Chapter 6 

When Allison got back to Shawn’s villa, it was already eleven o’clock at night. She was worn out. After a quick shower, she crashed into bed and was out like a light. 

Shawn came back the next afternoon. As he pushed open the bedroom door, he saw Allison’s suitcase sprawled open on the floor. 

“What’s all this about?” he asked, puzzled. 

Allison peeked out from behind the wardrobe. “Oh, you’re back. I’m planning a trip back to my hometown soon.” 

Over the past few years, she had collected quite a lot of clothes, shoes, and various knick–knacks, living in Havenbrook. She wasn’t taking them all back to Oak Lake, but she needed to sort and pack them to either discard or donate. When she left, she wanted to make sure nothing of hers stayed behind. 

As she wrapped up her explanation, her eyes inadvertently caught the telltale marks on Shawn’s neck. She paused for a moment, then casually looked away. She had already moved on from Shawn emotionally. Whatever he did with anyone else was no longer her concern. 

Shawn raised an eyebrow at her. “Why are you suddenly going back home? Still upset about last night? Are you trying to avoid me?” 

“No, nothing like that. I just miss my parents and want to see them.” 

Hearing her response, Shawn relaxed a bit. “It’s good to visit them.” 

Allison hadn’t returned home once in the three years they’d been together. She even spent the holidays alone. Shawn never felt he should leave his family behind to celebrate with her, nor could he bring her home to meet them. His mother, Cindy, would never accept someone without a notable family background. 

After a short pause, Shawn added, “I’m swamped with work lately, so I can’t go with you. What’s your flight date? I’ll have the driver take you to the airport.” 

Allison carefully picked out a few of her favorite outfits, laid them on the bed, and folded them neatly into the suitcase. 

“It’s okay. I’ll just grab a cab. Someone’s picking me up anyway.” 

Shawn gave a barely noticeable sigh of relief. He was worried she might ask him to meet her parents. After three years of dating, that would be the usual step for most people: meeting the family and talking about marriage. But he wasn’t like most people. He was the only son of the Reynolds family, the heir to their family business. The gap between their backgrounds was a canyon they’d never cross. 

Shawn knew there was no future for him and Allison. Meeting the parents was pointless. Thankfully, Allison got that, too, and didn’t press him to go home with her. Reflecting on this, Shawn once again appreciated Allison’s understanding nature. Last night, he’d impulsively left 

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Chapter 6 

with Kate and braced for Allison to freak out today, but she remained calm, making things 

much easier for him. 

Throughout their relationship, Allison never acted like other girlfriends who constantly checked up on him or fought over his flings. At that moment, his friend’s advice echoed in his mind. “Date them both. If you feel bad about Allison, just get her some gifts. Girls are easy to please.” Maybe he really could consider marrying Kate and keeping Allison on the side. After all, a girl like Allison wouldn’t find another guy like him. She loved him too much to leave. He’d chat with her about it once she returned from her hometown. 

Shawn said, “Travel safe. Let me know when you get home and when you’re back in Havenbrook. I’ll come pick you up.” 

Allison nodded gently. “Okay.” But inside, she quietly resolved she wasn’t coming back. 

Just as Shawn was about to say something else, his phone rang. He took the call. A few minutes later, he hung up and turned to Allison. “I need to head out for a bit. Last night was my bad, and I shouldn’t have left you like that. I got you a gift. My assistant will drop it by later.” 

Allison nodded, and with that, Shawn left. Not long after he was gone, Allison got a text from 

Joshua. 

Chapter