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Chapter 32
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2024-11-24 00:16:59Related chapters
New Life 33
--- Shelly POV The words hung in the air between us, heavy and heart-stopping. "I like you." I opened my mouth to respond, but the words were caught somewhere in my throat. Spencer’s gray eyes were fixed on me, so full of sincerity and vulnerability that I had to look away. My heart pounded like a drum, loud enough for me to wonder if he could hear it too. I had to say something—anything. But how could I, when my feelings were just as tangled and chaotic as my thoughts? “I…” I started, but before I could form a coherent sentence, the sound of a soft knock on my door interrupted us. I froze. Spencer’s hands were still cradling my face, and his lips were so close I could feel his breath on my skin. He seemed to realize the intrusion at the same time as I did because he reluctantly let go and stepped back, though his gaze never left mine. “Shelly? Are you awake?” Dolly’s voice called out softly from behind the door. My heart sank. Of all the times for her to check on me,
Last Updated : 2024-11-24New Life 34
Shelly POVThe next morning arrived too quickly. Sleep had evaded me for most of the night as Spencer’s words echoed in my mind: “You’re the one I want, Shelly.”I sighed, dragging myself out of bed. Shaina had an important day ahead—her orientation at the new school—and I couldn’t afford to let my restless thoughts affect her. For her sake, I needed to pull myself together.By the time I walked into the kitchen, Shaina was already there, sitting at the counter with a bowl of cereal. Her small feet swung back and forth under the stool, and her face lit up when she saw me.“Morning, Mom!” she chirped.“Good morning, sweetheart.” I kissed the top of her head, marveling at how she always seemed to bring light into my world, no matter how chaotic it got. “Excited for today?”“Yeah! I hope they have a cool playground,” she said with a wide grin.Dolly breezed into the kitchen behind me, coffee mug in hand. “You’re going to love it, Shaina. It’s one of the best schools in the area,” she sai
Last Updated : 2024-11-24New Life 35
Spencer POVThe gym smelled faintly of rubber mats and cleaning supplies as I finished stacking the chairs from today’s parent orientation. The hum of voices had faded, leaving behind a silence I welcomed.But my mind wasn’t silent. It was loud with thoughts of Shelly.When I’d seen her standing there in the school hallway, her hair pulled back, her eyes guarded yet soft, it had hit me like a freight train. I hadn’t expected her to be here. I hadn’t expected to feel so much just from the sight of her.“Earth to Spencer!”I blinked and turned to see Liz, the school’s volunteer coordinator, smirking at me. Her curly hair was tied in a messy bun, and she held a clipboard against her chest.“You were zoning out,” she said, tilting her head. “Everything okay?”“Yeah, just tired,” I replied, though the lie tasted bitter.Liz didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t push. “Thanks for helping out today. We could use more people like you around here.”“No problem,” I said with a half-smile.As Li
Last Updated : 2024-11-24New Life 36
Shelly POV The warmth of Shaina’s drawing stayed with me throughout the night. It wasn’t just the innocence of her little hands crafting a picture of us with Spencer; it was the way she had unknowingly captured something I wasn’t ready to admit to myself. Spencer had already found a way into her heart. And maybe into mine, too. But shadows have a way of creeping back, even when the light feels strong. I was washing the breakfast dishes the next morning when my phone buzzed on the counter. I dried my hands and picked it up, my heart sinking as I read the name on the screen. Veer. My ex. Shaina’s father. I hesitated for a second before answering, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Hello?” “Shelly.” His voice was smooth, practiced. The same tone he used when he wanted something. “What do you want?” I asked, cutting straight to the point. “Can’t I call to see how my daughter is doing?” “You haven’t called in months,” I shot back. “So, no. I don’t believe that’s why you’re calli
Last Updated : 2024-11-25New Life 37
Shelly sat on the edge of her bed, her heart still racing from the whirlwind of emotions she had experienced earlier. Spencer's words echoed in her mind: "I like you." It was a confession that held weight, and she didn’t know if she could carry it. Especially when the ghosts of her past, namely Veer, continued to haunt her. Veer. The man who had shattered her world, not just with his betrayal, but with the aftermath it left in her life. She thought of the night she found out—the whispered phone calls, the sudden late hours, the scent of someone else on his clothes. He hadn’t even bothered to deny it. His eyes, cold and detached, had given away his guilt before his lips could. And yet, here she was, years later, trying to rebuild her life. She shook herself free from those thoughts. Now wasn’t the time. The situation with Spencer had already stirred too much confusion. She needed clarity. --- As the morning sunlight poured through the curtains, Shelly was jolted awake by the sou
Last Updated : 2024-11-25New Life 38
Shelly sat at the kitchen table, absently stirring her coffee as her thoughts spiraled. Veer’s sudden reappearance churned up memories she had spent years suppressing—pain, anger, and a profound sense of betrayal. Yet, more than anything, she felt fear. What if he meant what he said? What if he fought for custody? Shaina was her whole world, and she couldn’t bear the thought of Veer disrupting the life they had built. Across the room, Spencer leaned against the counter, watching her closely. He had stayed to make sure she was okay, but Shelly could feel his concern pressing down on her like a weight. “You’re overthinking again,” Spencer said, his voice breaking through her thoughts. Shelly looked up, startled. “I can’t help it. Veer doesn’t make empty threats.” “I gathered that,” Spencer said, crossing his arms. “But you’re not alone in this. You don’t have to handle him by yourself.” She shook her head, letting out a humorless laugh. “I appreciate the sentiment, but you don’t k
