Chapter 71 Stage Two of the Bet, Heartfelt 4

Shirley laid on the living room sofa, lazily watching Dewitt work.

For some reason she felt a sense of melancholic indifference from Dewitt tonight.

His stoic figure reminded her of Jeffery...

Her chest ached as she remembered him. Jeffery was a true ray of sunshine in those dark times of hers.

...

If Shirley fell in love with Dewitt, she would only end up badly burned.

In that case, falling in love with Jeffery was a comforting memory, though it remained something she still held regret over.

After five years, Shirley was now a mother.

What about Jeffery? Where was he? ...was he alright?

She had once asked herself, that if it were not for Kate, nor her mother's grave illness, would she have ended up living a happily ever after with Jeffery?

She never knew the answer.

Shirley suddenly realised that there are certain people in your life that would never return once you miss them.

...

Her eyes grew blurry with tears at the thought...

Ring!