Mr Melendez Your Wife Wants Divorce Long Ago novel Chapter 129

**Chapter 129**

Arabella had a sinking feeling in her gut. She understood all too well that Jayceon’s visit today was not just a casual drop-in; it was a calculated move to gauge her family’s reaction. The tension in the air was palpable, and she could sense the undercurrents of frustration swirling around her parents.

If she lingered any longer, she feared her parents would lose their appetite for the meal laid out before them.

With a determined sigh, Arabella grabbed her bag and stood up, a sudden resolve coursing through her. “I think I’ll head to the supermarket for a few things. You can drive me,” she announced, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Jayceon shot her a quick glance, his expression unreadable, before rising to his feet as well.

In front of the Palmer family, he draped his arm around her shoulder with an intimacy that felt forced. “Dad, Mom, Arabella and I are heading back now,” he declared, his tone deceptively casual as if they were merely two friends on an outing rather than a couple navigating a minefield of emotions.

Before they exited, Jayceon turned to Emmett, a smirk playing on his lips. “Emmett, you’re on break for a few days. Spend less time glued to your phone and make sure to take good care of Mom. Let Dad get some proper rest.”

Arabella’s heart sank as she observed her family’s barely contained anger. She broke free from Jayceon’s hold, her frustration bubbling to the surface, and made her way out of the hospital room, her steps quickening.

Jayceon was a master at maintaining appearances, effortlessly weaving through the complexities of their situation. She felt a pang of inadequacy; her own cunning paled in comparison to his.

As she reached the hospital entrance, just as she was about to slide into the car, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket. It was Zachary calling.

“Hey, Arabella! I’ve been worried. How’s everything?” His voice was warm and filled with genuine concern, wrapping around her like a comforting blanket.

A smile crept onto her face despite everything. “Thank you, Zachary. My mom has already woken up,” she replied, the warmth in her heart spreading like sunlight breaking through clouds.

Jayceon stood beside her, his eyes laser-focused on her face. He noticed how a simple word of concern from someone outside their twisted relationship could bring tears to her eyes.

He had sacrificed so much for her, yet she felt like she was taking it all for granted.

Once the call ended, they climbed into the car, the silence between them thick and oppressive. In the plush back seat of the luxury vehicle, Jayceon took the initiative, his hand reaching out to clasp hers.

Arabella instinctively tried to pull her hand away, but he was relentless. With a swift motion, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her closer into his embrace.

“Come on, you must be exhausted after such a hectic morning at the hospital. Just close your eyes and rest for a bit. I promise I’ll wake you when we arrive,” he said, his voice smooth yet laced with an unmistakable dominance.

Conrad looked at his son with a glimmer of pride in his eyes, as if he were witnessing a triumphant moment.

“Now that you’ve come to your senses, Arabella, just focus on living a good life with Jay. Don’t make a fuss over trivial matters,” he said, his tone dismissive, as if her feelings were inconsequential.

Arabella bit her tongue, suppressing the myriad of thoughts swirling in her head.

Sir shot Jayceon a warning glance, then turned his attention to Arabella, his voice steady and authoritative. “As long as I’m here, your status as the Melendez heir’s wife is unassailable. Don’t let those unsavory women outside bother you,” he reassured, his words tinged with a sense of ownership.

Arabella lowered her gaze, murmuring a perfunctory, “Thank you, Grandpa.” But inside, she knew the truth. To both Sir and her father-in-law, she was merely a pawn, a piece to be utilized when advantageous and discarded when no longer needed.

Midway through the meal, overwhelmed by the weight of the situation, Arabella excused herself from the table. She couldn’t find the appetite to eat, nor did she possess the energy to engage in Jayceon’s charade of a perfect family.

Tabitha noticed her absence and followed her out, gently pulling her into a quiet side room.

“Arabella, please, take a moment to reflect on what Mom told you. Don’t let it consume you,” she urged, her voice filled with concern.