Rebirth: The New Bride Wants A Divorce-Chapter 341: I am late

Last night, Shawn had planned to have dinner and head back home. That had been the intention. But the moment he noticed how cautious Betty still was, how her smiles were forced and her shoulders stiff even while she pretended to be fine, he decided to stay.

One night, he told himself. Just to make sure she was calm. Just to make sure she felt safe enough to forget everything that had shaken her.

They lay on the bed side by side, the lights dim, the quiet humming with a comfort that neither of them spoke about. Shawn turned slightly toward her, lifting his hand to brush her hair back. It was a small gesture, meant only to soothe. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, lingering there as if grounding both of them.

She relaxed under his touch.

Encouraged, he kissed the tip of her nose, smiling when she scrunched it slightly, a soft breath of laughter escaping her lips. And then his gaze dropped to the most sinful feature of her face. Her lips. He hesitated, searching her eyes for any sign of hesitation.

"Is this okay?" he asked softly.

Betty nodded, her cheeks already warming. "Yes."

Shawn leaned in and kissed her. Slowly. Carefully. Not like the other times.

They had kissed before, but every time Betty had been drunk, half lost in the moment before slipping away into sleep, leaving Shawn restless and painfully aware of how much self control it took not to cross a line.

Those nights had left him wound tight, aching, and determined to never take advantage of her vulnerability. But last night was different.

She kissed him back.

It was shy at first, hesitant, but real. Time slipped past them unnoticed as they exchanged soft kisses, unhurried and tender, until the weight of the day finally caught up with them. At some point, without either of them realizing when, they drifted into sleep.

Morning arrived quietly and Shawn woke first, blinking against the pale light spilling through the curtains.

His arm was around Betty, her head tucked against his chest, her breathing slow and even. For a moment, he simply watched her, a lazy smile spreading across his face.

When she stirred, he tightened his arm slightly.

Betty blinked awake, confused for half a second before memory rushed back to her. Her eyes widened and she froze.

"Oh my God," she whispered.

Shawn chuckled, his voice still thick with sleep. "Good morning to you too."

She pushed herself up just enough to look at him, her face turning a shade pinker by the second. "I did not plan this."

"You planned none of it?" he asked innocently. "Not even the part where you stole all the blankets?"

"I did not steal anything," she protested, tugging the blanket up to her chin. "And why are you smiling like that?"

"Because you are adorable when you panic," he said, brushing his thumb over her cheek. "Relax, Betty. Nothing bad happened. Unless you consider me surviving the night without losing my mind a tragedy."

Her eyes widened again. "Shawn."

"What?" he asked, grinning. "I behaved."

She hid her face against his chest, groaning. "Please stop talking."

He laughed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "You kissed me back. Fully awake. I am allowed to tease you at least a little."

She peeked up at him, embarrassed but smiling now. "You are impossible."

"And you are very cute in the morning," he replied. "Especially when you are shy."

Betty rolled her eyes, but she did not move away. Instead, she relaxed against him again, the awkwardness melting into something warm and familiar.

Shawn held her close, content, knowing that last night had been exactly what they both needed.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in the warmth of each other, the morning quiet and unhurried. Betty’s head rested against Shawn’s chest, her fingers lightly clutching his shirt as if she was afraid the moment would slip away if she moved.

Then reality hit her all at once.

"Oh no," she blurted out, suddenly pushing herself away.

Shawn frowned in confusion as she scrambled off the bed, nearly tripping in her hurry. "What happened?"

"I am late," she said breathlessly, rushing around the room. "I have class at the academy. I cannot believe I slept in."

He sat up, watching her frantic movements with an amused smile. "You look like a mouse running around."

"This is not funny," she muttered, grabbing her clothes. "If I miss another lecture, my professor will actually murder me."

Shawn laughed softly and swung his legs off the bed. "Relax. I will drop you."

She froze mid step and turned to look at him. "You will?"

"Of course," he replied easily. "You really think I am letting you panic your way to class?"

Her shoulders relaxed instantly. "Thank you."

They moved quickly after that. Betty rushed to get dressed while Shawn did the same, both of them weaving around each other in the small space, occasionally bumping shoulders. Breakfast was simple and rushed, toast and coffee, eaten between hurried glances at the clock.

"You are going to burn your tongue," Shawn warned as she took a large sip.

"I do not have time to wait," she said, wincing slightly anyway.

He shook his head, smiling, and grabbed the keys. Minutes later, they were in the car, heading toward the academy. Betty checked her bag repeatedly, nerves creeping back in.

"You have everything," Shawn assured her. "Notes, books, phone. You are good."

She exhaled slowly. "I hope so."

When they reached the academy, Shawn pulled over near the entrance. Betty hesitated for a second before opening the door.

"Thank you," she said softly. "For staying. For this morning. For everything."

Shawn met her gaze, his expression gentle. "Anytime, Betty."

Her cheeks warmed, and she nodded before stepping out of the car and hurrying toward the building. Shawn waited until she disappeared inside before driving off, a quiet smile lingering on his face until the smile faded and his eyes turned dark.