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?"

"Since I promised my dad that I'd take things seriously with you, I'll keep my word," she said.

This international call left her heart feeling like it was on a roller-coaster ride.

"I respect all your decisions, and I won't meddle or force you into anything. But if you're open to starting fresh and embracing a new life, I think… I could help you out with that," Sawyer said.

Kate's cheeks warmed as she began to feel shy. "Help me out?"

"For example, you can call me if you're feeling down. Anytime."

…

When Kate returned to the hospital, Sawyer's words still echoed in her mind. It gave her a sense of security she hadn't felt in ages.

When she was a child, George had said something similar to her. But back then, he only saw her as a sister—nothing more.

Yet that sense of safety and stability he'd given her had been so comforting that she'd clung to it for years, unable to forget about it.