I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 512

"Everyone has the right to fight for what's best for them. As long as you think it's worth it, do whatever feels right," Sawyer said. "I've already sent people over. They're my assistants. If you need anything, just let them know."

Kate snapped to her senses. "You're…"

He casually said, "Professor Pearson asked me to look out for you, so this is part of my responsibility."

Kate's heart skipped a beat. She closed her eyes and said hoarsely, "Thank you."

This was the first time she'd felt someone care about her without any ulterior motive, after being drained for so long. It stirred something in her. Aside from Evie and the old Rhea, no one had ever shown her this kind of selfless concern.

Her female friends from the past had only gotten close to her because of her reputation or because they wanted favors from her parents. After Evie's passing and the fallout of her friendship with Rhea, no one had comforted her like this. So, she was genuinely grateful for Sawyer's call.

Kate took a deep breath and stood up. She had chosen this path, and there was no turning back. It was her or Rhea—only one of them would come out on top, and she couldn't stand the thought of Rhea being so full of bliss.

Fortunately, Lauren was in too much pain that day to keep stirring up trouble for Kate. Also, oddly enough, Seamus hadn't gone off the rails, either.

…

Later that evening, Kate stepped out of the hospital to grab a bite to eat. Just as she finished and started heading back, her phone rang. It was Sawyer again.

"Hello?" Her tone softened without her realizing it.

His voice was slightly raspy, like he'd just woken up. "You're still up?"

"Yeah. I just finished eating." Kate walked alone down an unfamiliar street, feeling an unexpected sense of ease. "Sawyer."

"Yeah?"

"Have you ever been in love?" she asked.

The line went quiet for a few seconds. Then, Sawyer said, "No."

"So you probably can't imagine what it's like to love someone, huh?" Kate smiled.

She could hear him fiddling with a lighter over the phone. He sounded lazy and relaxed as he asked, "Is that what you're really asking, or are you wondering about loving someone you can't have?"

Kate's lashes fluttered. "What… What have you heard?"

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