Chapter 131

Inside another suite in the Cloudscape Community, the furniture and decor had
been hastily rearranged. As soon as Shanley learned Juniper was moving in, he had sent a team to make adjustments.
The suite was a two-story duplex, spacious and well-designed. The living room was now filled with lush green plants, and the balcony had been converted into a small herb garden.
Juniper’s bedroom, in particular, had been meticulously prepared. It wasn’t a lavish princess room, but a simple, elegant space with a pure white design. It felt clean and bright, instantly calming.
“Do you like it?” Shanley asked, his eyes fixed on her face.
“I do.” Juniper glanced around, thoroughly pleased. It was as if this man could read her mind.
“Good.” Shanley gestured for Dana to come forward. “You remember Dana,” he said gently. “From now on, she’ll be looking after you.”
“Good day, Ms. Payne,” Dana said, bowing her head respectfully.
“Please, call me Juniper.” Juniper recognized her from Shanley’s house. Dana had been so kind, and her cooking was incredible.
“That wouldn’t be proper.” Dana shook her head, her demeanor both humble and affectionate. “Ms. Payne, if you need anything at all, just let me know.”
Dana was genuinely fond of the girl. She was stunningly beautiful and had a sweet personality, but…
Dana stole a glance at Shanley and gulped, thinking to herself, she’s just a bit young.
Having raised Mr. Schwartz since he was a boy, she could read him like an open book. She had always assumed he would marry a young lady from a comparable high-society family and settle into a life of convenience. But then, he met Ms. Payne. In all these years, she had never seen him so devoted to anyone.
“You should get some rest,” Shanley said, his deep eyes gazing at her with a hint of a smile. “I’m right next door. Just text me if you need anything.”
“Okay,” Juniper nodded, feeling a little awkward. Other than her grandfather, she’d never lived in such close quarters with any man.
After Shanley and Dana left, Juniper opened the closet and found it filled with new clothes in various styles and colors, all fresh and vibrant, perfectly suited for someone her age. On the desk in her bedroom were her favorite snacks and candies, and next to them was a glass of water, a thoughtful touch to balance out the sweets.
She sat on the bed, staring blankly at her new surroundings. A small crack formed in the walls around her heart, which had been locked away in darkness for so long.
So this was what it felt like to be cherished unconditionally. It was a novel feeling.
…
The next day, she woke to the morning light, surprised that she hadn’t suffered from insomnia as she’d expected.
As she entered the living area, she saw Shanley sitting at the dining table, flipping through the financial news. He was dressed in casual loungewear, his hair simply styled, and he lacked the cool, ascetic aura he usually projected. His features were sharp and elegant, his every movement refined, making it hard to look away. But he seemed to have slept poorly; there was a touch of weariness in his eyes.
“Mr. Schwartz, you were so worried Ms. Payne wouldn’t be able to sleep in a new environment that you stayed up all night,” Dana said as she poured him a cup of coffee. “Why don’t you go back and get some rest?”
“I’m fine.” Shanley glanced at his watch. Juniper would be up soon. If she didn’t see him, she might be disappointed.
Juniper froze. He had stayed up all night just because he was worried about her?
Just then, Dana spotted her standing at the entrance to the dining room. “Good morning, Ms. Payne,” she said with a smile. “Breakfast is ready. Please, come and sit.”