Mr Melendez Your Wife Wants Divorce Long Ago novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

If a scandal were to erupt, Arabella knew she would be forced to step up as Jayceon’s wife, managing the damage and shielding his reputation from ruin.

She lay motionless beneath the soft covers, her eyes unfocused as they drifted toward the ceiling. The room was dim, the faint glow of streetlights filtering through the curtains, casting long shadows across the walls. Her mind replayed the whispers she had heard about Jayceon and Georgina—rumors that had always lingered just out of reach.

Their families had never truly been compatible. The Melendez elders had looked down on Georgina’s humble origins, convinced she was unworthy of Jayceon’s name and status. They had intervened, tearing the couple apart before they could build a life together.

Because Jayceon was barred from marrying Georgina, he had hidden her away, along with their son, keeping them secret from the world. Yet he refused to grant Arabella a divorce, insisting she remain his legal wife to maintain appearances and shield his secrets.

Drained and desperate, Arabella finally broke the silence. “Jayceon, I don’t have the money to pay you back. I can’t do what you want. Isn’t there any other way?” Her voice was soft but edged with exhaustion.

He settled beside her, pulling the blanket up to cover them both. “No,” he replied simply.

Though his touch was gentle, his answer was unwavering.

He switched off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into darkness, and wrapped his arms around her beneath the covers. “Rest now. This weekend, I’ll come with you to see your parents.”

But sleep eluded Arabella. She lay awake, the weight of betrayal heavy on her chest. She had been fooled by his carefully crafted image of kindness and respect—especially toward her family. What she’d mistaken for genuine care was nothing more than cold calculation, a transaction designed to serve his interests.

After days of torment, she had dared to hope she might finally break free. Instead, she found herself trapped even tighter in his grasp.

To Jayceon, she was disposable—an inconvenient pawn—while Georgina and their son, Leandro, held all his affection and importance.

In the faint early morning light filtering through the curtains, Arabella’s eyes traced the sharp angles of Jayceon’s face. The memories of their childhood came rushing back.

At her first birthday party, she recalled, many people and colorful toys surrounded her, yet she had ignored them all. Instead, she clung tightly to Jayceon’s ring finger. Tabitha, their mutual caretaker, had urged him to kiss her, and he had pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. Her mother had laughed, teasing that Arabella had lost her first kiss to him.

It was Tabitha who had suggested their families arrange a marriage pact to strengthen ties between them. After much discussion, the elders agreed, and their engagement was set.

Her love for Jayceon had always been open and pure, even as children. His cold indifference, however, was never hidden.

That they had ended up married and remained bound in a loveless union for three years was, in itself, nothing short of a miracle.

Arabella lay awake until dawn, her mind restless and aching.

When Jayceon stirred early the next morning, he found her still lying beside him—breathing, but distant, unresponsive.

Without a word, he turned away, rose, and went to wash up.

She didn’t bring up divorce again or cause a scene. It seemed she had resigned herself to their fate.

Later, when Jayceon emerged from the closet fully dressed, he noticed something missing. The wedding photo that always stood on the dresser was gone.

He frowned. “Where’s the wedding photo?”

And since it was a transaction, she had every right to negotiate.

Jayceon glanced back at her. “Fine.”

It might be good for her to have something to focus on, a distraction from her restless thoughts.

“I want to move out,” Arabella declared, her voice steady and resolute.

Jayceon’s foot, already stepping away, paused and then returned firmly to the floor. He turned fully toward her. “No way.”

“I’ve loved you for so many years,” Arabella said, her tone unwavering. “I’ve been your wife for three. You betrayed me, yet you refuse to let me go. This hurts. You need to give me time and space to process everything. I want to move out. I need to think clearly.”

Even if leaving seemed impossible right now, she knew she had to find a way.

Jayceon stepped closer and placed his hands on her shoulders, gently guiding her to sit on the edge of the bed.

He perched on the nightstand, his gaze locked on her tired, dull eyes.

“Arabella,” he said in a firm, businesslike tone, “the Melendez Group is a public company. My marital status is a matter of public record. Our actions directly affect its stability.

“As long as we remain married, you will live here. That is not up for discussion.”