Mr Melendez Your Wife Wants Divorce Long Ago novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

“That was a public place, Gina. We weren’t alone,” Jayceon said firmly, his voice carrying a hint of concern. “But this—this is your home. Having a married man stay overnight? It’s bad for your reputation.”

Gina smiled softly, a gentle warmth in her eyes. “It’s alright. You’re not some stranger to me.”

Jayceon’s tone sharpened slightly. “To you, I am a stranger.”

Her smile faltered, caught off guard by the sudden chill in his voice.

Though his words were gentle, there was no room left for debate.

A self-deprecating smile tugged at her lips. “After all these years apart, we’ve grown so distant.”

Seeing the hurt flicker across Georgina’s face, Jayceon let out a deep sigh. “Gina, I know this has been hard on you. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for a live-in housekeeper, a car, and a driver to make things easier.”

He moved toward the door but paused, turning back to her. “Gina, from now on, avoid Arabella. Don’t put yourself in her path deliberately.”

Georgina was struck silent, the weight of his words sinking in.

“This isn’t up for discussion,” Jayceon added firmly. “It’s non-negotiable.”

Arabella loved him fiercely.

She would never tolerate a rival.

If those two women crossed paths, Georgina would undoubtedly come out the worse for it.

Quickly, she nodded in understanding. “Don’t worry, Jay. I’ll do as you say.”

As she closed the door behind him, Georgina’s mind raced. What exactly did he mean by that? She could still feel the lingering emotions beneath his words. Was it because she was divorced that he had no intention of leaving his wife for her?

Satisfied for the moment, Jayceon left the apartment.

Over an hour later, inside a private club nestled in the heart of Zelmere, Jayceon glanced up as the door swung open. He poured two fresh glasses of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the dim light.

Samuel slouched onto the sofa opposite him, legs stretched out and feet resting casually on the coffee table, embodying the effortless charm of a carefree playboy. His eyes locked on Jayceon’s, taking in the tension etched across his features.

“Trouble at home?” Samuel asked, voice easy but perceptive.

Jayceon swirled his drink, exhaustion evident. “I can’t get through to her right now.”

Ever the keen observer, Samuel nodded knowingly. “Jay, Georgina came back for you. If you don’t come clean, Arabella will walk away eventually.”

Jayceon waved off the warning lightly. “She won’t divorce me.”

Emotionally, Arabella was deeply attached to him. She loved him, depended on him, and couldn’t imagine life without him.

Financially, there was no way she could repay all he had spent on her family over the years.

“Gina came from nothing. She’s simple. To secure my inheritance, my grandfather forced her into a marriage abroad. She suffered for years because of me. I owe her.”

He continued quietly, “She was abused. Her health is broken. She battles severe depression. I have to look after her.”

A knowing smile crept across Samuel’s face. “Just admit it. You still have feelings for her.”

Jayceon frowned. “Sam, she almost destroyed her life for me. It’s responsibility, not feelings, that drives my actions.”

“Gina forbids me from explaining things to Arabella because she’s fragile and proud,” Jayceon added. “She’s terrified Arabella will use it against her, terrified of the gossip—that people will say she’s manipulating my pity to break up my marriage and claw her way up.”

Samuel countered, “She forbids you from explaining, depends on you for everything, drains your money, your time, your energy—even your marriage. If that’s not calculation, what is?”

“It’s different,” Jayceon insisted. “I’m compensating her willingly. It’s my choice.”

“You feel guilt, responsibility, and some lingering affection for Georgina. But what about Arabella? What did she do wrong?”

Weariness seeped into Jayceon’s voice. “She did nothing wrong.”

“She did nothing wrong,” Samuel repeated, “but you won’t explain, and you’re blocking her escape. With Arabella’s personality, you’re suffocating her emotionally.”

A tight knot formed in Jayceon’s chest, but he refused to accept it was that serious. “I’ve allowed her to work. She’ll feel better having something to occupy her.”

Samuel shook his head, unconvinced. “That’s not enough, Jay. You need to face the truth before it’s too late.”