Last Updated : 2024-11-25New Life 39
The days following Veer’s reappearance were a blur of anxiety and strategizing. Shelly spent hours talking to a lawyer, gathering paperwork, and ensuring she had everything needed to protect Shaina. But through it all, Spencer was a steady presence. He helped with Shaina when Shelly felt too overwhelmed, cooked meals when she forgot to eat, and sat with her late at night when her worries threatened to drown her. It was one of those late nights now. The house was quiet except for the soft hum of the dishwasher. Shaina had fallen asleep hours ago, but Shelly was still up, pacing the living room. Spencer sat on the couch, watching her. “You’re going to wear a hole in the floor,” he said with a small smile. Shelly stopped and looked at him. “I can’t turn my brain off. What if Veer really tries to take her? What if—” “Shelly,” Spencer interrupted, his tone firm but gentle. “You’re a great mom. No court is going to take Shaina away from you. Veer can’t just waltz in here and rewrite hi
Last Updated : 2024-11-26New Life 40
The days unfolded with a surprising calm. Shelly’s days were split between work, legal meetings, and parenting, but for the first time in years, she felt supported. Spencer was there, whether it was helping Shaina with homework, picking up groceries, or just being someone she could vent to at the end of the day. Their relationship was growing steadily, grounded in trust and mutual understanding. One evening, Spencer arrived at Shelly’s house carrying a bouquet of sunflowers. Shaina squealed in delight and ran to greet him, wrapping her small arms around his legs. “For me?” Shaina asked, eyeing the flowers. Spencer laughed and knelt down to her level. “These are actually for your mom. But don’t worry, I brought you something too.” He pulled a small bag of gummy bears from his pocket, and Shaina’s face lit up. Shelly appeared in the doorway, her heart fluttering at the sight of Spencer standing there with sunflowers in one hand and her daughter beaming in the other. It was a moment
Last Updated : 2024-11-26
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New Life 54
Chapter: Shadows and Sparks The morning was unusually quiet. Shelly’s aunt, Rita, had gone to a neighbor’s brunch, and her uncle, James, was off at his weekly golf game. The house felt calm, almost too calm, with the faint hum of the heater filling the spaces where conversation usually lived. Spencer sat on the couch, his laptop balanced on his knees as he tried to focus on some work. But his mind kept drifting back to his conversation with Yash. The frustration in Yash’s voice still echoed in his head, and though Spencer didn’t regret defending his relationship with Shelly, he couldn’t shake the sense that Yash wasn’t done meddling. Shelly entered the room, wearing a soft beige sweater and leggings. She carried two mugs of steaming coffee and handed one to Spencer before curling up beside him. “You’re brooding again,” she teased lightly, sipping her coffee. Spencer smirked but didn’t look away from his screen. “Just thinking.” “You think too much,” she said, leaning her head ag
New Life 53
Chapter: Cracks in the Foundation Spencer leaned against the kitchen counter, sipping his coffee as he replayed his conversation with Yash in his mind. The tension between them was palpable, and Spencer wasn’t naive—he knew this wasn’t just about Yash’s feelings for Shelly. It was deeper, messier, a blend of jealousy and betrayal that could shatter their friendship if not handled delicately. Shelly entered the kitchen, fresh from her shower, wearing one of his oversized hoodies. Her damp hair cascaded over her shoulders, and the sight of her stirred something protective in Spencer. She had no idea how deeply she’d rooted herself in his heart, how much he wanted to shield her from the chaos brewing around them. “You’re quiet this morning,” she said, grabbing a mug and pouring herself some coffee. Spencer smiled faintly. “Just thinking.” Shelly raised an eyebrow, leaning against the counter opposite him. “About Yash?” He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. “Yeah. He’s
New Life 52
Chapter: The Thin Line Between Love and Chaos Spencer stirred awake to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains. His arm was draped protectively over Shelly, her warmth anchoring him to the moment. For a brief, blissful second, the world felt perfect. Then reality hit him—the outside world, with all its chaos and complexities, waited just beyond these walls. Shelly stirred beneath his arm, her soft smile greeting him. “Morning,” she whispered, her voice raspy and warm. “Morning, beautiful,” he murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. For a moment, he debated pulling her closer, keeping her in this cocoon of peace. But Spencer’s mind was already racing. He’d heard from Yash the previous evening—a cryptic text that sent a clear message: We need to talk. Spencer couldn’t ignore the tension building between him and Yash. Their friendship had always been solid, but Yash’s growing jealousy over Spencer’s relationship with Shelly was becoming a ticking ti
New Life 51
(Spencer’s Point of View) The morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a golden glow over Shelly's sleeping form. I lay there, my arm draped around her waist, watching her breathe softly. Her hair was splayed across the pillow, and her lips were slightly parted in a way that made my chest tighten. She looked peaceful, so different from the Shelly who carried the weight of her past every day. This... this was perfect. For the first time in years, I felt like I didn’t have to put up walls or pretend to be someone I wasn’t. I didn’t have to be the arrogant Spencer Brown or the guy with a reputation to uphold. With Shelly, I could just be. I brushed a strand of hair off her face, and she stirred, her eyes fluttering open. When she saw me, she smiled—a sleepy, unguarded smile that made my heart race. “Good morning,” she murmured, her voice thick with sleep. “Morning, gorgeous,” I replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead. She snuggled closer, her head resting on my chest.
