Mr Melendez Your Wife Wants Divorce Long Ago novel Chapter 237

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

**Chapter 237**

The mere prospect of Jayceon entering the poker game sent an electric wave of anxiety coursing through the room. Whispers of concern flitted among the group like restless shadows; if they allowed him to join, he would surely wipe them out, leaving nothing but hollow wallets and bruised egos in his wake.

Julian, ever the confident charmer, leaned back in his chair, a playful grin dancing on his lips. He broke the palpable tension with a lighthearted quip, “You know,” he began, his voice smooth and teasing, “I would absolutely relish the opportunity to challenge Mr. Melendez. Bring it on!”

Arabella, sensing the brewing storm, quickly stepped in to divert the brewing conflict. With a firm grip on Jayceon’s arm, she tugged him toward the sanctuary of the bedroom, her tone both insistent and warm. “Come on, I had Victoria whip up your favorite dishes. Go shower and change; dinner will be ready shortly.”

Jayceon hesitated at the threshold, his eyes lingering on the poker table where the sounds of laughter and playful banter echoed like a siren’s call.

He shot back, irritation threading through his voice, “Was it really made for me?”

Arabella plastered on a smile that felt more like a mask than genuine joy. “Of course! It’s a special dinner just for you. I merely invited them over to keep you company.”

Their eyes met, and in that fleeting moment, they exchanged an unspoken understanding of the tension simmering beneath the surface. Arabella’s smile faltered, revealing her own uncertainty, while Jayceon’s expression darkened, a brewing storm lurking behind his gaze.

With a gentle push, Arabella guided him toward the bathroom, then pivoted back to the poker table, ready to re-engage in the game of wits.

“Julian,” Samuel called out casually, his tone friendly yet inviting, “have you considered moving closer? It would certainly make playing poker a lot more convenient.”

Six chimed in with a chuckle, “There are no empty apartments left in this building, just The Ninth Circle of Hell! Trust me, that floor is cursed; you wouldn’t want to move in.”

Julian, a cigarette perched jauntily between his lips, tapped rhythmically on the poker table with his well-defined fingers, his narrow eyes narrowing slightly in mock seriousness. “You see, others who wander into The Ninth Circle of Hell are merely pestering ghosts. But when I step in, I am the Grim Reaper, here to claim souls. There’s nothing unlucky about that.”

Samuel, ever the jokester, added with a grin, “Julian, why not take the plunge and become our building’s protector? If you lived here, no ‘nasty things’ would dare come near.”

As the three men exchanged playful banter, Arabella remained silent, her focus entirely on calculating her hand, the game unfolding around her like a silent storm.

Finally, Julian sighed, his patience wearing thin, and pushed his cards forward with a flourish. “Full House. I win,” he declared triumphantly, a satisfied gleam in his eyes.

Arabella’s lips curled into a pout, her eyelids drooping in defeat, the playful atmosphere momentarily dimmed by her disappointment.

Just then, Jayceon emerged from the bathroom, and Samuel, sensing the shift in energy, pushed his cards forward with a grin. “Time to eat.”

Jayceon noticed Arabella eagerly maneuvering Julian’s wheelchair, and he instinctively stepped forward, saying, “I’ll take care of it.”

But Emmett, quick on his feet, beat him to it, steering Julian’s wheelchair toward the dining room with unexpected enthusiasm.

Jayceon’s brow furrowed as he surveyed the group gathered by the dining room door. Turning to Arabella, he questioned, his voice tinged with unease, “When did Emmett get so close to them?”

Arabella, distracted by the unfolding scene, responded absently, “You’ve been away the last few days. They came over to play poker and got to know each other.”

Jayceon averted his gaze, his expression inscrutable. “You’re terrible at cards but can’t resist the game. How much did you lose?”

Emmett shot him a sullen look, defiantly picking up a pork rib instead. Jayceon bit his tongue, refraining from further comment, knowing that pushing too hard would only drive a wedge deeper.

Ever since the misunderstanding with Arabella, Emmett, who had once looked up to him, now regarded him with hostility, glaring at him whenever their paths crossed.

Samuel shot Jayceon a sidelong glance, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Well, it’s a good thing Emmett’s a picky eater. Only an animal would eat just anything.”

Jayceon met Samuel’s gaze, a warning clear in his eyes. “Emmett, your sister and I will take you home soon. We’ll say hi to your parents too.”

The troll shook his head, puffing out his chest with a sense of pride. “I know the way. I’ll take Emmett home later.”

Jayceon calmly set down his fork, a sense of resolve settling over him as he considered the implications of the evening. “You’ve been there before?”

The troll nodded enthusiastically, a bright smile spreading across his face. “Of course! Arabella’s dad and Kayla love me.”

As the evening unfolded, the weight of unspoken emotions hung thick in the air, each character grappling with their own insecurities and desires. Jayceon, observing the easy camaraderie between his friends and Arabella, felt a pang of jealousy mixed with confusion. His protective instincts flared as he watched Emmett’s defiance, a reflection of the tension that had built since his return. Yet, beneath the surface, there was an undeniable spark of hope; perhaps this gathering could bridge the distance that had formed between him and Arabella. The laughter that echoed around the table held the promise of connection, urging him to confront his feelings rather than retreat into silence.

Arabella, caught between her loyalty to her friends and her growing affection for Jayceon, felt the weight of their shared history pressing down on her. She longed for the easy banter and warmth that had once defined their relationship, but the specter of misunderstanding loomed large. As she navigated the delicate balance of friendship and romance, she sensed that tonight could either solidify their bond or unravel it completely. With each shared laugh and exchanged glance, the potential for rekindling their connection flickered like a candle in the dark. In that moment, as they all gathered around the table, the spark ignited by their shared experiences began to illuminate the path forward, hinting at the possibility of healing and renewed love amidst the chaos.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the evening unfolds, tensions are bound to escalate at the dining table, where the camaraderie among the group masks underlying currents of rivalry and jealousy. With Jayceon feeling increasingly out of place, the dynamics of their relationships will be put to the test. Will he confront Emmett’s growing resentment, or will the younger man’s hostility drive a wedge between him and Arabella? Readers can expect an emotional showdown that could either bridge the gap or deepen the rift, all while the poker game looms ominously in the background, a metaphor for the stakes at play in their lives.

Moreover, as Jayceon grapples with his feelings of displacement, the playful banter among the men will take on a sharper edge, revealing hidden insecurities and unspoken desires. Julian’s confident demeanor may falter as he realizes that Jayceon’s presence could disrupt the delicate balance of their friendships. Will he rise to the challenge, or will the Grim Reaper’s bravado crumble under pressure? With the stakes raised both at the table and in their hearts, readers should brace themselves for revelations, confrontations, and perhaps even unexpected alliances as the night progresses. The next chapter promises a thrilling blend of tension and drama that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.