Dumping

Chapter 51

Edric flicked his sleeve casually. “Sharon, if you think this little stunt will win Edwin back, you’re kidding yourself. But if your goal is to ger under our skin, congrats, you’ve nailed it

Edric’s gaze dropped, but the disdain he felt for Sharon was palpable, like she was a dirty secret he couldn’t stand to face.

Sharon’s glance at Edwin and Tilda had been purely coincidental, with no ulterior motives. Edric’s harsh remarks caused her to furrow her brow in

response.

“Sharon is originally Brandon wanted to explain, but Sharon pulled him back, silencing him.

Sharon didn’t even glance at Edric and calmly replied. “Hey, it’s a free country, right? I can go wherever I want, just like you guys. There’re no rules against that”

She paused for a moment before adding, “And trust me, I’ve got better things to do than mess with you for no reason. So, maybe think rice before assuming you’re worth the trouble.”

Edric’s face froze, turning pale, his features tense with anger.

Sharon’s words felt like a brutal insult. Edric, accustomed to respect and adoration, clenched his fists in anger.

Sharon brushed off Edric’s reaction and turned to Brandon. “Ready to head back Mind giving me a ride?”

Brandon grinned, thrilled that Sharon asked for a ride. “Absolutely,” he replied enthusiastically. He quickly moved to open the door, making sure to pull open the passenger seat, a spot reserved for only the closest person..

Sharon nodded and took her seat, never once looking back at the three people behind them.

“Damn her!” Edric mattered angrily, kicking a nearby stone forcefully.

Tilda glanced at Edwin, sensing his dark mood, but she kept her cool and said with a smile, “Seems like Sharon’s turning a new leaf. This guy’s got deep pockets, the richest in town. Sharon’s not making a bad move here.”

Tilda was well aware of Brandon’s wealth, but she kept many things close to her chest, never revealing them to anyone.

“Shameless!” Edric muttered, disapproving of Sharon’s apparent pursuit of wealthy men. “What’s the point of hanging around this dump? Let’s get out of here.”

Tilda suggested, “How about we head into town and settle down for a bit, Edwin?

Edwin finally budged, ducking into the car. Tilda hopped in beside him, relieved to see some action

Tilda felt the tension lingering as the car rolled forward, so she turned to Edwin with a puzzled expression. “Edwin, what’s the deal with us being here, anyway?”

Edwin vaguely mentioned needing her company.” Tilda assumed they were going somewhere near Silverwood until they entered the small town. This was the last place she wanted to be.

Edwin glanced at her, his brows furrowed in confusion. “You don’t like here?”

Tikda hesitated, realizing her honesty might not serve her intentions. Quickly, she shifted gears, replying: “Why would I?”

Her forced response was still caught by Edwin’s sharp eyes, and a hint of confusion flickered in his gaze. In his memory, that girl used to talk about this place with great enthusiasm.

The car drove for a while, but Sharon didn’t ask Brandon to stop at her doorstep.

Brandon said enthusiastically, “Sharon, why not conse over to my place tomorrow? My mom really likes you. But if you’re not into that, we can hit up my farm instead. Oh, by the way, your singing earlier was killer”

Brandon’s affectionate gaze and words showed his deep fondness for Sharon, also hinting at his family’s acceptance of her past marriage and his ability to support her.

Sharon appreciated Brandon’s sincerity but declined his invitation with a smile and a shake of her head. “No, thanks.” She turned to him earnestly. “You’re a great guy, Brandon, and you deserve someone who’ll love you right.”

“Hey, you’re great just the way you are.” Brandon reassured her, thinking she was insecure.

Sharon’s lips tightened. She wasn’t insecure. She just swallowed her pride for love’s sake,

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Chapter 51

“Look, I’m just focused on living a chill life e with my daughter right now. Marriage isn’t on the radar. You’ve got better things to do,” she explained

Brandon’s smile vanished fast, replaced by disappointment.

Sharon nodded apologetically, hopped out of the car, and breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Brandon didn’t push the matter further, so she felt much better.

Sharon found the door locked after arriving home and learned from Irene’s message that she and Ethan were birdwatching up the mountain

Irene, curious about everything in the countryside, now preferred exploring with her grandpa, leaving Sharon to her own devices.

Locked out of her home, Sharon wandered until she ended up at the town hospital. Despite its upgrades, the familiar garden still beckoned her inside.

The r

garden looked just like old times with waist–high plants. Seeing Edwin earlier today stirred up some heavy feelings again. Walking over to the tree, it felt like she could almost see those two teens huddled together, seeking comfort in each other’s company despite their heavy guilt.

Meeting Edwin came at a tough time for Sharon. She was a teen and just found out her mom died giving birth to her. It felt like she caused it. Her dad didn’t blame her, but the accusing looks from others cut deep.

Especially her deranged grandma, who would choke her and call her a murderer every time she saw her. Later, her grandma died, too, from falling while looking for her own daughter. The layers of guilt piled upon Sharon made her feel like a criminal. And Edwin…

“Big Eyes” someone

ne called from behind.

Sharon snapped out of it real quick when she heard that voice. She couldn’t believe it when she turned around and saw Edwin standing there, looking at her with affection. And did he just call her Big Eyes? Was he saying he recognized her?

Her heart began to race wildly. Tears welled up in her eyes

SEND CIFT