doing. She's just trying to pressure you. She doesn't really want a divorce.

"But if she's only targeting me, fine, I can handle that. After all, I'm just a guest in the Zachman family. She's the lady of the house. I get it—I'm supposed to tolerate her, but I can't stand seeing her hurt you, making you this upset."

Tears welled in Shirley's eyes as she lowered her gaze. Her well-maintained face was twisted with both frustration and concern. She wrapped her arms tightly around Carlisle, her voice trembling with emotion. "Carlisle, I can't bear to see you suffer like this anymore."

She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, then slowly lifted her head from his chest to sneak a glance at his face. When she saw Carlisle remain silent, her confidence faltered.

At that moment, she made a decisive choice. After all, Katrina wasn't home, and this was her best opportunity to take the next step.

"Carlisle, I hate seeing you upset. Let me stay with you, okay?" Shirley asked, intimately wrapping her arms around his neck.

She rose on tiptoe, tentatively leaning in to kiss Carlisle's lips.