《Accidentally Married》


 Branch One

    ¡°What do you possibly mean by that?¡± Jessica asked. She has been arguing in front of the courthouse over the phone for thest ten minutes.


    Today was her wedding day. She and her high school sweetheart Burke were supposed to meet up here by ten thirty am to have their wedding.


    ¡°Burke it is ten forty-five, Where are you?¡± she asked, her voice shaking.


    ¡°Jessica I won¡¯t being today,¡± Burke said.


    ¡°What do you mean by that? We are to get married today¡± she said again. This time she felt something trickling down her eyes. She sniffled to drive away the tears so her makeup didn¡¯t get ruined.


    ¡°Jessica I don¡¯t think I love you enough to want to get married to you and live together in the same house,¡± he said. She felt her heart sank.


    They had been nning the wedding together ever since he popped the question. He knew of her dream to get married and live in a house that had a yard for the kids to y in. He had no house with a yard but they nned to get one.


    ¡°I won¡¯t force you to get a house with a yard,¡± she said. Probably the financial burden was getting too much for him. The reason for the low-key wedding was because of the finances. They were both not rich but if they joined hands together they could livefortably.


    Because they were both orphans they had no one to invite to the private wedding. They nned to do a private wedding and tell their friendster.


    ¡°Burke, honey aren¡¯t you going to join me?¡± a voice echoed from inside the room. Jessica knew that the voice sounded familiar she just couldn¡¯t ce it at the moment.


    ¡°Who is that?¡± Jessica said in a muffled scream.


    ¡°Are you beginning to hear things?¡± Burke asked her.


    Jessica knew quite all right that she heard a familiar voice. She knew that voice. That was her best friend¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Is that Emma?¡± she asked this time tears falling from the second eye.


    ¡°Why would Emma be here?¡± Burke asked.


    Jessica had always been suspicious of her friend and her boyfriend and finally, the suspicions were proving to be true.


    ¡°Jessica go home and I woulde to meet you at night,¡± he said.


    ¡°I would wait here till you get here,¡± Jessica said. Her voice was pleading. ¡°I would forgive you even if you cheated on me. Please juste over do not embarrass me,¡± she added begging.


    ¡°Okay, yes Emma is here and you know what Jessica it is over between us. I can¡¯t marry you or stay with you. Let¡¯s just break up here¡± he said.


    ¡°No please¡± Jessica begged her face now drenched with tears. Her pleas were met with empty silence. Burke had cut off the call.


    Jessica yanked the phone from her ears and decided to call again but she now discovered it wasn¡¯t going through. Burke had blocked her line.


    She squatted right at the front of the courthouse. She did not care if people were watching her. She just had her heart yanked out and broken into several pieces and handed to her.


    She cried her eyes out but couldn¡¯t help but overhear the conversation of the man who was standing less than a foot away from her.


    ¡°I thought you said she would be here on time?¡± Xavier shouted over the phone to his assistant Brian.


    The doctors had told him that his grandfather had barely two weeks left. Xavier had lied to his grandfather that he had a girlfriend.


    His grandfather had said that the girlfriend be wedded and presented to him before he died so he wanted to transfer thepany out of a management specialist to his name.


    His grandfather knew what a responsible man Xavier was but he feared that if he left the world Xavier would be all alone andter thepany would leave the Delgado household.


    Dawson (Xavier¡¯s grandfather) decides that instead of Xavier giving up thepany in the long run, he would be the one to leave thepany in the hands of those who can manage.


    It would make him roll on his grave if Xavier gave up on his hard work and sweat. He rather does it for himself.


    Xavier knew he owed it to his grandfather. When his parents died in a ghastly motor ident that imed their lives, he had been living with his grandfather who did everything to take care of him.


    He wanted the business to remain in the household and this pushed him to get married. His assistant Brian had told him of a contract marriage service where you pay to have a wife for some time.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    He had gone ahead to sign a contract with a random woman from the service for a year. She was to get married to him with no attached strings and then get divorced amicably after a year.


    He was in front of the courthouse but the random woman was now nowhere to be found. He was confused and pissed off at the time-wasting. He needed to take his new wife to his grandfather today. He looked at his watch and sighed in annoyance.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir. Let me try and reach her again¡± Brian said cutting off the call.


    ¡°What a waste of my precious time¡± Xavier sighed out loud and annoyed. He hated time waster and he could not believe that the girl had gone MIA after receiving a part payment for the contract.


