Chapter 58
Shane drove to the Schultz residence. Dark clouds loomed heavily over the villa, and the fierce wind howled.
The weather had been terrible lately. A heavy snowstorm had just passed. Now, the dark skies promised an upcoming downpour.
When the door opened, Mom peeked behind Shane, scanning for someone else. Disappointment flickered briefly in her eyes when she confirmed he was alone.
“That ungrateful Allison still hasn’t come back?” she asked.
“No,” Shane replied.
“I don’t know why I ever bothered raising her to this age. Every time something happens, she pulls the same old stunt. Always running away from home,” Mom grumbled. Her gaze shifted to Shane, who was covered in mud.
“Shane, what happened to you? How did you get so filthy?” she asked.
“I fell. It’s nothing serious,” Shane replied, brushing it off. “Mom, where’s Amber?”
Mom’s demeanor softened at the mention of Amber. “She’s in the kitchen, cooking for you. She knew you’d be coming.”
Shane headed toward the kitchen, but I was already there. The moment Amber heard his footsteps, she deliberately cut her hand with the knife.
It was then that I realized where I had lost. It wasn’t just her cunningness. It was her audacity.
When Shane entered, he was greeted by the sight of her fumbling to tend her wound. The countertop was covered in blood.
All the questions Shane had prepared to ask dissolved when he saw that. “What happened?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.
“I’m sorry, Shane. I just wanted to cook something you’d like. But I’m so clumsy that I ended up cutting my finger,” she said pitifully.
“Where’s the first aid kit?” Shane asked quickly.
“It’s in my room.
Under the dim kitchen light, Shane carefully tended to her wound. His focus shifted entirely, as if he had forgotten the reason he came.
Once the wound was bandaged, Amber suddenly threw herself into his arms.
Shane frowned. “Let go. What if someone else sees this?”
“Shane, why have you been so cold to me these past few days? Did I do something wrong? Tell me, and I’ll change. Just don’t ignore me. I can’t live without you,” she pleaded.
Shane’s expression grew colder as he recalled the purpose of his visit. “Amber, what happened that day at the cafe? How did you fall down the stairs?” he asked, his tone serious.
“It was Ally. She accidentally pushed me. But don’t blame her. It wasn’t on purpose,” Amber replied without hesitation.
This was Amber’s skillful manipulation. Every time, she said just enough to nudge Shane’s thoughts in her favor.
Shane narrowed his eyes, studying her closely. “Really? You’re not lying to me?”
Amber looked at him pitifully. “Amber, when have I ever lied to you?”
“Fine. Second question. Did you know Allison was pregnant?” Shane asked again. Amber hesitated, clearly calculating her response.
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