Chapter 28
Having been raised in the lap of luxury, Jayceon found himself unaccustomed to the modest surroundings of this old relocation housing and the simple meals laid out before him. The contrast to his usual lifestyle was stark, yet he carried himself with impeccable manners. Despite the unfamiliar setting, he never allowed himself to be rude or disrespectful, especially not in front of Arabella’s parents.
As he stood to pour a drink for Roderick, he spoke gently, “Dad, I’ve heard this wine has a smooth, mild finish. Why don’t you try it? If you like it, we can switch to this brand next time.” His tone was considerate, trying to bridge the gap between his world and theirs.
Roderick returned the gesture with a warm smile. “You’re always so busy with work, Jayceon. Don’t worry about us so much. It’s rare you get to visit, so you should eat more while you’re here.” There was genuine concern in his voice, a subtle plea for Jayceon to take better care of himself.
Around Arabella’s parents, Jayceon felt relaxed, as if the walls of formality softened just enough for him to be himself. During the meal, he cautiously brought up the topic of moving again, hoping to gauge their feelings. In the past, they would have agreed to anything he proposed without hesitation, viewing him as a source of pride and speaking highly of him to everyone. But this time, their responses were hesitant and noncommittal, despite his asking twice.
Arabella noticed their unease immediately. Even though she had lied, dismissing the rumors as a misunderstanding and denying any affair, her parents couldn’t shake their worry. There had to be some truth behind the whispers circulating. Jayceon, sharp and perceptive, sensed the tension too. After their two refusals, he wisely let the subject drop.
Later, as dinner ended and they prepared to leave, Jayceon discreetly left the returned bank card behind. Kayla found it and quietly slipped it back to Arabella without a word.
During the drive home, Arabella handed the card back to Jayceon. “They won’t accept it. You should have it,” she said softly.
That evening, Jayceon had enjoyed some wine, and his eyes held a hazy, tender warmth as he looked at her. He studied her stunning face with a softness that made Arabella’s heart flutter. Taking her hand gently, he began to pull her closer, as if wanting to close the distance between them.
But just then, his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket. Their eyes met, and Arabella instinctively withdrew her hand. Jayceon reached for his phone, but before he could answer, the caller hung up. Almost immediately, his phone started flooding with message alerts.
Arabella watched him closely, anxiety knotting her stomach. Her fingers clenched tightly at her sides, and a sick feeling crept over her. Each time the phone chimed—whether a call or a message—if Jayceon hesitated even briefly, she felt her control slipping away.
Without a word, he turned off the screen and slipped the phone back into his pocket. The warmth in his eyes vanished along with the light from the screen, and a heavy silence settled between them.
With the driver still in the car, Arabella struggled to maintain her composure, biting back the flood of questions racing through her mind. The tension in the air was suffocating, and the rest of the ride passed in complete silence.
When they arrived, Jayceon got out to open the car door for her, escorting her to the doorstep. Just then, Kimberly appeared, having come to drop something off for Arabella. She emerged from another car and, seeing Arabella accompanied by Jayceon, assumed they had made peace. A smile of relief spread across her face.
Jayceon, however, showed no intention of going inside. “You two talk,” he said flatly, addressing both women. “I have matters to attend to. I need to go out.”
His words hit Arabella like a blow. Her carefully maintained calm shattered instantly. She grabbed the lapel of his suit jacket, her voice trembling with desperation. “You’re going to see her, aren’t you?”



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