    The phone rang and he paid no second before picking up the call.


    ¡°And?¡± he barked at his secretary.


    ¡°Herpany is unable to get a hold of her¡± Brian responded.


    ¡°She is currently unreachable. Why don¡¯t youe back and let¡¯s reschedule with thepany? They would send us someone else¡± Brian said. He was lucky he already had a good rapport with his boss or else he would have peed himself already.


    ¡°I am not going to be leaving this ce without a marriage certificate¡± Xavier replied. He was not intentionally mounting pressure on his assistant. He just needed results immediately.


    ¡°I¡¯ll marry you¡± Xavier heard. He turned to see a beautiful woman with ck running eyes. He looked at her and thought why she would be doing this to aplete stranger.


    ¡°I will marry you,¡± Jessica said again.

 Branch Two

    ¡°What?¡± Xavier said dropping the phone from his ears to look at this girl. How could she just think of getting married to him when she knew nothing about him?Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Are you from the marriage service?¡± he asked. His question threw Jessica off bnce.


    ¡°No,¡± she said biting her lips. She was sure that her makeup was now ruined by all the crying she had done. The conversation she overheard made her decide to make sure she got married before leaving the courthouse and since this man was in desperate need of a wife she decided to step up to the task.


    ¡°You need a wife don¡¯t you?¡± she asked sniffling. Her crying had left her nose running.


    ¡°Yes, I am¡± Xavier answered. It just urred to him that she could be an answer to his solution.


    ¡°I was dumped on my wedding day. I don¡¯t want to bore you with all the details but I see you need a wife. I could be your wife¡± She said.


    Xavier looked at her carefully. She looked sane after the ruined makeup on her face. He put back the phone to his ear.


    ¡°Ensure to get back the money from the agency. I would sort myself out. See you back at the office¡± he said cutting the phone and putting it in his pocket.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get married. I¡¯m in desperate need of a wife so I need not be picky¡± he said and she nodded.


    She was dumped after all and it sounded like Burke was not ready to get back together seeing that he had blocked her number. She wondered where the rtionship began to go south and why he cheated on her.


    ¡°Are you going to go in like that?¡± Xavier asked pointing to her face.


    ¡°Give me a minute to fix up my face. Let¡¯s meet inside¡± Jessica responded turning on her heel and going to find the nearest restroom.


    It took her less time than she thought to wipe off her makeup. She had no tools to retouch the makeup so cleaning it off was the best option for her.


    She came back and met Xavier standing there. She looked him up and down and thought to herself that at least she wasn¡¯t going to marry an eyesore.


    He was pleasant to look at at least. Immediately he saw her he turned and started walking towards the reserved room. His wealth had allowed him to reserve a private room so he entered. Jessica followed him in and they both sat facing the judge.


    ¡°No witnesses?¡± the judge asked smiling at Xavier.


    Jessica caught a whiff immediately that Xavier was influential since the judge knew him and he was able to reserve a private room.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call two people to stand as witnesses then¡± he added before calling two people. A male and a female.


    The male was going to stand as a witness for Xavier and the female for Jessica.


    The process was shorter than she thought and soon she was legally married to a stranger.


    ¡°I now pronounce you husband and wife¡±


    Jessica blinked multiple times. She could not believe she just got married. Under normal circumstances, she was supposed to give her husband a big kiss on his lips.


    Looking beside her at the stranger who she just found was Xavier Delgado, she still couldn¡¯t believe she was married.


    ¡°Would you like to take pictures?¡± one of the witnesses asked them.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Xavier answered collecting the marriage certificate from the judge. ¡°Thank you for today,¡± he said addressing the judge.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go take our picture,¡± he said standing up and leaving.


    Jessica could barelyprehend what was going on but it seemed as if Xavier hade to terms with the fact that he had married a stranger. He seemedfortable with it.


    Jessica goes outside and sees him standing in front of the courthouse holding the certificate. She approached him and stood close to him.


    ¡°If we are taking a picture, we better make it believable that we just got married,¡± Xavier said


    ¡°You didn¡¯t ask me if I am okay with taking a picture¡± she murmured.


    She knew they needed the picture but her broken heart and rash decision stared at her in the face. Did she always need to jump the gun when faced


    with things, she can barely handle on her own.


    ¡°I need the picture,¡± he said. His voice made sure to pass the aura that the picture-taking was not up for negotiation.


