Mr Melendez Your Wife Wants Divorce Long Ago novel Chapter 286

**Her Spark Ignites Tonight**
By J.S. Caldwell
**Chapter 286**

As soon as Arabella departed, Samuel reached into the trash can and retrieved the jade safety amulet, its surface still glistening despite its brief stint in the refuse.

Back in the intimate dining room, Arabella turned to Samuel with a bright smile, “Sam, I’m moving this weekend! You and Kim should definitely swing by and celebrate with some champagne.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement, the prospect of a gathering lifting her spirits.

Samuel, always one to embrace a good time, replied, “Why not invite a few more friends? We could easily get a poker game going.”

The mention of poker sparked a memory in Arabella’s mind, drawing her thoughts to Julian. She couldn’t help but wonder if he’d be interested in joining them—a flicker of hope igniting within her.

The following afternoon found Arabella in the lush garden of Vance Manor, where the sun cast a warm glow over everything. She watched in awe as Julian, with sheer determination, managed to rise from his wheelchair. Her heart raced, and she cheered him on from the sidelines, her voice filled with encouragement.

After just two courses of treatment, Julian’s condition had shown remarkable improvement. Although he could only stand unsupported for just over a minute, it was a monumental leap from his previous struggles. As his body healed, so too did his temperament, which had softened considerably.

Settling back into his wheelchair, Julian glanced at Arabella, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “So, Arabella, I hear you’re moving next week. Care to invite me over for a poker game?”

Arabella chuckled, a bit embarrassed. “You know I’m terrible at it, right? But I’d love for you to come.”

Julian shot her a sidelong glance, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Figures. Terrible at it, but still wants to play.”

Arabella felt her cheeks heat as she awkwardly wrung her hands, the banter lightening her mood.

As the weekend approached, Arabella found herself increasingly anxious about hosting her important guests. To ensure everything went perfectly, she hired a private chef to prepare an exquisite meal. Samuel and Kim, eager to lend a hand, arrived a little earlier than planned, ready to assist.

Arabella was busy artfully arranging a vibrant array of fruit in the living room when Franklin entered, accompanied by his energetic son.

The moment Edmundo spotted Arabella, he released Franklin’s hand and dashed into her arms, exclaiming, “Mommy!”

A palpable silence enveloped the room, thick with surprise. Samuel and Kim exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Emmett, taken aback, nearly dropped the apple he was munching on. “Sis, where… where did he come from?”

The shock was mirrored on the faces of Arabella’s parents. Their daughter had recently suffered a miscarriage and was still navigating the complexities of her divorce, and now, out of nowhere, there was a child?

Sensing the tension in the air, Franklin straightened his suit and addressed Arabella’s parents with a polite tone, “I apologize, Sir, Ma’am. My son has taken Dr. Palmer as his godmother.”

A collective sigh of relief swept through the room.

Franklin turned to Edmundo, encouraging him, “Now, Edmundo, you should call them Grandma and Grandpa.”

With a bright, innocent smile, Edmundo parroted back, “Hello, Grandma. Hello, Grandpa.”

The room softened as he continued, “Hello, Uncle.”

“Hello, Uncle. Hello, Auntie.”

Embarrassed, Arabella glanced at her parents and then around the table, feeling the weight of their stares.

Setting her fork down, she replied, “It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s Jayceon. He absolutely refuses to divorce me.”

A heavy silence enveloped the table, thick with unspoken tension.

Even Blaire, who had been animated just moments before, fell silent.

Feeling the heat rise in her cheeks, Arabella cleared her throat and attempted to lighten the mood, half-jokingly declaring, “Whoever helps me get this divorce, I’ll give them the head table at the divorce party.”

The moment her words left her lips, an awkward stillness settled over the group once more.

Arabella’s parents exchanged pained looks, their hearts aching for their daughter, unsure of how to comfort her.

Emmett clenched his teeth, a surge of anger coursing through him as he imagined confronting Jayceon right then and there.

Kimberly, ever the Melendez, sat stiffly in her seat, hesitant to interject.

Franklin continued to feed his son, his gaze subtly scanning the room, taking in the emotional landscape.

Julian, meanwhile, admired the intricate pattern on the cup in his hand, his eyes flickering toward Franklin, contemplating the unspoken dynamics swirling around them.