- Samuel glanced at Kathleen’s petite face, and his expression turned sullen.
- “Samuel, there’s only so much I can take,” she said ruefully. “You know how much I hate troubles, so…”
- His gaze darkened. “So you don’t want compensation from me?”
- She shook her head. “Money can’t solve everything, Samuel.”
- His fists clenched, and he replied in a low, hoarse voice, “All right.”
- He didn’t want to put her on the spot or stress her out.
- “But according to the law, I can’t own more than fifty-one percent of shares, so I’m still leaving you with ten percent,” Samuel added.
- Kathleen hesitated. “Fine, do what you must, then.” She just wanted to get this over with.
- He gave her a long, meaningful look.
- “Let’s go,” Kathleen said before leading Samuel out of the shop.
- “Where would you like to go next?” he asked as he trailed behind her closely.
- The mall was crowded during the New Year, and he stuck close to her to protect her.
- “What do you mean?” Kathleen was bewildered. “We’re going home.”
- Samuel gazed at her with hooded eyes. “You don’t want to continue shopping?”
- “We’re not ordinary people,” she pointed out. “We can’t just go shopping during peak hours.”
- He gave a nod, and they walked to the nearest elevator together.
- They were squeezed to the rear corner as soon as they stepped in. He shielded her with both hands, and her face came dangerously close to his chest.
- A small smile played at the corners of Samuel’s lips as he gazed down at Kathleen in his arms with his abysmal eyes.
- The elevator reached the first floor before they exited from the cramped space, and the apple of Kathleen’s cheeks flushed a rosy color.
- “I want milk tea.” She was parched.
- “I’ll get it.” Samuel then instructed, “Wait for me here.”
- “Okay.” She nodded.
- He turned and walked in the direction of a milk tea shop, but there was a long queue, and he stood at the tail end of it.
- She stood at the side and waited patiently for him. Her eyes was darting around the crowd, afraid that someone would recognize her.
- Fortunately, no one knew who she was. Samuel, on the other hand, was soon recognized.
- Kathleen was disgruntled. Do I not stand out? I guess it must be because I’m covering myself up too much. Samuel has a tall frame, so it’s only natural he was recognized in an instant. Besides, he’s only wearing a mask, while I’m also wearing a cap.
- Everyone around Samuel was staring at him.
- “Isn’t that Samuel Macari?”
- “I think so. He looks like Samuel Macari. Not even the mask could hide his handsome face!”
- “It must be him. This guy is dressed head to toe in designer wear.”
- “I can’t believe he likes milk tea.”
- “He’s got to be buying it for someone else, not himself.”
- “For a girl, maybe?”
- “What do you think? Of course it’s for a girl!”
- “It has to be Kathleen Johnson. If she’s here, they must be out on a date.”
- “No way. Wasn’t their relationship a publicity stunt?”
- “I don’t think so. I believe it was genuine. Although they’re divorced, I’m confident they will reconcile.”
- “How would you know?”
- “I just do!”
- Samuel knitted his brows as he listened to the crowd prattling. Meanwhile, Kathleen was afraid of getting recognized, so she fled the scene.
- She sent him a text: I’ll wait for you in the car.
- He gave a wry chuckle at her apprehension of being seen with him.
- When it was finally his turn to order, he bought two cups of milk tea before returning to the car.
- Kathleen rubbed her hands together. “Which one is mine?”
- “They’re both the same,” he replied.
- She lifted one cup and took a sip. An expression of satisfaction soon appeared on her face.
- Samuel’s lips twitched in a smile. “Slow down.”
- “I’ve been craving this for a long time.” She continued with a smile, “But Charles wouldn’t let me have even a sip of it while I was filming.”
- After all, she was a movie star.
- The smile was still hanging on Samuel’s face. “Drink as much as you want today.”
- “Why?” She was perplexed.
- “If he dares say a word of criticism to you today, I’ll take revenge for you,” he said with a faint smile.
- “What good would that do? I’m the one who has to lose weight in the end,” she grumbled before sipping another large mouthful, making her cheeks bulge.
- Samuel looked at her tenderly before driving away.
- It was already nightfall when they reached the Macari residence, and dinner was ready.
- However, Kathleen was too full to eat. After all, she had consumed an entire cup of milk tea on the way back.
- Wynnie spooned some food onto her plate. “What’s wrong?”
- “I’m not hungry,” Kathleen replied bashfully.
- “Did both of you sneak out to eat?” Wynnie gave them a disapproving look that was typically reserved for kids.
- Flustered, Kathleen stared at the dishes on the table and felt helpless.
- Samuel came to her defense. “Mom, don’t force her. She has a small appetite.”
- Wynnie gave Kathleen a steely look. “Fine, we’ll wait till you’re hungry, then.”
- Kathleen nodded, and Samuel took her portion of food. “I’ll finish them for you.”
- “Thank you,” she said in gratitude.
- Wynnie watched them openly with a strange look until Calvin subtly gave her a nudge with his foot under the table to stop her.
- She was being too obvious. Nonetheless, Diana and Frances were unfazed, talking and laughing amongst themselves.
- Kathleen went up to her bedroom for the night after dinner.
- Samuel was about to do the same when Wynnie stopped him. “Son, your relationship with Kate seemed to have improved.”
- “Don’t overthink it, Mom,” he said curtly.
- “Why not? Are you going to fool around again?” Shock crept into her voice.
- Samuel fell silent.
- “You can’t do that! Kate has been hurt enough. You’re crossing a line if you do that.” Wynnie huffed angrily.
- “Can you let me finish, Mom?” he snapped.
- “Go ahead.” Wynnie reined in her emotions.
- Samuel took a deep breath. “Kate is showing signs of her depression relapsing. All I wanted is to make things better for her, so I won’t force her to be with me. My only wish is for her to recover.”
- “What did you say?” Wynnie was shell shocked.
- “Mom, just don’t interfere with our affairs.” He continued lightly, “I can’t force her to be with me. I only care about what’s best for her, and that’s it.”
- With that, he went up the stairs with long strides.
- Wynnie’s brows drew together, and Calvin came over to urge in a low voice, “Just leave them be.”
- “Easy for you to say,” she mumbled.
- “It’s best if we don’t meddle in the kids’ affairs,” he comforted. “Besides, as you said, their relationship has improved, and our son appears happier than before. Things might take a turn for the better if we don’t pry.”
- “I’m not worried about that.” She hesitated. “I have a strong premonition that the Yoeger family is about to do something bad.”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Winning her back after divorce (Divorce anxiety)