**Her Spark Ignites Tonight**
**By J.S. Caldwell**
**Chapter 174**
“Jayceon, I can’t envision a life that includes the three of us,” she declared, her voice steady yet tinged with an underlying tremor.
Jayceon remained silent, his grip around her tightening as if he could shield her from the world’s harsh realities by simply holding her close.
Even though she voiced her reluctance, he found himself unable to release her. A part of him clung to the hope that perhaps, in time, her feelings might shift.
Their conversation, filled with unspoken words and unresolved tension, came to an abrupt halt, leaving an air of discomfort hanging between them.
Inside the sterile confines of the hospital room, Jayceon sat quietly, cradling Arabella in his arms. The soft beeping of machines and the faint smell of antiseptic surrounded them, creating a cocoon of intimacy amidst the clinical atmosphere.
Arabella surrendered to his embrace, offering no resistance, no protests, nor tears. It was as if she had decided to retreat into a world of silence, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions that had once defined her.
Tonight, Jayceon had not acquiesced to the idea of a divorce, nor had he agreed to pave the way for Georgina and her son’s future. His heart was heavy with the weight of responsibility, driven by a protective instinct for Georgina and her child, fueled by the nagging suspicions he harbored about the old man’s manipulative tactics.
Georgina had once been his savior during their college years, a beacon of light that had made him view her through a lens of admiration and affection. Yet, the passage of time had altered their dynamics. She had ventured abroad for six long years, enduring trials and tribulations that had transformed her into a resilient woman, returning with a son who bore his name.
The realization that Georgina had failed to persuade him to abandon everything for her and their child led him to conclude that perhaps she lacked the cunning necessary to navigate the complexities of their lives. It seemed her only escape lay in finding a way to lower her defenses, to form an alliance with Arabella that would ultimately secure their positions.
Arabella nestled contentedly in his arms, an unusual calmness enveloping her. Yet, rather than bringing him solace, her tranquility ignited a sense of unease within him.
He recalled the chaos that had ensued when Georgina first returned, the way Arabella had threatened him with self-harm, her emotions spilling over like a dam bursting. In those moments, he had perceived her as erratic, a tempest that lacked the composure he craved.
Now, however, her serenity felt like a warning bell, an unsettling prelude to something he couldn’t quite grasp. His heart raced with an inexplicable dread, sensing that beneath her placid exterior, a storm might still be brewing.
When Arabella requested her phone, Jayceon rose to retrieve it, his mind racing through a myriad of thoughts. Arabella had informed her parents she was in Oriaville with him, promising to return in a few days.
Over the subsequent days, she focused intently on her recovery, determined to regain her strength. She had responsibilities waiting for her, and she needed to heal quickly to reclaim her life.
Jayceon remained steadfast by her side, refusing to leave the hospital even for a moment, his dedication unwavering as he cared for her.
On the seventh day following Christmas, Arabella insisted on being discharged. The desire for freedom pulsed through her, and she was ready to reclaim her independence.
While Jayceon busied himself with the discharge paperwork, Georgina arrived unexpectedly, her presence filling the room with tension.
As Georgina entered, carrying a basket brimming with fruits, Arabella felt an involuntary smile tugging at her lips. This was fortuitous; she wouldn’t have to seek Georgina out herself.
Arabella, maintaining her composure, began to gather her belongings, including her phone charger.
Jayceon’s gaze flickered between the two women, finally settling on Georgina.
In a low voice, he inquired, “What are you doing here?”
Georgina, her eyes darting nervously, stammered, “I, uh, came to apologize to Mrs. Melendez.”
“Are you finished?” Jayceon’s voice was cold, cutting through the tension like a knife.
Georgina nodded hastily, eager to comply.
“You can leave now,” Jayceon stated flatly.
Georgina hesitated, taking a couple of steps backward before stopping herself. Her voice trembled slightly as she began, “Jay, Mrs. Melendez has already accepted my apology. We were just—”
“Don’t make me repeat myself!” Jayceon interrupted, his expression hardening, the chill in his voice leaving no room for argument.

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