He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 82

As soon as Houston stepped out of the Clayrance Estate, Noah was already on the phone. “Follow Houston’s car,” he ordered his secretary. “I want to know his wife’s identity before the end of today.”

“Yes, sir.”

…

By the time Houston returned to Bloomingdale Residence, it was three in the morning. Rose had long since been claimed by sleep, unable to fight off the drowsiness.

Half-asleep, she felt a strong arm wrap around her and pull her close. She murmured, “Houston, why are you just getting home? I waited so long for you.”

His voice was gentle. “Rose, Grandpa’s birthday is coming up. He wants us to host the celebration. What do you think?”

Still groggy, Rose’s sluggish mind took a moment to process.

Houston’s eyes, dark as midnight, shimmered with expectation.

Then came her soft reply, “Houston… I have social anxiety. I don’t think I can handle something like that. I’m sorry.”

Disappointment flickered in Houston’s eyes like a passing shadow. But he still respected her answer. “I was the one being inconsiderate. You’re not good with crowds, after all.”

Rose looped her arms around his neck. “Thanks for understanding, hubby.”

“Sleep now.” He kissed her forehead softly.

Rose drifted back into slumber. But Houston remained awake, eyes open, staring into the pitch-black ceiling. His pupils, deep and sharp, glinted with a lonely cold light.

The alarm rang again and again, but Rose didn’t stir.

Sam grumbled, “What’s going on with this girl? The sun’s halfway up and she’s still not up? Isn’t she usually the eager one about work?”

Linda frowned. “Hope she’s not sick.”

Sam, now worried, rushed to her door and knocked. “Rose? You’re going to be late! Are you not feeling well?”

The door creaked open. Rose stood in her pajamas, hair loose and sleep still clinging to her eyes. “I’m not on duty this morning,” she mumbled.

Sam and Linda blinked, then looked at Houston, who was casually sipping a drink on the couch.

“You two got something planned today?” Sam asked.

Houston looked just as confused.

It wasn’t unusual for people to take time off—but for Rose, who loved her job, taking a sudden break was odd.

Rose sighed. “Ethan was promoted. The hospital gave him my office. So now my shift hours have been cut way back.”

Sam’s face immediately darkened. “What?! There are plenty of offices—why’d they cut yours?”

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