Your Love Is But a Dream (Clara and Wren)

After freshening up, Shirley carefully applied makeup to cover the dark circles under her eyes. She changed into a new outfit and went downstairs.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she coincidentally bumped into Carlisle, who was about to head out.

The thought of what had happened the previous night caused a flicker of resentment in her eyes, but she quickly adjusted her expression and walked over to him. "Carlisle, you're up early today. Have you had breakfast yet?"

Carlisle had already put on his shoes. He had promised to join Katrina for breakfast that morning, so he woke up an hour earlier to make sure he would be on time.

When he heard Shirley's voice, he turned around. Seeing her dressed so neatly, he was slightly surprised. "Do you have something to do today?"noveldrama

Shirley froze for a moment, then forced a smile and explained, "I couldn't sleep, so I got up early."

She couldn't let Carlisle suspect anything. He studied her for a few moments but seemed not to doubt her.

Shirley didn't want him to leave, so she deliberately came forward to adjust his tie, sweetly saying, "It's still early. It looks like it's snowing outside. How about I have the housekeeper make some pumpkin soup to keep you cozy?"

Carlisle raised his arm to check the time on his watch. "No need. I've told the housekeeper I won't be dining at home today, and I won't be around for meals in the coming days, either," he replied dismissively.

Shirley's hands, which had been adjusting his tie, froze. She gritted her teeth, and a trace of malice flashed in her eyes. Resentment bubbled within her, but she concealed it carefully. Suppressing her jealousy, she cautiously asked, "Are you going to see Katrina?"

Carlisle, who was preoccupied with his plans to see Katrina later, didn't notice the shift in Shirley's demeanor. He casually replied, "Yes."

Shirley's expression darkened. She had come to the painful realization that Carlisle didn't value her as much as she had thought. She didn't dare to argue with him, so she swallowed her frustration.

She looked at Carlisle with sadness in her eyes and said with self-blame, "Is it because I'm here that Katrina refuses to come back? I'm sorry, Carlisle. I always seem to be causing you trouble."

She no longer dared to mention that she could move out for Katrina's sake. She feared that if Carlisle took her seriously and agreed, she would have chance to change her mind. She needed to stay in the Zachman family, no matter the cost.

Perhaps because he was about to meet Katrina, Carlisle seemed to be in a decent mood. Seeing Shirley's guilty expression, he patiently reassured her,

"Don't overthink it. It has nothing to do with you."

Then, Carlisle suddenly paused. He looked at Shirley with a slightly unreadable, expression and said, "Remember what I told you last night. Katrina's been in a bad mood lately. If she's willing to comeback, stay out of her way. Don't upset her."

During this time, Carlisle had truly felt how troublesome it was when a woman became jealous. Since Katrina seemed to care so much about Shirley's presence, it meant there were still feelings for him.

As long as he kept Shirley away from Katrina, didn't upset her, and spent more time with her, he believed that Katrina would eventually calm down and return.

Shirley had been somewhat

comforted by his earlier words, but when she heard the latter, her expression darkened noticeably. She bit he tip, digging her nails into her palm, doing her best to hide the resentment bubbling inside her.

Deep down, a storm was already raging in her heart. Was Carlisle really going to

cast her aside for Katrina?