Chapter 19 A Gift from the Boyfriend?
Jared's POV
I stopped in my tracks, listening as Sloane told me word by word, "I don't like anything."
"I bought this necklace just to give myself a sense of ceremony."
What sense of ceremony?
A ceremony to end the past and bury love?
I watched her holding that delicate gift box, turning to leave.
After saying that, she got straight into the car.
I thought carefully, helping her load the gift box into the car with caution, afraid of damaging the packaging.
I sat down in the seat next to Sloane, and the car's interior instantly felt cramped and confined.
The rich scent of roses mixed with Sloane's faint fragrance, creating a familiar smell that put me at ease.
Sloane frowned at me, "Why did you follow me in?"
"I'm sorry." I suddenly spoke up.
I leaned against the car window, my gaze falling on the gift box in her hands, feeling extremely regretful.
"I thought you didn't like these things. You never mentioned it before."
Sloane finally turned her head, the corners of her mouth twitching, her eyes devoid of warmth. "I'm a woman."
That sentence completely stunned me as I struggled to interpret its deeper meaning.
My Adam's apple bobbed, "Next time I'll give you one."
Sloane almost immediately refused coldly, "No need, don't waste your energy."
I heard her cold voice again, "Don't shake my resolve."
What resolve?
Her resolve to leave me?
Fuck that. Just thinking about that painting she had hidden away made me crazy with jealousy.
She doesn't love me, so she often takes out that painting of another man late at night and stares at it in a daze.
Thinking of this, I said nothing more, pressing my lips together and staring at Sloane.
The car drove all the way to the research institute entrance.
"I'm here." Sloane said flatly, preparing to get out.
But I locked the car door first, turning to look at her, my gaze heavy, "Here, am I really that shameful to be seen with?"
Sloane was taken aback by my question, then seemed to understand what I meant.
"Are you afraid your colleagues will see us together?" I moved closer to her, wanting to clearly see the expression in her eyes.
Sloane looked at me, "Jared, we're getting divorced soon. I don't want to cause unnecessary misunderstandings and have people gossiping behind my back."
The word "divorce" was like a thorn, stabbing into my heart.
I stared at Sloane for a long moment, and in the end said nothing, silently unlocking the door.
Sloane pushed the door open and got out, taking the gift box with her.
I couldn't help but get out too, standing by the car. Sloane ignored me and turned to walk toward the research institute entrance.
After just a few steps, I couldn't help but call out to her retreating figure, "Sloane, I'll pick you up tonight."
Sloane didn't stop walking, as if she hadn't heard what I said.
As soon as Sloane walked in, someone came up to her, "Sloane, you're finally here!"
A young man in a white lab coat saw her and immediately walked over with a smile. When he saw the delicate gift box in Sloane's hands, his eyes lit up. "Wow, a gift! From your boyfriend?"
The person was David Green, the son of the research institute's investor. He had a cheerful personality and got along well with everyone.
I had met this person at some event before.
I was suddenly very curious how Sloane would answer.
"I bought it myself." Sloane answered flatly.
"Bought it yourself?" David raised his eyebrows exaggeratedly, "Then you must have bought it to motivate your suitors, to let them know how high your standards are."
He naturally took the gift box from Sloane, "Let me carry it for you, I'll put it in your office."
The two of them chatted enthusiastically, David's hearty laughter echoing in the hallway. The more I listened, the darker my expression became.
I never knew she had this side at work.
Lively, confident.
Where was that obedient girl act she put on for me at home?
I couldn't help but wonder deeply, what exactly did Sloane feel for me?
The painting she treasured was her longing, David was her work passion, then what about me?
What was I?
--
Sloane's POV
In the evening, to celebrate the project's progress and to welcome me, the "external expert," David hosted a dinner, inviting colleagues from the department to a nearby restaurant.
The atmosphere was lively, everyone was joking around, but I was somewhat distracted.
During the meal, David came over with his wine glass and asked in a low voice: "Sloane, seriously, did you have a fight with your boyfriend? That man who brought you today, I saw him standing outside for a long time, looking like he wanted to kill someone."
I stirred the juice in my glass without answering.
That's how long he stood there? Ha.
"If you're single, you should really consider me." David said half-jokingly, "Handsome, rich, and funny men like me are rare."
He made me laugh, and the knot in my heart loosened a bit. "Okay, I'll put you on my shortlist."
Just then, my phone on the table started vibrating.
When I saw who was calling, the smile on my face instantly faded.
I took my phone and walked to a quiet corner outside the restaurant, sliding to answer.
"What is it?" My tone was cold.
The other end was quiet, only his shallow breathing could be heard.
After a long moment, his deep voice came through, carrying a barely perceptible weariness.
"Where are you?"
"Having dinner."
"With who?"
I frowned, saying impatiently: "How is that any of your business? If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."
"I'm near the research institute." He ignored my impatience, calmly dropping that statement.
My heart sank.
I remembered he said he'd pick me up tonight.
An inexplicable irritation surged up. What exactly did this man want? To monitor me this way?
"I'm not going to see you." I said coldly, "If you like waiting, then keep waiting."
With that, I was about to hang up.
"Sloane," he suddenly called out to me, his voice carrying a hint of suppressed hoarseness, "Keira attempted suicide."