All Chapters of Side Chick Era… Over: Chapter 2161 - Chapter 2170

Only the bitter aroma of coffee lingered in the air, curling softly through the quiet space.For some reason, a memory surfaced in Sharon's mind—something Thomas had once told her."Sharon, there's still so much I can do for you. When I can no longer provide any value to you… will you at least wait until then before you stop wanting me?"Just then, the gentle chime of the doorbell broke the silence.Marina had come to see the cats again.After greeting each of them and opening cans of cat food, her gaze landed on Sharon by the window.Her eyes lit up, bright and lively like a painting coming to life."Sharon! We meet again!" She walked over with obvious delight. "I haven't seen you in a while. I thought you weren't coming anymore."Sharon paused slightly. "Marina, were you looking for me?"Marina smiled. "Not really. I just happen to be very much a 'visual person'—I like beautiful things. It's rare to see someone as beautiful as you, Sharon. I just wanted to admire you a littl

Marina continued her story, "Her new cat was nothing like that unruly cat, who was too strong-willed and possessive."So even though the previous cat had stayed by her side for so long and given her everything it possibly could, outsiders still felt it could never compare to the more obedient one."People praised the well-behaved cat instead, slowly forgetting the one from before. Whenever they did remember it, or spoke of it at all, it was only in terms of how it had become violent or hurt others—completely erasing the happiness it had once brought."But what had it done wrong, really? If you chose it in the first place, you couldn't only enjoy its gentleness and refuse to bear responsibility for its flaws. So before I'm certain I can take full responsibility for a cat, I'd rather not raise one at all."For some reason, Sharon found herself especially drawn to this story, vaguely fixated on that unruly cat.She looked at Marina. "Does the story have a continuation?"Marina said,

There was no deliberate avoidance or coldness—just the natural distance of people who knew of each other, but were not truly familiar. A simple acquaintance, nothing more.Seeing that Thomas had finished a piece of dessert, Marina asked a little nervously, yet with clear anticipation, "Thomas, how is it? Is it good?"Thomas replied, "Mm. Very good."At his answer, a bright smile bloomed on Marina's face, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as well. It was the kind of expression only seen when someone received praise from the person they liked.Seeing this, Sharon suddenly felt a faint sense of suffocation. She lowered her eyes slightly and took a sip of tea to conceal it.Jamie's low, husky voice came from beside her. "Marina and Thomas, you guys seem quite close."Marina turned toward him. "Mm yeah, we're friends."Jamie's tone carried something unreadable. "Thomas certainly has quite a few female friends."Marina looked surprised. "Does he? As far as I know, besides Carmen, Tho

Marina's voice seemed to drift through layers of dense fog before reaching Sharon's ears."Thomas, I packed some pastries for you. When you're hungry, you can eat them so your stomach won't act up again."I also packed more floral tea—specially blended for your stomach. And some warming tea too… if you get caught in the rain, just drink a cup and it'll drive out the cold."Last time you were so sick and didn't even tell me. I only found out from Liam and Doug—you actually had a fever for three days and ended up in the hospital."It seemed she wanted to give Thomas everything she considered the best in the world.Just then, Jamie suddenly stood up."It's getting late. We should head back."Only then did Marina shift her attention away from Thomas. She didn't seem particularly fond of Jamie."Alright. Feel free to leave first."She then looked at Sharon. "Sharon, you can stay a little longer if you'd like."Sharon lowered her lashes, concealing the thoughts in her eyes."It's

Although Sharon knew the password to Thomas's villa, she couldn't simply barge in now that he was home.The two of them could only ring the doorbell.After nearly half an hour, the villa door finally opened.Thomas stood at the entrance in casual clothes. His hair was still slightly damp, clearly just out of the shower.Seeing Sharon and Jamie, he raised a brow."Sharon, I don't think we're that close. Bringing people to my house so many times—don't you think that's inappropriate?"Not that close…For a moment, Sharon thought of Marina again, and a faint tightness rose in her chest.But now was not the time for sentimentality. She quickly composed herself."Thomas, we've lost a cat. The surveillance shows you were the one who took it. That's why we came uninvited—to ask whether you've brought the tabby cat back?"Thomas stood at the doorway without any intention of letting them in."A tabby cat did scratch me," he said lazily.Sharon's gaze shifted—and sure enough, there we