Chapter 236: The Setup

"Fannie, it's for you. Looks like a delivery app."

Fannie shook her head as she collected her phone from Selene.

"Not quite, dear. It's a text message." Taking the phone, she glanced at the screen, then a smile bloomed on her face. "Oh, that's right. I did order some groceries."

Adrian, desperate for any insight that might help him navigate his tangled relationship with Sharon, surprised even himself by asking Selene about her idea.

"Cold turkey?" Adrian asked impatiently.

"Yes, Mr. Adrian, forgive me for butting in," she said with a shy smile. "The cold turkey treatment is when you cut her off completely. You're not entirely gone, but you will not be there for her like you used to be."

Adrian's brow furrowed skeptically. "Why would I do that?"

"Because she's taking you for granted. She knows you'll always be there, showering her with love and attention. That's why she doesn't feel a need to commit." Selene said simply. "Don't call her for some time, give her a break from your constant presence."

A slow realization dawned on Adrian's face. Could Selene be right? Had he, in his eagerness, inadvertently created a situation where Sharon felt no urgency to enter a committed relationship with him?

Fannie, her eyes twinkling with approval, began nodding in agreement.

"Selene is onto something here, Adrian. Give her some space. No surprise visits. Let her miss you. Let her realize what she might lose if she doesn't grab hold of what you're offering," Fannie chimed in.

Adrian shook his head adamantly.

"Stay away from Sharon? I can't do that, Fannie. It's too difficult after everything we've been through," Adrian confessed.

"I understand, dear. But sometimes, a little distance can work wonders. And that's exactly why Selene's cold turkey approach might just work. Sharon's a stubborn one, that much is clear. Giving her space might just be the push she needs to see what she stands to lose."

It wouldn't be easy, pulling back after investing so much of himself in their relationship. However, Fannie and Selene's words resonated with a truth he couldn't ignore.

"After the difficulties of these past months apart, I don't think she'll truly let you go once she has that perspective," Fannie added confidently. "Sharon's just afraid; being alone again will make her confront those fears of commitment finally."

Adrian frowned, his initial resistance slowly giving way to hope. He considered their advice, chewing his lip pensively. It was a drastic tactic, one that went against every instinct urging him to hold on to Sharon, but there was a strange logic to it.

As much as it pained him to pull back, maybe some distance was what Sharon needed to figure things out. He owed it to them both to be patient a while longer.

"Alright, I'll do it," he conceded reluctantly. "I'll back off, give her the space she needs. But only for now. I'm not giving up on her…on us."

Fannie and Selene exchanged a knowing smile, hopeful this tough love approach might be just what the couple needed.

"Of course not, dear. And I'll call with updates; let you know about Sharon's mood, what she's saying, that sort of thing."

Adrian managed a tight smile of gratitude.

"Thanks, I appreciate that. Both of you. If this works…" He trailed off, unable to voice the happiness blooming in his chest.

"It will work, I'm sure it will," Fannie chuckled.

"I hope it does. It won't be easy staying away from her."

"Oh, and do think about something grand you can plan for Sharon, while you have this distance," Fannie added. "A gesture so spectacular it'll knock her socks off. It should bind her to you more than any words ever could. To show her your commitment is worth it."

Adrian's eyes lit up, determination replacing the worry lines that had drawn themselves onto his face.

"A grand gesture, huh? I like the sound of that."

Selene, perched on the armrest of Fannie's armchair, bounced with nervous energy.

"Leave right now, Mr. Sterling," she blurted out. "Don't pick up her calls if she rings tonight or tomorrow. Just send a text, something simple like you're busy."

He turned to Selene, a grateful smile curving his lips, and he eyed her with new appreciation.

"Who would've thought you'd be the one with the solution?"

Selene blushed, her cheeks turning the color of a ripe tomato.

"I just…wanted to help, sir," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

Adrian winked. "Help you did, Selene. And if this plan works, you can expect a very special thank you from me."

With a final goodbye, Adrian left Fannie's house with his heart lighter. He climbed into his waiting car, a newfound approach settling in his gut.

It was a gamble, yes, but a gamble he was willing to take for a chance at forever with Sharon.

Meanwhile, back at Fannie's house, after Adrian's car had pulled away, the doorbell chimed. Sharon, breathless and frantic, rushed in with Thomas, her eyes searching the room.

"Fannie, where's Adrian?" she demanded, her voice laced with panic.

Fannie and Selene exchanged a glance.

"He just left, dear," Fannie said gently.

Sharon's eyes widened.

"Actually…he stormed off in an angry huff," Fannie elaborated.

"What? Just like that?" Sharon's face crumpled in dismay, throwing herself onto the couch.

"There must have been a misunderstanding," Selene offered tentatively. "Maybe something came up unexpectedly."

Sharon gripped the edge of the couch, her mind conjuring up a thousand worst case scenarios.

"He wouldn't just leave without saying goodbye, would he?" she whispered, her voice trembling on the verge of tears. "I thought he just wanted to cool off here, then come back so we could talk things through."

Fannie took Sharon's hand in hers, her touch warm and reassuring.

"There, there, dear. I'm sure there's a simple explanation. Perhaps you can try calling him?"

Sharon pulled out her phone, her fingers hovering over the screen. She dialed his number, but Adrian didn't pick up.

He always picked up.

For the first time, she was left hanging and that sent a fresh wave of panic crashing over her.

Fannie and Selene hovered awkwardly. But painful as this would be, they hoped their plan would ultimately lead to Sharon recognizing how much she truly needed that man.