    She agreed with him and took the picture after all she approached him to get married. She would as well go ahead with every other thing.


    They both barely managed to force a smile in the picture. Jessica could barely smile properly as her broken heart was getting in the way but Xavier was not used to smiling so it was difficult for him as well. The photographer had to take a couple of shots more than usual to be able to capture one where the smiles looked genuine.


    A few copies of the other pictures were taken and Xavier gave the email address to collect the soft copies of the picture. He was told that the hard copies would be framed and ready the next week so they could pick it up then.


    ¡°Hold on to this¡± Xavier said giving the certificate to Jessica collected and read it over and over again It did carry her name in full Jessica Penelope Joshua and she was married to Xavier John Delgado.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Xavier said walking toward the parking lot.


    ¡°Go where?¡± Jessica asked catching up to his steps.


    ¡°To see my grandfather¡± Xavier answered. He hated talking a little too much. But since he just got married he knew that she would have a bucket load of questions so he did his best to answer only when she asked.


    ¡°Why?¡± she asked.


    ¡°We just got married and I want to introduce you to my grandfather,¡± Xavier said gently. He was already getting too many words out and he was not liking it.


    ¡°Ohh¡± Jessica replied.


    Xavier stopped in front of a Mercedes one of the newer models. She did not know much about cars but she could tell that this car was a very expensive one. It looked exotic and expensive.


    ¡°Get in,¡± Xavier said.


    She then confirmed her suspicions that her new husband was influential and rich. She should be happy that shended a fine rich young man, but her broken heart could not allow for her jubtion.

 Branch Three

    Xavier was used to driving in silence but he needed to let her in on some secrets.


    ¡°As you heard before my name is Xavier Delgado¡± Xavier started.


    Jessica was retained back to reality by his voice from her chain of thoughts. She turned to face him to take in all that he had to say. Since he needed a wife there must be a backstory.


    ¡°My grandfather is sick and in the hospital and he had been hugging me to get married. I was going to get married to a girl from a wedding agency but she didn¡¯t show up so I got married to you.¡±


    ¡°I had told my grandfather that we have been dating for a year now and that¡¯s why we got married¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Jessica responded.


    ¡°What do you do?¡± Xavier asked her when he saw that she responded.


    ¡°I¡¯m an assistant chef at L¡¯Verine restaurant¡± Jessica answered.


    Xavier knew the ce he had dined there quite several times. He wondered if she had seen him. The thought of her approaching him purposely since she knew that he was rich crossed his mind but he did not bother.


    He knew that he would settle her to leave with an amicable divorce after a year. Even if his grandfather was still alive by then it would be easier to convince him of why they decided to divorce.


    ¡°But you will tell my grandfather that you are currently studying for a Ph. D.,¡± He said


    ¡°What do you do?¡± Jessica asked.


    Xavier wondered if she was being truthful or if she was pretending not to know him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know me?¡± Xavier asked. Although he was a man of few words, he was always curious and made sure to satisfy his curiosity and this made him a good listener to everyone. His curiosity fueled him to ask if she knew him.


    ¡°Are you a celebrity?¡± she asked back. ¡°Even if you were one. I would not know you. I barely have time to make enough money for myself so I barely know anything about my environment¡± Jessica confessed.


    She was horrible when it came to taking note of her surroundings. She could barely tell the difference between celebrities and she fell asleep when she was watching movies and only listened to old music. She heard a new song when she was on the bus or in a taxi.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not¡± Xavier answers.


    It was the first time he met a girl who did not recognize him. He thought that they all knew him and drooled over his pictures in business and fashion magazines. After all, he was an icon in both worlds.


    ¡°I work in Braxton Industries,¡± He said.


    ¡°Which of them?¡± she asked happily.


    The only reason she knew Braxton was that she applied to work as an assistant chef in their hotel. She was never given but she went ahead and applied every year while working at L¡¯Verine.


    ¡°All of them,¡± Xavier said.


    For some weird reason, Xavier¡¯s answer made herugh. Well since the morning she had barely had a goodugh. She had to give it to him to make herugh.


    ¡°What do you mean by all of them?¡± she asked while cleaning the tear that fell from herugh.


    ¡°I¡¯m the chairman¡¯s grandson¡± Xavier answered nonchntly.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What?¡± Jessica asked her eyes widening beyond its capacity.


