Belinda Scott had just done the dishes. She went to the living room to grab a paper towel and wiped away the water on her hands. Suddenly, she received a phone call from her best friend.
"Linda, I'm finally returning to Portland. I got my divorce!" Sharmaine Johnston was delighted as she announced.
However, Belinda was perplexed and she did not know how to reply.
Sharmaine's voice continued on the other end of the call, "Linda, you were right. Everyone has the right to pursue happiness. I'm in love with Finnegan, so I'll make sure to never lose him again!"
Belinda merely hummed in response. She realized that her throat was dry.
"I'll settle everything as soon as possible and probably be back in a week. See you then!" Upon finishing her sentence, Sharmaine ended the call. Yet, Belinda was rooted to the spot as she held onto her mobile phone. The engaged tone echoed in her ears.
Just then, a tall figure appeared from the bedroom. The man noticed that Belinda was standing blankly with her mobile phone. He asked, "What's wrong?"
Belinda looked over her shoulder.
Finnegan Lawson had just gotten out of the shower. He wore an indigo nightgown and was drying his hair with a towel. His collar was low and revealed part of his chest. He was well-built and it was pleasant to stare at him.
"Nothing." Belinda placed her mobile phone back into her handbag and added nonchalantly, "Sharmaine is coming back."
As she bent over to stow away her mobile phone, she stole a glance at Finnegan. She noticed that he paused for a few seconds before resuming to dry his hair. His solemn face was cold as usual.
"Hmm." Finnegan seemed to be unfazed by the news. He continued to dry his damp raven hair and uttered, "I readied the water for you. You could bathe."
Belinda's nose twitched as she lowered her head and murmured a soft reply.
After she had tidied up the living room, she went to the bedroom. She proceeded to grab her pajamas and entered the bathroom. Settling into the bathtub, she drew her knees to her chest and hugged them while staring at the walls dazedly for over an hour. It wasn't until the warm water turned cold that she finally grabbed a towel to dry herself.
After leaving the bathroom, Belinda discovered that the lights in the bedroom were switched off. The only warm light came from the night lamp on the bedside table.
Recently, Finnegan had been busy over two important cases, hence he could not rest properly. Finally, the trials were over and he could afford to come home. For the past few days, he would sleep early to make up for it.
Belinda crept across the room softly and lifted the quilt to slip under it. As soon as she touched the bed, Finnegan reached out his large hand to pull her into his arms. A tired voice came from the sheets, murmuring, "Goodnight."
Belinda remained quiet and nestled herself in his embrace.
A few moments later, she heard him breathing rhythmically above her. She pulled back a little and lifted her head slowly. Her eyes scanned over Finnegan's chin to the bridge of his nose. She took in his handsome face and stared at him in a trance.
She then reached out her fingers to trace his lips, her heart clenching...
It had been four years. She had watched over him, stayed with him, and even shared the same bed with him for four years.
They were not lovers, instead, they were like friends with benefits.
Finnegan had never told anyone about their relationship while she was afraid that others would find out about their relationship.
After all, Finnegan was Sharmaine's ex-boyfriend...
If Sharmaine returned, would everything come to an end?
Belinda was both lost and uneasy.
......
The next morning, Belinda woke up early to prepare breakfast. After she had woken up Finnegan, she packed her belongings in the apartment. She packed her clothes, cosmetics, and toiletries. She needed to clean strands of hair in the bathroom too.
When Belinda came out with her suitcase in hand, Finnegan was visibly upset as he frowned at her. "What's going on? Are you moving out?"
"No..." Belinda stuffed her belongings into her suitcase and attempted to sound as relaxed as possible.
She explained, "You know, it's the peak season now and our shop is located in the busiest part of the city. Our shop will be running some events and the work will be hectic. Therefore, returning to the apartment every day would be inconvenient. I'm planning to stay there for a while but I'll return when the season dies down. It won't be that long, so don't worry."
