Set My 155
Chapter 155
Anna’s POV:
ke stood in the dining room, the overhead light making his face look pale. I stared at him, feeling helpless and
desperate.
Blake, if you want, we can sit down and have dinner one last time. Let s not talk about anything else, I offered, giving him one final chance.
He remained silent, his blue eyes fixed on something distant beyond me. I’d given him so many chances before, but every time, he chose someone else.
His promise to send Claire to perform in Europe seemed hollow how, especially after her recent wrist–cutting incident. It was a pattem I’d come to recognize whenever Blake pressured Claire to do something she didn’t want to do, she’d harm herself to get attention.
The problem was clear: in Boston, Blake could arrange Claire’s ballet medical team, but in Europe, those guarantees vanished.
The sad reality I finally accepted was that between Claire’s pain and mine, Blake had chosen to let me suffer.
g when Blake’s phone rang. It was Caroline.
barely started eating
-We had barely
“Claire has a high fever again. She’s getting worse and keeps calling me,” he relayed after hanging up.
I felt oddly calm as I watched him push back his chair. Martha stepped forward to block his path.
“If she’s sick, call a doctor! Why does she need you? Mrs. Wright needs you more right now!” Martha’s voice trembled with
emotion.
“I’ll be back soon,” Blake muttered, already reaching for his coat
Martha grabbed his plate of pasta and dumped it straight into the garbage bin. I watched her actions with detached fascination.
“You’re leaving on your own,” I said as Blake bent to put on his shoes, “If you walk out now, don’t come back.”
His movements froze for a second. I heard his breathing grow heavier. Then he straightened, walked to the door, and slammed it so hard the walls seemed to shake.
I stared at my plate but couldn’t take another bite. The world test unsteady. Martha wiped tears from he cleared the table.
as she
“Don’t cry for me,” I said softly. I’m too old to be pitied.”
1
Later that evening, I called Seth.
“I remember you once set off fireworks all night on the beach for some ex–girlfriend. Can I borrow that resource?” I asked when he picked up.
“What ex–girlfriend? Don’t believe those gossip websites!” Seth voice was indignant,
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Chapter 155
“I want to set off fireworks.”
“When are you thinking?”
As 3oon as possible.”
“No problem! I’ve got you covered,” he replied without hesitation.
I felt uneasy, remembering all the pranks Seth had pulled on my during childhood.
“I’m paying for it,” 1 insisted. “With money from selling my BlueWWave Technologies shares. And I want the most spectacular display possible, nothing half–assed.”
“When have ever used inferior products? Seth sounded offended.
The conversation drifted to Seth’s recent dating experiences. I stened tiredly, offering occasional advice from someone who’d been through it all.
Suddenly, Seth’s tone changed. “Anna, come downstairs,” he said seriously.
“Huh?” I hadn’t processed his words.
I’m outside your apartment building. You asked about fireworks, and I wanted to discuss it properly.”
I hesitated. It had been a long day, and I was exhausted.
“Anna,” Seth’s voice turned dramatically whiny. “Hurry up!”
“Hurry up for what?”
To come down! Don’t make my trip worthless.”
“I never asked you to come,” I pointed out.
“So ungrateful. You said as soon as possible.
He was right. I had said that. But this was ridiculous. My heart beat faster as I tried to make sense of what was happening. Was this what people called “flirting? The blurred boundaries made me uncomfortable yet curious.
“No, I’ll come find you tomorrow,” I finally i
said.
“Oh.” Seth’s voice fell, sounding disappointed. “I drove all the way here in the cold night..
His exaggerated dejection gave me goosebumps, but I couldn’t help finding it amusing.
Suddenly, I remembered Blake talking to Scarlett at the hospital about “fresh.” I felt my frozen blood beginning to flow again. Was this what “fresh” felt like?
Throughout school, plenty of guys had pursued me,
but I’d always maintained clear boundaries.
Later, I’d been so focused on chasing Blake that I never thought another man could catch up to
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Chapter 155
No one had ever In these lengths for me before. This unexpected situation sent my adrenaline soaring.
Didn’t deserve some ‘excitement” fon?
I thought about Seth’s childhood pranks, but also remembered how he’d supported me when it really mattered.
Every time he appeared, he brought this infuriating yet irresistible warmth. A complex feeling rose within me–perhaps Seth had always understood me best.
“Anna, if you don’t come down, I’m coming up, Seth declared. And if I come up, I’m not leaving. You know me, I can be
very Dece
I couldn’t help but laugh. Fine, give me a minute.”
“Wear a thick coat. It’s cold by the water tonight, he added, his voler suddenly gentle,
1 paused, touched by his concern…Why are we going to the beach?”
“Becalise fireworks look best over water. And I know you’ve always loved the ocean. His soft laugh traveled through the
phone.
I smiled silently, feeling a warmth spread through me.
“Hurry up,” Seth continued.
The Boston night sky was filled with stars when I stepped outside. Seth stood leaning against his car, his face wearing that mischievous smile I knew so well. The night shadows perfectly outlined his profile.
He held a wool blanket–navy blue, my favorite color–and wrapped it tightly around me before practically lifting me into the passenger seat like I was luggage.
I was surprised he remembered I was always cold, and touched by this small detail. As he tucked the blanket around me, 1, felt an unfamiliar sensation of being cared for.
The car was pleasantly warm. Seth adjusted my seat and winked in what he clearly thought was a charming manner before reaching into the back seat for a thermos.
tea and then get some sleep!” he instructed, handing it to me.
“How did you know I like tea?” I asked, feeling the warmth through my fingers.
Seth shook his head with a smile. “Since we were twelve, you’ve been showing off your fancy English tea set.”
“I wasn’t showing off… I laughed softly.
“You sleep for a while I drive. The fireworks are all set up, just waiting for us,” he said, starting the engine.
I stared at him silently, my thoughts swirling.
“What? Finally realizing how handsome I am? Seth asked smugly.
1 shook my head. “No, right now you’re finally acting like a stereotypical arrogant CEO.”
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Chapter 155
I took a sip of the tea and was surprised to Hnd it was Earl Grewith just the right amount of milk. It struck me that Seth knew my little habits and preferences better than Blake ever ha
In the
he warm car, with Seth’s thoughtful care surrounding me, I felt an unexpected
sense of
of security.
My heart beat faster.
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