Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 122

But Silvia stood her ground. “I’m not the same helpless girl you rescued back then.”

“Sweet Silvia, don’t make me angry.” Shipley’s voice tightened, repeating the line he’d used so many times before.

In the past, whenever things reached this point, Silvia would always give in—she’d appease him, never daring to cross him.

But not tonight.

She didn’t care what mood Shipley was in.

Seeing the cold set of her jaw, Shipley felt the old panic bubbling up inside. He knew, better than anyone, that Silvia’s feelings for him had all started with that night—when he’d pulled her out of the wreckage, her knight in shining armor. That was why, the instant he saw Silvia cornered earlier, he’d stepped in—hoping to play hero for her once more.

He thought he could win her over again, but Silvia wasn’t buying it. Not anymore.

She’s faking it, Shipley told himself, desperate for reassurance. She had to be.

His thoughts scattered. He opened his mouth, about to say something—anything—when his phone suddenly rang, vibrating in his hand. Silvia glanced up instinctively at the glowing screen.

Vianne.

The name flashed in bold letters.

Silvia’s lips curled in a faint, mocking smile as she caught sight of it. “Go on, answer. She’s calling you.”

“It’s not— I just came to Neon Alchemy to pick her up, that’s all,” Shipley stammered, his eyes searching Silvia’s face, pleading for her to understand.

But Silvia didn’t care to listen. She turned away, tuning him out.

He reached out, wanting to explain himself, to offer an excuse—but Silvia was already moving past him, done with the conversation.

She waved a hand dismissively at the bar. “Yvette’s really overdone it tonight.”

Without sparing Shipley another glance, Silvia walked straight to Finn, who was struggling to keep Yvette upright. Yvette slumped against him, mumbling into his shoulder, her lips pouting. “Let’s have another round…”

Finn tried to help Yvette into the car, but his gaze shot over to Shipley, icy and unwelcoming. “What are you doing here?”

Shipley opened his mouth, but couldn’t find the words. The truth was, he’d only come because Vianne had called. He hadn’t expected to run into Silvia on the way.

Silvia didn’t even bother to look at him, didn’t wait for any reply. “Finn, get Yvette to the hospital first. She’s looking really pale.”