    ¡°I¡¯m the heir of the Braxton Industries,¡± He said again. He must truly confess he had a huge amount of patience today. He answered all of her questions without getting angry.


    ¡°What?¡± Jessica asked again.


    Did she just get legally hooked on a billionaire?


    ¡°Any other thing I need to know before meeting your grandfather?¡± Jessica said as they pulled into the parking lot of the hospital.


    ¡°He is always tired because of the liver cancer so he can barely talk. Let¡¯s just greet him for today and that would be all¡± He replied.


    He hoped that getting to the hospital room would at least get him to stop talking atst.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± Jessica said pulling out a small mirror in her bag. She checked her image and practiced smiling. If they were dating she had to make it believable that she was happy being married to a stranger.


    Xavier stared at her as she did so. There was something very different about her. She has this aura surrounding her that he could not exin.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Xavier asked unsping his seat belt and opening the door. Jessica did the same and they both came down.


    ¡°Here is the ring. I hope it fits¡± Xavier said pulling out two rings from his picket. One had a diamond head crested inside a gold band the other had little diamond stones crested in a gold band as well.


    Jessica collected the ring and put it on. She could not believe that she got to wear a diamond ring. The best Burke could have given her would be a stainless band painted gold but yet still her heart yearned for him. The ring fit perfectly like she had gotten her fingers measured for it.


    ¡°Stay close,¡± Xavier said.


    Xavier sounded cold to Jessica but one could still hear his concern and warmth. She believes that he put up a cold and I-don¡¯t-care front to keep people away from him.


    It was obvious that that was what he did. Although she was not vested in the recent news and happening there was not a single soul living in Chiachester City who didn¡¯t know of the brutal death his parents faced.


    Some people even thought they were intentionally killed but the police investigation concluded it was an ident when the other drunk man driving the truck was caught.


    The culprit was charged with hit and run and imprisoned for only a year and let go afterward.


    Xavier must be putting up the front to protect himself from letting anyone in and then having to lose them.


    Here he was about to lose his grandfather who was now the only person he had in his life.


    ¡°I was wondering what gook you so long,¡± Dawson said.


    He had been expecting his grandson toe since he promised to bring a wife today.


    ¡°There was a little issue at the courthouse¡± Xavier replied.


    Dawson had expected Xavier to show up with an excuse as to why he had no wife but to his surprise he was with his wife. He wondered where Xavier had seen a wife. He knew for a fact that he had no girlfriend like he always said.


    He only let him get away with it because he knew the struggle of his grandson to ept more people into his life. Here he was a girl apanying him. He wondered where she came from and if she would turn out to be a good match for his grandson.


    He nned to leave him to a good person. He would fall in loveter.

 Branch Four

    ¡°And who is this¡± Dawson said pointing to Jessica.


    ¡°This is Jessica and she is my wife,¡± Xavier said taking Jessica¡¯s hand and putting her forward.


    Jessica came forward and looked at the grandfather. He looked healthier than she thought. Was Xavier sure that his grandfather hadst-stage liver cancer?


    ¡°Good afternoon Mr. Delgado,¡± Jessica said giving him a slight bow. How could she ever think she would stand before a self-made billionaire not less than talking to him? She felt her feet sweating in her shoes.


    ¡°Good afternoon Jessica¡± Dawson said smiling. For some reason unknown to him, he liked Jessica.


    ¡°Please call me Dawson¡± He added.


    ¡°Oh, can I?¡± Jessica asked somewhat afraid.


    Dawson could tell that Jessica was not quitefortable.


    ¡°Did Xavier just tell you this morning that he was a Delgado?¡± Dawson asked to Jessica¡¯s surprise.


    ¡°¡­. hmm¡­¡± she stuttered not knowing what to say.


    ¡°Papa,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I¡¯m just asking your lovely wife here why she feels so ufortable,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ufortable,¡± Jessica said. She didn¡¯t want to be the reason that Xavier gets caught but she wasn¡¯t a professional actress or a good liar.


    ¡°Rx¡± Xavier whispered in her ears. She felt the hot air on her ears and it made her shiver.


    ¡°Sit,¡± Dawson said pointing to the bedside chair beside him.


    Jessica pointed to herself and Dawson nodded. Jessica took the seat and sat beside his bedside.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy you agreed to marry the grump of my grandson,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Papa,¡± Xavier said. His voice sounded like a warning.


    ¡°I am sure you would grow to like him better¡± Dawson continued ignoring Xavier who was now breathing heaving while murmuringints under his breath.


