bChapter /bb1027 /b

    Sierra was doing it on purpose.

    bNo /bmatter how many times she strolled past Shaun, he treated her as if she were invisible. She bfigured /bshe would just have to create an “ident” so they would brush up against each other.

    With her sweet, innocent–looking face and a body that she knew turned heads, she refused to believe Shaun could resist her.

    After all, she’d had Gilbert wrapped around her finger back in the day.

    Sierra let out a soft yelp and threw herself into a dramatic fall, already picturing Shaun’s strong arms catching her.

    But the longer she waited, the harder that sinking feeling got–because he wasn’t reaching for her.

    Her little stunt ended with a sharp scream. She hit the ground hard, falling t on her face.

    Sierra justy there for a second, mortified. Her whole body felt as if it hade apart at the seams.

    Damn. That hurt!

    Right then, the dressing room door swung open, and Halsey stepped out, smiling. “All done!”

    Shaun immediately walked over, slipped his arm around her waist, and asked gently, “Are you tired?”

    Halsey smiled back. b“/bNot at all–oh! Sierra, what happened?”

    She finally noticed Sierra sprawled on the floor.

    Sierra’s face was twisted with pain and embarrassment. “I’m fine. I just twisted my ankle. Let me get up.”

    She tried, but the pain was so sharp that she couldn’t move.

    Halsey took a step forward. “Here, let me help you.”

    “Thanks,” Sierra said quickly, grabbing onto the chance.

    Shaun pulled Halsey back by the waist. “No. You’re pregnant. You need to take care of yourself, not other

    people.”

    Sierra froze. He wasn’t going to help her himself, and now he wouldn’t even let Halsey help either?

    The humiliation burned in her chest.

    The store manager rushed over. “Oh, no! You fell? Come on. Let me help you up.” He gently pulled Sierra to

    her feet.

    b1/3 /b

    +15 bBONUS /b

    Sierra rubbed her sore arm, wincing.

    Halsey looked worried. “Are you sure you’re okay? Do you want us to take you to the hospitalb?” /b

    Sierra shook her head. “bNo/b, I’m fine, really. Just a few scrapes.‘

    Then she lowered her eyes, slipping into her familiar act. “I’ve dealt with worse. My dad… When he drinks, he hits me and my mom. He gambles, too. I’m used to being covered in bruises. This is nothing.”

    She knew ying the victim usually got people’s sympathy.

    Shaun stayed quiet.

    Meanwhile, Halsey sighed softly. “At least you’re in college now. You’ve got the chance to get out of that mess and make a better life for yourself. Keep pushing. Don’t give up.”

    Sierra nodded quickly. “I know. Thanks.”

    Shaun tightened his arm around Halsey. “We’ve tried on the wedding outfits already. You must be tired. Let’s head home.”

    Halsey nced at Sierra. “We’re leaving now. How are you getting back?”

    Sierra blinked innocently. “Could I maybe ride with you guys? Would you mind dropping me off?”

    This time, Shaun didn’t hesitate. “I’ve got work to deal with, so no. Call a ride.”

    Sierra’s jaw clenched. Not a single trace of gentlemanly manners from him.

    She turned her gaze to Halsey instead, softening her voice. “I understand. I don’t wanna trouble you both. I can manage on my own.”

    Normally, anyone hearing that would insist on driving her.

    But Halsey just smiled politely. “Since you can manage, then call a ride. See you tomorrow.”

    b2/3 /b