Mr Melendez Your Wife Wants Divorce Long Ago novel Chapter 236

**Her Spark Ignites Tonight**
By J.S. Caldwell

**Chapter 236**

After a long day of work, Arabella sank into her favorite armchair, the soft fabric welcoming her as she flicked on the television. Almost instantly, her attention was ensnared by an interview featuring Jayceon on the financial channel from M Country.

Clad in a meticulously tailored suit that accentuated his tall, commanding figure, Jayceon radiated an undeniable authority that was impossible to overlook. Among a cadre of older, seasoned business moguls, he stood out like a beacon, his demeanor cold and ascetic, a powerful force that seemed to overshadow everyone else in the room.

In her younger, more naive days, Arabella had found herself utterly captivated by Jayceon’s striking appearance, a fascination that had ultimately derailed her romantic life and strained her marriage.

Ah, how deceptive appearances can be.

As she watched him, a wave of realization washed over her. It was high time to have a serious conversation with that ‘troll’—her playful nickname for him—about his obsession with superficiality.

With a decisive flick of her wrist, Arabella seized the remote and switched off the television, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions.

Meanwhile, in his hotel room, Jayceon was wrestling with his own tumultuous thoughts. He stared at the wall calendar, the days blurred together into a haze of frustration and neglect. It had been a grueling half-month since he had embarked on this business trip to M Country, and not once had Arabella reached out to him—no calls, no texts, nothing.

Every time he had attempted to connect, he had been met with the same dismissive response: “I’m busy.”

Frustration bubbled within him, and he turned to his assistant, Steve, with a sense of urgency. “Let’s wrap up everything here as quickly as possible. We’re flying back tomorrow.”

**Weekend at The Azure Bay Estates**

Back at home, Arabella was busy converting the lounge into a vibrant poker arena, her excitement palpable. Today, she was partnered with Samuel, while Jayceon—her ‘troll’—was paired with Julian.

In the kitchen, Victoria was immersed in her culinary duties, the enticing aromas wafting through the air, filling the room with a warm, inviting scent. Emmett flitted around, serving tea and water to the group, his cheerful demeanor a welcome addition to the gathering.

As Arabella drew a card, a smile crept onto her face, the corners of her lips curving upward.

Living a life filled with wealth, devoid of a man, was blissful, she mused. Just one word encapsulated her feelings: bliss.

Leo, increasingly agitated as the game progressed, called out, “Emmett, fetch me a bottle of cold water!”

Emmett darted off, returning swiftly with the cold water, “Here you go, Leo.”

Samuel pointed to a lighter resting nearby, and Emmett promptly handed it over, “Here, Sam.”

Arabella noticed a jacket draped carelessly over the sofa and directed Emmett, “Could you grab that for Julian?”

With a swift motion, Emmett retrieved the jacket and draped it over Julian’s shoulders, “Julian, be careful not to catch a cold.”

Julian offered him a grateful smile, “When you have a moment, go choose a sports car from Vance Manor.”

Leo chimed in, “Emmett, why not consider studying in Europe? I’ll cover all your expenses.”

Samuel teased, “With me as his brother, you all needn’t worry about him.”

Emmett grinned sweetly, “You three brothers are so generous. Just remember, if you drink too much, you can crash on the floor with me.”

While the playful banter continued among the men, Arabella remained focused on her cards, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Arabella tugged gently on Jayceon’s arm, “That’s something my parents can worry about. You should steer clear of it.”

Jayceon’s gaze hardened as it shifted from Emmett back to Arabella, the tension thickening between them like a storm cloud ready to burst.

“Get up. I’ll take a few rounds for you,” he stated, his voice low and commanding.

Arabella, sensing his intent, instinctively shielded her cards from his view. “No way! I finally have a good hand.”

After an afternoon of losing, she was determined to finish this round and turn her luck around.

The memory of Six, who had once lost a significant sum to Jayceon aboard a cruise ship, flashed through her mind, igniting a spark of defiance within her.

As Jayceon prepared to take her place, Six sprang from his seat. “I’m not playing with you!”

Samuel, who had never once beaten Jayceon in poker, shook his head defiantly. “Playing with Arabella is fun and games. Playing with you? That’s high-stakes gambling. Just stay away.”

**Conclusion**

In the charged atmosphere of the poker game, Arabella felt the weight of Jayceon’s return pressing down on her, a stark reminder of the unresolved tensions that had simmered during his absence. The playful banter around her faded into the background as her heart raced, caught between the thrill of the game and the tumultuous emotions that had been brewing between her and Jayceon. She had relished the freedom of her life without him, yet his presence now ignited a spark within her that she couldn’t ignore. The familiar warmth of his gaze, tinged with frustration and longing, stirred something deep inside her—a yearning for connection that she had thought she had buried beneath layers of independence and self-sufficiency.

As Jayceon stood before her, the distance between them felt insurmountable, yet the spark of their shared history flickered to life, challenging her to confront the feelings she had tried to suppress. The game, once a distraction, transformed into a battleground for their emotions, where every card drawn echoed the unspoken words that hung between them. Arabella realized that the bliss she had found in her independence was now intertwined with the complexity of their relationship. With a deep breath, she understood that it was time to bridge the gap between them, to face the truth of their feelings, and to reignite the passion that had once defined their bond. The night ahead promised not just a game of chance, but a pivotal moment in their lives—one where the stakes were higher than any poker match they had ever played.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the tension in the room escalates, readers can anticipate a riveting showdown between Jayceon and Arabella that will challenge the very foundations of their relationship. With Jayceon’s authoritative presence clashing against Arabella’s newfound independence, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Arabella maintain her defiant stance at the poker table, or will Jayceon’s commanding aura compel her to reconsider her priorities? The dynamics of their partnership are on the brink of transformation, and the sparks of unresolved emotions are bound to ignite a confrontation that neither of them is fully prepared for.

Moreover, the playful camaraderie among the group hints at deeper connections and unspoken rivalries that are just waiting to unravel. As Emmett, Samuel, and Leo navigate their own relationships, the underlying tension between Jayceon and the men could lead to unexpected alliances or fierce confrontations. With the poker game serving as a metaphor for the larger game of life they are all playing, the next chapter promises to delve into the intricacies of loyalty, ambition, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Will Arabella choose the thrill of the game, or will she finally confront the emotional stakes that Jayceon represents? Readers should brace themselves for a whirlwind of emotions, revelations, and perhaps a few surprising twists that will keep them on the edge of their seats.