    ¡°Please do take care of him,¡± Dawson said.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Jessica could feel the love radiating from the grandfather to the grandson.


    ¡°He is still a child at heart¡± Dawson added in a whisper.


    ¡°I will,¡± Jessica said. She didn¡¯t know when the words slipped out of her mouth but seeing the love from her grandfather and the state he was she just wanted to do something for him.


    Her response shocked both men. Dawson had expected her to just skip over the details while Xavier wondered why she would agree to do strange men favors. They could be serial kidnappers or killers for all she knew. Yet she was fully trusting them and doing them favors.


    ¡°Let me allow the newlyweds to get back to their business,¡± Dawson said teasingly.


    A blush crept on her face. Although she had no intention of sleeping with this man, hearing it made her feel strange.


    She had been a virgin all through her rtionship time with Burke. She has nned to give it away to him by all means. The way to get it was marriage and that was why he had agreed.


    ¡°I wille to say Hello tomorrow,¡± Jessica said standing up.


    She guessed it could be kind of lonely with him alone I¡¯m in the hospital and she was doing nothing so perhaps she coulde to see him.


    ¡°I would love that¡±


    The couple left the hospital room after any pleasantries and goodbyes.


    Jessica decided that she liked Dawson. He was a likable old man. She began to see where Xavier got his looks from. His aloofness and coldness she guessed came from his parents.


    The ride was to the house where she would be staying. She knew that she couldn¡¯t return to her house so she followed him home.


    He entered the gate of a huge mansion and parked his car at the entrance of the house. A man came to collect the key to re-park the car.


    He coiled in shock at seeing a strange woman there. She came down and followed after his boss.


    Since he had been working here he had never seen Xavier interested in women. Some of the household staff even thought he was gay.


    ¡°Gather the staff,¡± Xavier said to the women they met at the door. She looked like she was in her mid-forties.


    ¡°Yes young master¡± she replied and turned to enter the house.


    Jessica pinched herself and was shocked she felt the pain. She was convinced this was a dream because how did it happen that she was married to a billionaire all of a sudden?


    ¡°Come with me,¡± Xavier said turning back when he noticed she had stopped in the doorway.


    Jessica carefully studied the house and was convinced that the house could pass a castle. It was too majestic and beautiful.


    Xavier walked into the waiting room and sat. He needed to introduce his wife to the household staff. They may have been married at first sight without getting to know each other but he was a gentleman and he was going to make sure she livedfortably at least for the year they stayed together.


    ¡°Wee Young master,¡± they said one by one as they entered the waiting room.


    Xavier didn¡¯t bother to reply. Instead, he nodded at them.


    They all could hardly hide the shock of seeing a woman sit side by side with Xavier. It was not something they had ever seen. The woman in her mid-forties had been working at the Delgado mansion ever since she was a teenager and this was the first time she had seen the young master with a woman.


    ¡°Is this all of them?¡± Xavier asked when the woman they met at the door entered too.


    ¡°Yes young master¡± she replied.


    Jessica did a quick head count and counted fourteen household staff.


    That was a whole football team and extras. The size of the house from the outside was big enough for the number of staff she thought. It was strange to her that she went from almost being a housewife to a billionaire in less than a day. She didn¡¯t n for that but that was her luck.


    She felt her phone vibrate in her bag but ignored it.


    ¡°This is Roselle and she is the head of the housekeeper,¡± Xavier said pointing to the woman in her mid-forties.


    ¡°And this is my wife,¡± Xavier said.


    The whole house staff gasped in shock. The young master was married.

 Branch Five

    The introduction to the staff was short as Xavier decide to only introduce Roselle. He believed that she would learn their names with time.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± he said standing up. The whole staff bowed as he left the room. Sure they were itching to gossip but they wanted to wait till he left the house. Silently with looks that said talk to youter they all fled the scene.


    Xavier pushes his room door open and entered. Jessica followed, she noticed that the room was upied but very neat. Looking at the picture frame on the table she could tell it was his room.


    ¡°We will use this room together,¡± Xavier said to which Jessica gasped in shock.


    ¡°What, why how?¡± Jessica asked putting her hands up to her breast.


    ¡°I thought you would give me my room?¡± she asked him.


