Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 587

Sylvia hung her head, her hands trembling so badly she had to grip the doorknob just to steady herself, digging her fingers in until her knuckles ached.

She stumbled back to the couch, feeling like a ghost in her own living room.

She had no idea how long she sat there, lost in her thoughts, until the doorbell rang again, sharp and sudden.

Sylvia jumped to her feet, her body moving almost on instinct, as if to open the door without a second thought.

But at the last second, she stopped herself, lowering her hand with forced restraint.

The doorbell rang again, more urgently this time, and then, without warning, someone on the other side opened the door and came in.

Sylvia’s lips parted in surprise when she saw who it was.

“Ms. Ward?”

“Why weren’t you answering? I thought something happened to you,” Ms. Ward said, her voice tight with worry.

“I’m fine,” Sylvia replied softly.

Ms. Ward frowned, glancing at the door. “If you’re fine, why are there all these meds hanging on your door?”

She handed Sylvia a paper bag.

Sylvia’s arms sagged under the weight. She peered inside—it was full of burn ointments and bandages.

She knew instantly who had left them there.

Ms. Ward leaned in, concern etched on her face. “Did you burn yourself? Let me see—don’t want that leaving a scar.”

Sylvia reluctantly held out her hand. “It really doesn’t hurt anymore,” she reassured her.

Ms. Ward inspected it closely, flipping her hand back and forth twice before finally relaxing. “Well, these meds are a little late, don’t you think? What good are they if the wound’s almost healed?”

Ms. Ward clearly didn’t know who had sent them, so she just spoke her mind.

But to Sylvia, that offhand comment stung like a slap.

Her cheeks burned with shame and frustration—she’d almost opened the door just now, without even thinking.

The truth was, Rupert knew everything. But his concern always came too late, like stale candy nobody wanted. He could ask her at dinner, but he chose to do it quietly, when no one was around.

They both knew why.

Reese.

Sylvia’s expression cooled as she set the bag of medicine aside.

“Sylvia, are you alright?” Ms. Ward noticed the change in her face and asked gently.

The one that landed at Sylvia’s feet was for the school Lester had recommended to her.

It was actually her second choice, but maybe fate had something to do with it—Lester had picked it, too.

After Ms. Ward left, Sylvia picked up the brochure and studied it again.

Finally, with a sense of resolve, she snapped a photo of it and sent it off.

“Alright,” she typed.

Lester replied instantly. “I’ll pick you up after work tomorrow.”

“Okay. I’ll do my best,” Sylvia answered, her tone more earnest than ever.

Lester teased, “What, are you joining my fan club or something?”

Sylvia couldn’t help but laugh at his message. Suddenly, things didn’t feel quite so heavy.

She could do this.

She didn’t want to keep dancing around Rupert, and she definitely didn’t want to hurt Reese.

It was time to move forward.