Chapter 325

Samuel returned from his morning run, silhouetted against the rising sun, wearing a gray tracksuit. His energy was palpable, his post-workout glow radiating a magnetic intensity that was hard to ignore. "Shelly, you're up this early," he called out as he walked over to Shelmaine. She looked calm and distant, wearing a white silk blouse and an A-line denim skirt accentuating her waist. Her serene elegance resembled a delicate camellia, subtly fragrant and impossible to look away from. Shelmaine glanced at him but remained silent. Still catching his breath, Samuel said, "Paula's made breakfast. I'm going to shower real quick. Go ahead and eat, alright?" She had no intention of waiting for him. They weren't exactly a happy couple, and there were things she didn't bother with anymore. The thought of sitting down together for a meal? That just wasn't something they did anymore. While Samuel went upstairs to clean up, Shelmaine forced herself to eat a little, though not much. By th