Chapter 12
Allison furrowed her brows, wondering how this guy could be so full of himself. Where did Shawn get all that confidence? Did he really think she couldn’t live without him?
Shawn’s eyes brimmed with disappointment as he shook his head at Allison. “Allison, I thought you understood the huge difference between us. I figured you’d be sensible, but your constant push for marriage has really let me down.”
Allison blinked in confusion.
Shawn turned and walked away, the bedroom door slamming shut with a loud bang.
Allison just shook her head in exasperation. She had planned to use today to properly break up with him and let him know she was the Owens family heiress. She was all set to head back home to get engaged to Joshua. But Shawn hadn’t even given her a chance to speak.
Maybe Shawn’s confidence that she was dead set on marrying him was her own doing. She had always played the part of the easygoing, understanding girlfriend by never checking up on him, never getting jealous, and rarely prying into his life. Except for the physical side of things, she pretty much went along with whatever he wanted.
This might have given him the idea that she couldn’t live without him. What Shawn didn’t know was that she’d long realized he never planned on having a future with her.
A year ago, she was thinking about taking Shawn back to Oak Lake to reveal her identity as the Owens family heiress. But then she overheard a phone call between him and his mom, Cindy.
“Mom, don’t worry. I know you wouldn’t approve of our marriage. I’m just dating her for now. If it ever came to marriage, I’d have to get your blessing first.
Your son isn’t some lovestruck fool. I know the difference between dating and marriage.”
Well, wasn’t he just the clear–headed one?
From that moment, she knew Shawn didn’t plan on taking things to the finish line. Simply put, Shawn didn’t care for her like she’d thought.
But she wasn’t the kind of woman to lose herself over love. She could take it or leave it. Since Shawn only wanted to date, she was okay with that. She needed companionship and emotional support in a city where she knew no one.
Why hadn’t she broken up with him sooner? Because she liked him and had gotten used to having him around. Human emotions are tricky, often not black and white.
After that day, she stopped mentioning her family. However, realizing she was just a stand–in made it all feel pointless. She could accept that there was no future with Shawn, accept that he didn’t love her as much, but she couldn’t accept being treated as a substitute for Kate. She was Allison. She was just herself.
10
00:45
Chapter 12
Allison hadn’t expected Shawn’s mom, Mrs. Cindy Reynolds, to show up at her door.
Cindy was dressed in a deep blue silk dress adorned with pricey sapphire earrings and a necklace, her ring matching her outfit. She’s a lady who, as Shawn had said, would buy a whole set of jewelry just to match a dress.
“You must be Allison?” The wealthy lady took her in like she was an unwelcome object, her eyes
full of criticism,
Allison greeted her politely, “Hello, Mrs. Reynolds.”
“Hmm.” Cindy stepped inside, her gaze sweeping the room before landing back on Allison. “I’ve heard all about you and Shawn.”
Cindy sat on the sofa, legs crossed elegantly, though her words were anything but elegant. “You think you can join the Reynolds family?”