New Life 50
Spencer stirred awake to the soft glow of morning light filtering through Shelly’s curtains. For a moment, he didn’t open his eyes, content to stay in the warmth of her bed, her presence grounding him in a way nothing else ever had. He could feel Shelly curled up beside him, her head resting on his chest, her steady breaths a comforting rhythm. It was a new feeling for Spencer—waking up next to someone he cared for so deeply, someone who made him want to savor every moment of life. When Shelly shifted slightly, her nose nuzzling against his chest, Spencer opened his eyes. He looked down to see her stirring awake, her lashes fluttering before her warm brown eyes met his. “Good morning,” he whispered, his voice husky from sleep. Shelly smiled, a soft, dreamy smile that made his heart skip a beat. “Good morning,” she replied, her voice barely above a murmur. For a moment, they just lay there, neither of them in a hurry to break the spell of the morning. Spencer’s fingers found thei
New Life 49
Spencer's heart raced as he knocked on Shelly’s door that evening. He had spent the entire day thinking about her, imagining the way her smile lit up a room, the way her hand felt in his. Tonight, they had planned a quiet dinner at her aunt and uncle’s place, but Spencer hoped for something more—a moment just for the two of them. When Shelly opened the door, Spencer felt his breath catch. She wore a simple maroon sweater dress that hugged her curves, her hair cascading over her shoulders. She smiled, and Spencer’s world narrowed to just her. “Hey,” she said softly, stepping aside to let him in. “Hey,” he replied, unable to stop himself from leaning in to kiss her cheek. Dinner with Rita and James was warm and lively, as always. Rita insisted on feeding Spencer an extra serving of her famous chicken casserole, and James teased him about his inability to turn down seconds. Shelly laughed at their banter, and Spencer couldn’t help but feel at home with her family. But the real anti
New Life 48
Spencer leaned against the railing of his family’s porch, the cool night air brushing against his face. He glanced back toward the warmly lit windows of his home where his parents were finishing up dishes, their laughter echoing softly. Tonight had been perfect. The memory of Shelly’s kiss lingered, a warmth spreading through him each time he replayed it in his mind. He had waited for this, unsure if she’d ever fully trust him enough to let her guard down. But now, there was no doubt—she was his, and he was hers. As he walked through the garden to collect his thoughts, Spencer couldn’t help but think about how much Shelly had transformed his world. Before her, life had been steady but uninspiring—work, gym, casual outings with Simon and Timmy, and the occasional family dinner. Now, everything felt brighter. Every moment with Shelly felt purposeful, like he was building something meaningful. But he wasn’t blind to the challenges that came with dating her. Her past was a shadow that
New Life 47
As autumn fully embraced New York with its crisp air and vibrant leaves, Shelly and Spencer's relationship blossomed like a late-blooming flower. They were officially a couple now, finding solace and joy in each other's company. Every stolen glance, every gentle touch, and every shared laugh strengthened their bond. Spencer often came over to Shelly's aunt Rita and uncle James's house under the pretext of casual visits, though it was clear to everyone why he was really there. Rita, ever the romantic at heart, seemed delighted by the budding relationship, while James kept a watchful but approving eye on Spencer. One evening, as the sun set in a cascade of orange and pink hues, Spencer invited Shelly over to his family’s house for dinner. Georgia and Neill Brown welcomed Shelly warmly, their kindness making her feel at ease. Claire, Spencer’s sister, playfully teased her brother throughout the evening, much to his chagrin. “Shelly, I hope you know my brother isn’t as cool as he pret
New Life 47
As autumn fully embraced New York with its crisp air and vibrant leaves, Shelly and Spencer's relationship blossomed like a late-blooming flower. They were officially a couple now, finding solace and joy in each other's company. Every stolen glance, every gentle touch, and every shared laugh strengthened their bond. Spencer often came over to Shelly's aunt Rita and uncle James's house under the pretext of casual visits, though it was clear to everyone why he was really there. Rita, ever the romantic at heart, seemed delighted by the budding relationship, while James kept a watchful but approving eye on Spencer. One evening, as the sun set in a cascade of orange and pink hues, Spencer invited Shelly over to his family’s house for dinner. Georgia and Neill Brown welcomed Shelly warmly, their kindness making her feel at ease. Claire, Spencer’s sister, playfully teased her brother throughout the evening, much to his chagrin. “Shelly, I hope you know my brother isn’t as cool as he pret
