BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 41

•SHELBY•

An awkward silence hung heavily in the air between us. My thoughts were a jumbled mess, leaving me unable to form words as I found myself locked in a gaze with both of them.

William approached Sidney with a mix of concern etched across his face, his eyes meeting mine briefly. He opened his mouth as if about to speak, but I beat him to it.

"I'm here to get the rest of my things."

I brushed past Sidney, stepping into the house before turning back to face them.

"Sorry for showing up at this hour. I didn't mean to disturb your alone time together."

William took a tentative step toward me, only to be intercepted by Sidney, who offered me a strained smile.

"It's okay, but a heads-up would have been appreciated. Just so we knew you were coming around this time."

Her sweet tone grated on my nerves, and I shot her a tight smile while suppressing my irritation.

"I'll remember that." I glanced briefly at William, then pivoted on my heels and began climbing the stairs to my former room.

Pushing the door open, I stepped inside and surveyed the bare room. It felt strangely empty without my belongings strewn about. Now, it resembled any other unoccupied bedroom.

I pivoted toward the door, spotting him there, wearing a simple white t-shirt now.

"So, where are they?" His gaze locked onto mine, holding a heavy silence that only fueled my growing frustration.

"Where are my things?"

With a slow gesture, he directed my attention to the closet in the room. I pulled the door open and spotted a black shopping bag nestled inside. Peeking in, I found a collection of my clothes, underwear, and accessories neatly arranged within.

I retrieved the bag from the closet, closing the door behind me. I jolted in surprise as I noticed him standing close, a mere breath away.

"Jesus." My heart raced, his sudden proximity catching me off guard.

"Thanks, I'm leaving." I brushed past him, heading for the door, but I halted, glancing back at him.

"By the way, I'm sorry for interrupting you two. I'll make sure to knock next time."

"Shelby, nothing happened." He hurried to interject.

"I don't care." I replied, shrugging casually.

"Could you just give me a chance to hear my explanation?"

I scoffed in response.

"Why is it that every time I give you a chance to explain, they sound more like excuses every single time."

I could see his jaw tensing, and I carried on.

"Let me guess. You both got caught in the sprinklers on the front lawn, and you generously offered her your shirt while her clothes dried? Then, lost in a wave of nostalgia, you both got carried away with memories and time slipped away. So you, the epitome of chivalry, suggested she stay the night. Is that your explanation? Am I close?"

I searched his eyes for any sign of confirmation, but he held his ground. A mixture of pain and determination shone in his gaze, and an unexpected pang of sympathy tugged at my heartstrings, mingling with my anger.

"Or should I just complete the story for you? You didn't invite her to stay. Instead, a bit of wine led to reminiscing about the past, and suddenly, clothes were coming off, and you ended up in bed together."