Semua Bab New Life: Bab 41 - Bab 50

The following morning, sunlight spilled through the sheer curtains in Shelly’s living room. She stirred awake, her head still resting on Spencer’s shoulder. His arm, which had held her securely all night, felt warm and comforting—a presence she hadn’t realized she’d needed until now. Spencer was awake, his gaze focused out the window, as if he was lost in thought. When Shelly shifted, he turned his attention to her, his expression soft. "Good morning," he said, his voice gentle. Shelly blinked, momentarily disoriented. Then the events of the previous night flooded back. The rawness of their conversation, the vulnerability she’d shown—it left her feeling exposed, but there was no regret. For once, letting someone in didn’t feel like a mistake. "Good morning," she replied, her voice raspy from sleep. She sat up, running a hand through her hair. "Did you stay here all night?" Spencer grinned sheepishly. "You kind of fell asleep on me. I didn’t have the heart to wake you." Shelly’s

The following afternoon, Shelly found herself standing in front of a café, her heart pounding in her chest. Veer had insisted they meet in public, claiming it would be “better for both of them.” She had agreed, not out of trust, but because she knew a public setting would keep her emotions in check. As she stepped inside, she spotted him immediately. Veer sat at a corner table, his posture relaxed, a far cry from the man she had last seen during their divorce proceedings. He looked polished as always, his sharp suit and charming smile carefully curated. But Shelly knew better. He stood as she approached, a flicker of something—guilt?—crossing his face. “Shelly. Thanks for meeting me.” “Let’s skip the pleasantries,” she said, sliding into the seat across from him. “What do you want, Veer?” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Straight to the point. Okay. I wanted to talk about Shaina.” Her stomach tightened, but she kept her expression neutral. “What about her?” “I’ve be

The transition from friendship to something more wasn’t as awkward as Shelly had feared. In fact, being with Spencer felt natural, as though they’d been orbiting each other for this very moment. A few days after their first kiss, Spencer invited Shelly over for dinner at his place. He’d been coy about the menu, saying only, “Trust me, it’ll be worth it.” When Shelly arrived, Spencer greeted her at the door with a warm smile and a glass of wine. His apartment was cozy and inviting, filled with the scent of something savory roasting in the oven. “Wow,” she said, stepping inside. “I didn’t know you could cook.” “There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet,” he teased, taking her coat and hanging it by the door. Shelly raised an eyebrow, amused. “Oh, is that so?” “You’ll just have to stick around and find out.” They spent the evening talking and laughing over dinner, the conversation flowing easily. Shelly found herself opening up in ways she hadn’t expected, sharing stories about he

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

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