Chapter 45
After saying that, Jayson loosened his tie and headed straight for the shower.
He didn’t even glance at Ariel as he walked past her. It was as if even a fleeting glance in her direction would constitute a betrayal of Nancy.
If he had looked at her, he would’ve seen the pale, sickly color of her face.
Ariel blinked, slowly realizing what he meant.
Her face flushed a deep red. It was burning from a mix of shame, embarrassment, and disbelief.
Did Jayson think she wanted to sleep with him?
“You’re overthinking it.” Ariel took a deep breath. “I’m sleeping in the guest room tonight.”
That was when Jayson finally turned around. His perfectly handsome face remained expressionless.
But Ariel had already left.
That was quick.
Then again, of course she’d feel awkward after being rejected like that.
Jayson smirked faintly and went into the bathroom.
The bathtub was spotless. Ariel didn’t run the warm water.
After staring at it for a long time, he ultimately chose to just use the shower.
Ariel didn’t sleep well that night. Jayson’s unexpected return had completely thrown off her plans.
She got up and freshened up. Just as she was heading out, she bumped into Jayson stepping out of his room.
www
He was on the phone. His usually cold voice was tinged with warmth. “Yeah, whenever works. You decide.”
Ariel looked away and headed downstairs.
She didn’t even have to guess who he was talking to in that gentle tone. It
She hadn’t expected them to be that inseparable.
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golf could only be Nancy.
After coming downstairs, Ariel was surprised to see Betty already there. Betty waved at her with a bright smile. ” Morning, Ari. You’re up so early.‘
She glanced at Jayson, who followed closely behind Ariel, and her face lit up with satisfaction.
Surprised, Ariel asked, “Grandma, what are you doing here so early?”
Betty had someone bring over several insulated lunch boxes.
“I heard you changed jobs. Jayson told me you’ve been so busy lately that you haven’t had time to come back to Larkin Manor. Since you didn’t have time to cook, I had them make some of your favorites and bring them over.”
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Ariel looked over at Jayson.
That was what he told Betty?
That she was too busy with work to come home? Not that she was divorcing him?
Ariel didn’t get it. When exactly was Jayson going to tell his family the truth?
“Come on, sit. Jayson, sit next to Ari.” Betty happily made arrangements.
Seeing that Jayson didn’t budge, she shot him a look. “What, you don’t feel like it?”
Jayson gave in and sat down. “Whatever makes you happy.”
Ariel said nothing.
The entire time, it was Betty doing the talking. She directed Jayson, “Peel the egg for Ari. She likes boiled eggs.”
Ariel knew Jayson didn’t like doing such things, so she quickly said, “It’s o-”
But Jayson had already picked up a boiled egg and meticulously peeled it without any expression before placing it on her plate.
Ariel felt a wave of confusion and shock.
She used to do all these things herself. Jayson never lifted a finger. He also never helped her peel anything.
But now,
he was so skilled at it.
He must have done this countless times for Nancy and gotten used to it.
So Jayson could take care of people after all.
And here she was, his wife, only getting a taste of it by benefiting from someone else’s efforts.
As Betty watched the couple’s strained dynamic, she felt both helpless and anxious. She knew Ariel was a good woman. Plus, she was the granddaughter of Jeffrey’s war comrade.
Seeing how little attention Jayson paid to Ariel made Betty feel sorry and sad.
“New Year’s is just around the corner. Jayson, why don’t you and Ari take a little vacation? Have some time just for the two of you.” Betty gave Jayson a subtle glance.
Ariel glanced at Jayson, silently hoping he would finally come clean.
Jayson slowly wiped his hands. “I’ve got things to do. I don’t have time.”
“You…” Betty slapped the table, fuming. “If you don’t have time, make time! Rules can be flexible! Is work more important than your wife?”
Jayson turned to the side and asked flatly, “Do you want to go?”
He was asking Ariel.
More precisely, he was warning her to be sensible.
Ariel tightened her grip on her fork and said to Betty, “Grandma, I’ve got stuff to do too. It’s fine.”
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Chapter 45
+25 BONUS
Jayson wasn’t interested in spending time with her.
Besides, when he came downstairs earlier, he’d been on the phone with Nancy. They were probably setting up a date.
Jayson would be with Nancy.
When it came to Ariel, he was always busy and impatient.
But with Nancy, he was always ready to accommodate whatever she asked.
Betty opened her mouth to say something. But in the end, she just sighed and let it go.
Ariel’s car wouldn’t start, so Betty asked Jayson to give her a ride.
This time, Jayson didn’t refuse.
Ariel didn’t protest either. She grabbed the book she had been meaning to find the day before and got into Jayson’s
car.
“I’ll have someone come fix the car. Once it’s ready, I’ll come by to pick it up.‘
Jayson glanced at her and said, “Okay.”
The distance between them was palpable. Jayson got in and immediately started looking at his tablet, acting like she wasn’t even there.
Ariel, though, was lost in thought.
After much hesitation, she still decided to ask him when he planned to tell Betty and Katie about their divorce. “Mr. Larkin, can we talk?”
”
