Chapter 11 

Allison glanced up at him, her eyes puzzled. “What are you talking about?” 

Shawn figured she might still be upset and wasn’t ready to hand over the gift she’d bought. ‘That’s alright, he thought. He could extend an olive branch first. 

His tone softened, a touch of warmth creeping in. “I didn’t mean to snap at you earlier at the store. Let’s not fight, okay?” 

Would that do the trick? 

Allison let out a sigh, her gaze steady. “I’m not upset.” 

Shawn wasn’t buying it. “You’re just saying that.” 

“Yeah whatever.” Her voice was calm, unaffected. 

Shawn felt his patience slipping away. “Allison, I’ve already said sorry. What more do you want from me?” 

Allison kept packing, her tone steady. “I don’t need your apology.” 

Shawn held her gaze for a moment before awkwardly blurting, “What about the gift?” 

Allison turned to him, curiosity piqued. “What gift?” 

“Jayden mentioned he saw you getting a watch for me,” Shawn said. “Wasn’t it to make amends and cheer me up? I’m here now. Aren’t you going to give it to me?” 

Allison was about to clarify it wasn’t for him, but Shawn pressed on obliviously. “Come on, enough with the games. It’s getting old.” 

Allison couldn’t help but laugh at that. 

Shawn’s brow furrowed. “Why are you laughing?” 

“It’s just… you,” Allison met his intense gaze. “I did buy a watch, but it wasn’t for think I’ve done anything wrong, so why should I apologize?” 

you. 

I don’t 

“Not for me? Then who’s it for?” Shawn’s temper flared, his hands clenching tightly. 

“It’s none of your concern,” Allison replied, her demeanor breezy. 

“None of my concern?” Shawn was fuming. “I’m your boyfriend! How can I not care if you’re buying gifts for another guy?” 

Allison remained composed, unlike Shawn. She found a touch of humor in his anger. “I thought you are Kate’s boyfriend?” 

Shawn quickly defended himself, “Kate and I aren’t together like that.” 

His voice dropped, lacking the confidence he had earlier, as guilt gnawed at him. His fling with Kate wasn’t exactly aboveboard, and Allison was still his official girlfriend. He appreciated 

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Chapter 

Kate’s fiery, bold nature but also cherished Allison’s graceful, understanding demeanor. He wasn’t ready to tell Allison about his relationship with Kate. 

Shawn hastily explained, “The whole ring shopping with Kate was my mom’s idea. We weren’t buying a ring for Kate. My mom got a new dress and needed matching jewelry. 

“She thought Kate had a great fashion sense, so she asked her to help. We weren’t just looking at rings; we were picking out necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to match her dress. I know you got the wrong idea, but I was mad and didn’t explain because I wanted to see if you’d get jealous.” 

“Jealous?” Allison’s eyes were icy. “You really think I’d get jealous?” 

“Allison, I’m sorry…” 

Allison’s tone was frosty. “I’ve heard your apology, but I don’t accept it. The gift wasn’t for you.” 

Shawn’s voice rose. “Then who’s it for?” 

“My fiancé.” 

Shawn let out a humorless chuckle, his eyes mocking. “Allison, you’ll say anything to push me into marrying you, won’t you? So, you’re saying if I agree to marry you and become your fiancé, then you’ll give me the gift and forgive me, right?”