I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 206

On that particular evening, Sarah had cooked a single plate of pasta with a poached egg, stubbornly claiming she hadn't made any for him.

He had grabbed her arm, swinging it gently, coaxing her for ages until her stern face broke into a radiant smile, admitting she wasn't actually angry. Eventually, they sat shoulder-to-shoulder, sharing that single plate of pasta.

She even gave him the only poached egg. He took a bite and fed the rest to her.

Nowadays, he needed his secretary to remind him of his daily schedule.

Yet, that memory from thirty-one years ago remained startlingly vivid. He could still remember the exact look on Sarah's face—how her eyes sparkled, how sweet her smile was.

It was his birthday, and more than anything, he craved another taste of her cooking.

But the moment the request left his lips, Sarah slammed the door shut in his face.

He knocked outside for a long time, but she refused to open it.

It wasn't until a neighbor peeked out of their door in confusion that he finally gave up and left, ending up eating a lonely birthday dinner at a random diner.

When he returned to his hotel that night, Victoria was waiting outside his room.

She immediately cornered him. "Where were you? Why didn't you answer my calls? Did you go see Sarah? Have you lost your mind? Your daughter goes on trial tomorrow, and you're off playing house with your ex?"

Harold shoved her aside, stepped into his room, and slammed the door, shutting out her endless stream of venomous insults.

He hadn't expected her to ambush Sarah today right after the trial.

Harold pressed a fist against his forehead. How had he ever gotten tangled up with a woman like her?

Five days later, the verdict was handed down. Eileen Harper was found guilty of aggravated assault and sentenced to three years in prison.

Victoria collapsed in the courtroom, sobbing hysterically.

"Three years is a slap on the wrist. After what she did to Luke..."

Eleanor complained bitterly to Arthur, but he silenced her with a sharp look.

They had officially cut ties with the Harper family. Old debts were settled, and justice had been served. He didn't want to drag out the animosity.

The sentence didn't surprise Sophie. Her lawyer had already predicted a three-year term.

Three years felt fleeting to those on the outside, but for someone locked in a cell, it was an eternity.

At the very least, it would teach Eileen that her parents couldn't shield her forever. She was an adult now, and actions had consequences.

Sophie froze for a second but remained silent.

In the past, she had told him countless times how much she wanted to bring him to Seattle. She wanted to show him her old schools, the places she used to hang out, and take him boating at Lakeside Park.

She had wanted to visit the city where he grew up to see his roots, and she wanted him to walk the streets where she had spent her childhood. But he had always dodged the subject.

Bringing it up now, tracing those steps after everything had fallen apart—what was the point?

"Luke, now that this is over, we don't have any ties left. We probably won't ever cross paths again. It's time to start a new life."

"A new life without you?" Luke stared at her.

"Yes. A new life without me. I used to think I could never love anyone but you. But now, I'm in love with Gavin. And you'll soon forget me and fall for another great girl."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Luke's lips twitched as he forced a pale, fragile smile.

"It's a wish for your happiness. Last time, I said I would never wish you well. I take it back. I hope you find a wonderful girl and have a beautiful, happy life."

Without waiting for Luke to reply, Sophie added a quick "I have to go," and hurried toward Gavin's approaching car.

He had been waiting for a minute, and she didn't want to keep him waiting any longer.