Chapter 16

Stefani's gaze fell upon the papers scattered before her, but her mind remained adrift, lost in a world that Jacob had left behind. She attempted to read the sentences repeatedly, but each word seemed to elude her grasp, leaving her stuck in a state of mental paralysis.

Finally, she set her pen down and closed the folder, her eyes drifting upwards to the blank ceiling. Leaning back in her chair, tears welled up in her eyes as she clutched her heart, desperately trying to quell the ache that consumed her.

The memory of Jacob and Shaira leaving together invaded her thoughts, causing her to glance expectantly at the door, as if hoping for Jacob's return. Yet, nothing happened, and the emptiness within her grew.

Just as she began to sink deeper into despair, her phone rang once again, surprising her. Without hesitation, she answered, only to be greeted by Shaira's ecstatic voice on the other end.

"I believe you now, Stefani! I should never hav