Chapter 9 What the hell are you doing ? You scared me Jesus Christ ! I was startled to hear my beautiful neighbor shouting from her porch .
I turned my head and pulled out my earphones , looking at her with raised eyebrows .
Whats wrong ? Sharon stood there , looking pale and slightly frantic .
I frowned in confusion at her reaction .
Ugh , shit ! she groaned in frustration , then glared at me like she was ready to pounce .
Can you turn down the damn volume ? I thought you were murdering someone in there ! Volume ? I echoed , still confused My gaze shifted to the laptop on my lap , where my favorite action thriller movie was still playing .
I had set the volume pretty high , but … wait- Damn it .
I exhaled sharply , tilting my h head back as the realization hit me .
My earphones werent even connected to the laptop .
too .
No wonder she thought I was executing someone } When I looked back at Sharon , she was watching me with narrowed eyes , probably imitated that I was holding back laughter Honestly , I didnt do it on purpose !! Im sorry , my bad I admitted , stifling a grin She scowled , crossing her arms .
Great .
My sleepiness is completely gone now .
Hey , wait ! She had already started turning away , but she paused when I called her .
Leaving my laptop on the table , I got up and approached her , though the railing between our porches still separated us .
Let me make it up to you Coffee ? I offered .
She placed both hands on her hips , lilting her head .
So now youre planning to keep me up all night ? She sounded like a mother scolding a mischievous child .
Pretty much .
If you dont mind , maybe we could watch the movie together ? Sharon shook her head with a small smile before disappearing back inside I shrugged .
That woman was a mystery to me ? A few minutes later , the doorbell rang .
Smirking , I already knew who it was Sure enough , when I opened the door , Sharon stood there , arms crossed , her expression still vaguely annoyed .
Instead of being put off by her attitude .
I chuckled .
Coffee ? I gestured for her to come in She sighed .
Unfortunately , Im pregnant .
But I wouldnt say no to decaf .
Pregnant ? That was new .
She waltzed inside with effortless grace , her eyes scanning my living room .
Meanwhile , I headed to the kitchen , making two cups of decal coffee before joining her on the veranda .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

She stood with her back to me , gazing up at the starry n night sky .
For a moment , I just watched her silhouette We hadnt known each other for long hell , Id only met her once before this .
And back then , I was using a different identity .
Even so , Id been mesmerized by her .
Sharon had an unshakable presence , a firmness that couldnt be broken , yet her eyes carried a warmth that was unexpectedly gentle .
She had the kind of motherly grace that was rare to see I still remembered yesterday , when her mother had come by with soup as a welcoming gesture .
That was when I learned Sharon was in the middle of a divorce .
% I wasnt sure why , but I felt sorry for her .
And cunous ! How long are you going to stand there ? Her voice jolted me from my thoughts .
She had turned to face me , arms crossed , I chuckled softly and walked over handing her a cup .
For you Thanks , she murmured , taking a small sip before giving me a pointed look .
Can I ask you something ? Shoot .
What did you mean by th I blinked .
By what ? % by that ? She let out a frustrated groan .
Oh , come on .
Lets not play dumb .
) I genuinely have no idea what youre referring to , Sharon .
She opened her mouth to argue , then suddenly froze .
Her head tilted slightly , her eyes narrowing Wait a second .
How do you know my name ? Shit I internally cursed , realizing that we had never actually introduced ourselves .
At least , thats what she thought Wait a second … How do you know my name ? Shit I internally cursed , realizing that we had never actually introduced ourselves .
At least , thats what she thought … Clearing my throat .
I tried to play it cool .
My gaze darted around , searching for a believable excuse .
Im not some caveman who doesnt know his neighbors .
Youre a well known designer , Sharon Wright .
You own a boutique thats been featured in multiple magazines She eyed me suspiciously , clearly not convinced Of course , that wasnt how I really knew her .
I had investigated her thoroughly not just the surface details , but all the way down to the roots .
Eventually , she sighed and took another sip of coffee , turning her gaze back to the sky .
For some reason , every little movement she made kept me fixated on her.ll Youre weird , she muttered I get that a lot .
What else impresses you about me ? Sharon shot me a deadpan look .
I still remember your blank expression when you saved me from that creep earlier .
I figured stand up comedy wouldnt be enough to scare him off She groaned , Another weird joke Thank you She blinked , caught off guard » .
Frowning , she turned away , pretending to focus on the stars again .
But I could tell she was annoyed … And I was enjoying it For a while , we sipped our coffee in silence , the peaceful night surrounding us .
Yet I couldnt shake the feeling that something weighed heonly on Sharons mind .
She sighed more than once , her thoughts clearly elsewhere.X I wasnt one to meddle in other peoples business , but for some reason , I felt sorry for her….
I didnt know what was happening to me again When she had hired me yesterday to investigate missing company funds money that had mysteriously ended up in someones rsonal account I hadnt brushed it off like I usually did .
Instead , I dug deeper .
And what I found ?? The name Id been looking for was Sharons ex husband ⠀⠀⠀⠀ Well , I wasnt sure if they were officially divorced yet , but considering she was living alone .
it seemed like a safe assumption .
By the way , I dont even know your name yet , Sharon said suddenly .
I hesitated for a split second .
! 1- I cleared my throat , debating whether to give my real name or an alias .
Nathan , I finally said .
How old are you ? she asked next I smirked .
Younger than you , probably She scoffed .
You make it sound like Im ancient .
Im only twenty nine .
I chuckled not at her age , but at the adorable expression she made How was it possible for a twenty nine year old woman to look this cute when annoyed ? % And why did I find myself wanting to tease her