Chapter 6 Blake Returns

Sarah POV

"Sarah Martinez, I still can't believe you actually got married!" Jessica burst through my door with her signature rapid-fire questioning. "You're usually not this impulsive!"

It was already the next morning, and I'd called Jessica over to help with the stress of moving, not to provide me with more stress through her interrogation. I folded my fashion design sketches from the table while explaining, "Jessica, he's the blind date my Mom arranged."

"Michael Johnson?" She rolled her eyes. "That name sounds like it was picked randomly from a phone book. Sarah, don't you think this is all happening too fast?"

This was Jessica. Ever since my darkest days after dropping out of college and battling depression, she'd been looking out for me exactly like this. Back then, she visited daily, even used her family gallery connections to help me get design freelance work, helping me rediscover hope. And since I told her about my marriage, she'd been worried about my hasty decision.

"You know," Jessica settled onto my couch, her tone turning serious, "I introduced you to so many guys, and you wouldn't even look at them. Now you just meet randomly and get married?"

"Jessica, this wasn't random..."

"And," she continued without stopping, "even though you just got married, if you find you're incompatible, you can still get divorced."

Then she brought up a name I least wanted to hear: "Do you remember Blake? He's killing it in Hollywood now! His movies are breaking box office records. He recently cleared his schedule and came back specifically to organize our high school reunion in a few days, and he even sent you a special invitation in the group chat. Didn't you see it?"

Blake Morrison. My high school classmate and ex-boyfriend. We'd known each other since high school, and then both got into Star City University together. We used to be the golden couple on campus, until...

"Maybe you two could rekindle things," Jessica continued. "He'd definitely be better than this Michael you've known for just a few days."

I responded absent-mindedly, but my mind was replaying those vague, painful memories...

The knocking at the door rescued me from deep thought. My heartbeat inexplicably accelerated.

Opening the door, I found Michael standing there in a simple polo shirt and jeans, holding moving boxes from the supermarket—completely ordinary working-class attire.

"Michael, this is my best friend Jessica. Jessica, this is my husband, Michael Johnson." I introduced them somewhat nervously.

Michael politely extended his hand to Jessica. "Hello, Jessica."

Jessica sized up Michael, then gave me a look. "No wonder. That face is definitely worth it."

I felt my face instantly burn. "Jessica!"

Michael just smiled warmly, showing no embarrassment from the teasing.

After saying goodbye to Mom, the three of us began moving my belongings downstairs. Michael insisted on carrying the heavy boxes while Jessica and I handled smaller items.

"Your husband's got great stamina," Jessica whispered to me down the stairs. "Does he work out regularly?"

I watched Michael effortlessly carrying my heavy boxes filled with books and design work, genuinely surprised. He looked so scholarly; I hadn't expected such strength.

Going downstairs, I noticed Michael's Honda Accord parked next to Jessica's red Tesla, creating a stark contrast.

When we arrived at Skyline Heights, Michael pointed to a white Honda CR-V in the parking space. "Sarah, that's the car I bought you. While you're job hunting, you can go back to the restaurant first. It won't be far to drive."

I stared at the car keys in shock, hardly believing it. "Michael, we only talked about a car last night, and it's already..."

"Don't worry, I checked all the dimensions," he said naturally.

"How did you check the dimensions..." I asked, puzzled.

"By estimation," Michael replied casually. "You're about 5'5", and your arm length suits this car model."

Jessica laughed beside us. "Estimation? Michael, that's incredible!"

She started teasing me, and I pretended to be annoyed and swatted at her, but my heart was actually full of joy. Although the car wasn't luxurious, from last night's suggestion to having it ready now, that efficiency was amazing. And how could he so accurately judge my body measurements?

The two-bedroom apartment had simple but quality furnishings, much better than I'd imagined. Michael skillfully retrieved ingredients from the fridge and began making pasta.

At the dining table, I voiced what I'd been wanting to say: "Michael, I'll find a new job as soon as possible. I don't want to be a burden to you."

"Sarah, my savings are enough to sustain our life," Michael put down his fork and looked at me seriously. "I'll also take care of your mother's rent. You don't need to rush. Take your time finding something you truly enjoy."

Jessica interjected from the side: "Wait, you've known each other for days, and you're already taking on this much responsibility for each other?"

I ducked my head, hoping Michael wouldn't notice how flustered I was. Indeed, everything was developing too quickly, even I found it unreal. But for some reason, when Michael said these words, I felt a sense of security, like being protected.

After the meal, Michael went to the kitchen to wash dishes while Jessica and I sat on the living room couch.

"Sarah," Jessica lowered her voice, "I need to warn you about something."

"What?" I asked curiously.

"Men like Michael... handsome, so generous, and this considerate... lots of women will be watching him. You need to be careful of those scheming women. Don't let him get stolen away!"

"Jessica, you're overthinking this," I shook my head. "Nobody's stealing anything."

Just then, Michael came out of the kitchen and asked, "What about stealing?"

Jessica stood up and began organizing her purse. "Nothing special, just that there's a high school reunion in a few days that Sarah doesn't want to attend. As her husband, you should encourage her. Meeting old classmates might bring new job opportunities, right?"

Michael looked at me. "She has a point. You should consider going. Meet some old classmates, catch up."

I reluctantly nodded in agreement, but internally, I was struggling. I couldn't exactly say I didn't want to go because the reunion's organizer was my ex-boyfriend Blake Morrison, could I? If Michael knew, what would he think?