Halsey reached out and grabbed Shaun’s arm.
“Are you okay?”
Shaun shook his head. “I should be the one asking you that. Did Warren say anything out of line? I honestly didn’t know he and Chelsea were giving you a hard time. But don’t worry. I won’t let anyone mess with you again.”
Halsey felt a warm rush in her chest. Shaun was so caring, so protective.
“He didn’t say much,” she replied. “I just don’t want to see you two fall out over me. I know he’s someone who’s always looked out for you. You guys have been friends for years.”
Shaun gave a small smile and reassured her. “Don’t worry. Warren and I won’t fall out over this. I just wanted him to understand that you’re mine, and no one gets to cross that line.”
Halsey was touched. Suddenly, she remembered something. “By the way, Warren said something weird today. I couldn’t even follow it. He said I betrayed you and that I slept with Gilbert. When have I ever-”
Before she could finish, Shaun gently pressed her shoulder and said softly, “It’s fine. Don’t listen to him. Even if you’ve slept with Gilbert, that’s in the past. I don’t care, really.”
“But
”
She hadn’t slept with Gilbert at all.
Halsey wanted to explain, but Shaun cut her off again. He reached over and gently ruffled her hair. “Let’s not talk about things that make us unhappy. As long as you’re mine now, that’s all that matters.”
Halsey stood on her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss. “And I’ll still be yours in the future, too.”
Shaun lowered his head, about to kiss her back, but Halsey laughed and dodged. “Work first!”
She sat back down and continued working on her designs.
Shaun chuckled and returned to reviewing documents.
Evening came quickly, and Martin stepped into the office. “Mr. Lane, about tonight’s-”
Shaun cut him off. “Cancel everything tonight. From now on, I’m clocking out at 6:00 PM sharp.”
Martin paused.
The workaholic CEO had suddenly changed? This was a side of him no one recognized.
“Alright, Mr. Lane,” Martin replied and stepped out.
Shaun got up and walked over to Halsey. “Are you done? Let me take you to dinner.”
Halsey stood up and smiled as she gathered her design drafts, “I’ve got dinner plans with Wendy tonight.”
Shaun looked a bit disappointed. “So you’re not having dinner with me?”
Halsey took his hand and smiled. “Come on–we’re going to dinner with Wendy together.”
Shaun smiled. “Are you introducing me to your best friend?”
“All my friends already know who you are,” she replied, laughing.
Fair enough.
Shaun felt genuinely happy.
Chapter 869
+25 BONUS
At the restaurant, Wendy had already arrived, and she brought Bella with her.
As soon as Halsey saw Bella, she scooped her up and smothered her with kisses. “Bella, I missed you like crazy! Did you miss me?
11
Bella nodded, her little voice sweet and soft. “Of course I missed you! But Mommy said you haven’t called in days. She said you’re dating someone now, and I’m getting a godfather!”
Her sparkling eyes turned to Shaun. “Is this handsome man my godfather?”
Halsey smiled proudly. “He is.”
Bella clapped her tiny hands excitedly. “Wow! He’s so tall and handsome-
Both Halsey and Shaun laughed.
-no wonder you picked him!”
With her porcelain doll face and charming little compliments, Bella was the kind of kid nobody could resist.
