The Apple of My Eye

"That's possible. They haven't seen me in a while. They probably miss me now." A light smile appeared on Sheryl's face.

Cassie smiled back. "Sher, Nick and I saw the live show on TV. We really think Charles still cares about you. You'll definitely see him again soon!"

However, Sheryl only appeared sadder despite Cassie's words of encouragement. She really had a hard time dealing with anything to do with Charles as she still couldn't understand her feelings about him. Cassie could tell that something was off with Sheryl too, but she just thought that Sheryl was probably thinking about Charles and was ashamed that she was.

"Sher, this is just my opinion, but if I may?" Cassie packed up her tools as she was already done with Sheryl's check-up, then she continued, "I really think Charles still has feelings for you, because if not then he wouldn't have..."

"Cassie, please stop," Sheryl cut Cassie off. She then said, "Just let it be. By the way, I think I've already recovered, don't you think so? Do you think I can be discharged now, given my current condition?" Cassie merely nodded as she could tell that Sheryl didn't really feel like talking about it. She said, "Yes, you look great, but to be sure, I have to check with Scott again. If everything's fine, you should be able to leave tomorrow."

"That sounds great. I'm dying of boredom here. I have nothing to do!" Sheryl smiled bitterly. Being bedridden for such a long time was more than she could take.

"Hey, Sher, I didn't think you of all people could get bored!" Cassie joked as she wanted to tease Sheryl.

Sheryl pretended to be mad at Cassie as she glared at her, "Hey, young lady! You have Nick with you whenever you go out. You can go shopping and watch movies all day long while I'm stuck here all day long! I've got nothing to do here. Of course, I'm going to get bored!"

Cassie blushed. "Sher! How dare you make fun of me! I won't talk to you anymore!"

She quickly cleaned up and ran out of the ward, with Sheryl laughing heartily behind her. Even in the corridor, Sheryl's laughter could be heard.

Meanwhile, in the Dream Garden, it was a quiet day.

Melissa was excitedly staring at her TV. Her eyes were fixed on the screen as if her life depended on it.

Nancy had fetched a bowl of soup from the kitchen, and she was just about to call Melissa for lunch when she saw Melissa so focused on watching the TV-something she'd never seen before. She discreetly walked toward Melissa to see what she was watching.

The press conference held by the Shining Company had just finished, and the reporter had cut in with a piece of breaking news. Nancy was a bit confused as she didn't know what she was watching. "Madam, what are you watching? It's like you can't take your eyes off the TV," Nancy asked in confusion.

Melissa then suddenly heaved a sigh of relief as a smile slowly crept unto her face. She didn't answer Nancy just yet-instead, she picked up her coffee and took a sip before letting out another long breath. "Madam, are you okay? What is it?" Nancy was even more confused. She had never seen Melissa like this before.

Only then did Melissa turn to look at Nancy. She was grinning as she spoke, "Have you heard? Charles and Sher are going to get back together soon."

"Oh, my God. Is that for real?" Nancy looked completely shocked as she didn't think that Sheryl could still forgive Charles after everything that had happened. This was truly surprising to her. "But how did it happen? I thought that they were... What exactly happened to them, Madam?" Nancy pressed.

Melissa then started to explain to Nancy. "Charles just held a press conference on TV. He said that everything he's done and everything he'll be doing is all for Sheryl's protection. I believe Sheryl was watching too, and I really think she's going to be moved by Charles' gesture. They might get back together if things turn out for the better. I'm very confident about this."

Nancy nodded in agreement. "I don't really know what happened exactly, but I believe you, madam. I'm so happy to hear this! You have no idea how much I've been missing Clark and Shirley. If they don't get back together, how do you think that will affect the kids?"

Melissa agreed, then she added, "Yeah, you're right. I was worried about the same thing too! The kids need both their father and their mother. They're still too young. I don't even want to think how having separated parents is going to affect them growing up. I don't care even care that much about all the adults involved here. My main priority is Clark and Shirley. I only want what's best for them."

Nancy was very happy to hear this. She was glad to see Melissa maturing and finally seeing things clearly.

After all, there was nothing more important than family.

Charles had been busy this whole afternoon dealing with work. After everything, Charles suddenly felt a strong sense of void and emptiness at the bottom of his heart.

He couldn't remember the last time he felt this way, but he knew for a fact that he really hadn't smiled much since separating from Sheryl and the kids. That had left a gaping void in his heart that could not be filled in any other way.

He missed the kids and Sheryl so badly. He missed his family. All he could do was sit in his office alone and reminisce about the good times.

What was even more ridiculous was that he'd done something so stupid that he himself couldn't explain it. He just practically gave Sheryl away to another man.

He'd already severed his connection with Sheryl, and there was probably no turning back for the two of them.

Charles shook his head and snorted at himself. He then stood up from his seat and grabbed his coat before leaving the office.

"Charles!" David immediately came over and greeted him when he saw Charles leaving the office.

"You may get off early today." Charles had never granted such a privilege since he started this company.

"Of course," David said automatically, then he turned and did a double-take, looking at Charles in shock. "What... I beg your pardon, sir?"

"Get everyone off early. No overtime today. Spread the word," Charles said lightly and gave David an affirmative smile before he left the company.

A couple of clerks nearby had heard what Charles had said. They, too, were shocked.

"Oh, my God! I think Charles just smiled at me! He actually smiled!" a woman said as she blushed. She couldn't help but be smitten.

"Yes! I saw it too, and he let us get off work early! Who is this person? Is this really Charles? This isn't like him! Maybe he has a twin!" The other girl was even more swooped away by Charles' generosity, and her eyes were flashing with admiration and affection.

David shook his head in disapproval. As a matter of fact, he, too, was equally shocked by the sudden change of pace from Charles. He quickly put together that this sudden change must have something to do with the press conference Charles had held earlier that day.

David couldn't understand why Charles would do that. Charles practically gave up Sheryl.

Everyone's been gossiping about Damian and Sheryl. Now that Charles had publicly announced that he and Sheryl are divorced, that was only going to fuel the speculations surrounding Sheryl and Damian. This was all completely acceptable as Sheryl had every right to date whomever she pleased, especially since she was no longer married. Charles had no say in her personal life anymore.

David couldn't help but think that Charles had gone crazy. How could he do that?

Naturally, David didn't say anything about his concerns to Charles as he knew it wasn't his place. At this moment, Charles was on his way to the Cloud Advertising Company.