Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 49

When they arrived at the restaurant, Kent, just like before, pulled out a chair for Silvia and wiped down the table with a napkin. Every move he made was unfailingly courteous.

Silvia pressed her lips together, then spoke. “Mr. Parsons, in a few days, I won’t be renting that apartment anymore. I’m heading back to Capital City.”

She rested her chin in her palm, her pale face framed by a gentle smile. “You’re from Capital City, but you bought two places here. Are you planning to settle down in Luminova City?”

Kent poured her a cup of tea, meeting her gaze. For a moment, he hesitated, and a few drops spilled onto the saucer. His eyes narrowed slightly. “Just here for business. I’m not planning to stay.”

The waiter arrived, setting dish after dish on the table—all of Silvia’s favorites.

She didn’t ask any more questions. Instead, she lowered her gaze and ate quietly, her manners impeccable, her presence almost serene. Kent found himself watching her more than once.

After a while, Kent leaned back, eyes intent. “When you go back, what about Shipley? Won’t you miss him?”

Something in his tone hinted at more beneath the surface.

Silvia shot him a suspicious look.

Kent, she noticed, seemed to like bringing up Shipley around her.

She kept her composure. “There’s nothing between Shipley and me anymore.”

A flicker of something complicated crossed Kent’s face. When he saw her glass was empty, he reached out, his long fingers graceful as he refilled it.

Silvia continued eating, oblivious to the quiet happiness in his eyes.

When the meal was done, they walked home together.

The restaurant was just a short stroll from their building, so they ambled side by side down the quiet street.

Silvia tilted her head back to look at the night sky. The cool breeze brushed past, and she felt her mood lighten.

She glanced at Kent, her head cocked slightly, her eyes bright.

“Mr. Parsons,” she asked suddenly, “would you say we’re friends now?”

After three years in Luminova City, ending up with a single friend wasn’t such a bad return, she supposed.

Kent looked at her, his answer calm and certain. “Yes, we are.”

Silvia took a slow, deep breath and closed the album app. She slumped back on the couch, massaging her brow, her face turning cold.

For a long moment, she said nothing, then let out a bitter little laugh.

She’d written Shipley’s name as the recipient when she mailed the contract. And yet, somehow, Vianne had managed to claim credit.

What stung the most was that Shipley believed it—and even used it to put her down.

Her laugh was edged with self-mockery. “Well, if the project’s signed, there’s nothing more to say. I’m hanging up.”

She was tired—too tired to argue anymore.

Shipley hadn’t expected her to be so curt, not even bothering to defend herself.

His voice cooled, but there was still that gentle undertone that was uniquely his. He frowned as he spoke. “Sweet Silvia, I told you—you’re in charge of this project. If you don’t want to transfer to the branch office, you don’t have to. Do as you like. But now that you’ve made your point, it’s time to listen. Don’t make me angry again.”

Silvia let out a short, sarcastic laugh, her emotions swirling inside her.