    ¡°My grandfather has eyes watching us and in no time he would know that we are not together,¡± he said, and although Jessica knew that he saying the truth she couldn¡¯t help but feel ufortable.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I would not do anything to you and I¡¯m hoping for the same from you¡± Xavier said sounding like she was going to rape him.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I would do no such thing¡± she answered.


    ¡°I have cleared out some parts of the wardrobe and the cabs so you can keep your things in there,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Speaking of my things. I need to go get them¡± She needed clothes to change into and to wear.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind you could use these things to get yourself some new clothes,¡± he said pulling out his wallet and removing an unlimited debit card.


    Jessica had only seen such cards when she helped at the pay point of the restaurant she worked. She contemted collecting it.


    ¡°Take it and use it as yours. We still have to discuss the terms of our marriage but I¡¯ll let you get settled in first.¡± she collected it and looked at it. He moved to the door.


    ¡°You can ask any driver to take you anywhere you want to go. I¡¯m off to work¡± Xavier said without giving her a chance to speak.


    She sighed and sat on the edge of the bed looking at the card that came to her hands. She guess he could get a few things. She could clear out her old ce and lease it out she was d that she bought the ce when she had the opportunity to. A few extra bucks to her credit card debt won¡¯t be a bad idea.


    She was d she went with t shoes instead of heels. She went back downstairs and met Roselle on her way up.


    ¡°Youngdy, I was on my way to meet you. Would you like anything to eat or drink?¡± the woman asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jessica please call me Jessica¡± she answered feeling weird being called a youngdy.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t do that,¡± Roselle said sounding adamant.


    ¡°I would like to go get my things. I would make dinner for myself when Ie back so I just need someone to show me where everything goes.


    Roselle was thrown aback by her request. It was still her first day she would agree with her.


    ¡°Xavier said one of the drivers can take me,¡± Jessica said and Roselle nodded.


    ¡°Let me tell him to prepare the car,¡± Roselle said bowing before leaving. The driver drove her to her house. She picked up her already packed suitcase. She has suggested that she and Burke move there after marriage since her ce was bigger but Burke had suggested they put up the ce for rent for extra cash. The extra cash was going to her alone now.


    She went to her real estate agent to list her house for rent. Her agent had celebrated with her for moving out. Jessica had skipped over the details but told her that she had gotten married and decided to leave the ce.


    Her phone vibrated in her bag again and she picked it up and put it to her ears.


    ¡°Hello, Jessica¡± Burke¡¯s voice rang through the phone. His voice still sent shivers down her spine.


    ¡°Hello Burke¡± she replied feeling the tearsing back again. The driver was going back to the house. She had decided to go rest and then get whatever she needed the following day. She was exhausted.


    ¡°Why does it say you got married to Xavier Delgado?¡± Burke asked.


    Jessica was disappointed by his question. She thought he was calling to beg her back but it dawned on her that the reason he called was because he heard that she had gotten married.


    ¡°How do you know?¡± Jessica asked him angrily.


    ¡°Your name and picture are stered over the inte and news¡± Burke answered.


    ¡°Since you moved on with my friend Emma. I decided to move on and get married to him¡± Jessica said.


    She felt her blood boiling. Why was she even wasting her time answering his questions?


    ¡°And my question is how you met him?¡± Burke asked.


    ¡°How is that any of your business you yboy¡± Jessica answered allowing her annoyance to get the best of her.


    ¡°I just wanted to know¡± he answered his voice low.


    ¡°You cheated on me and dumped me so don¡¯t you ever call me again,¡± Jessica said angrily before cutting off the call and blocking the number.


    She hated herself that she still had leftover feelings for that man. She has seen the signs ever since she introduced Emma to Burke. They had been getting together but her need forpanionship made her ignore the signs.


    She hated herself for settling for less. She was married to a stranger and she had just the bare minimum of interaction with him but he has treated her better than the seven years she spent with Burke.


    The drive to the mansion ended and one of the boys who ran errands helped her with her bags.


    She entered the room and took a warm shower beforeing downstairs to make herself dinner. She wanted to call Xavier to ask if he like to have dinner with her but she discovered that she didn¡¯t have his number.


    She decided to make it for herself only. After a light dinner and the cook fussing over her every movement in the kitchen, she went back to the room. She wanted to wait up for Xavier but the bed called her and she slept off before she could say A.

 Branch Six

    By the time Xavier got into the room, he was startled by a strange figureying on his bed and that was when it dawned on him that he got married to a stranger today.


    He felt exhausted from the day¡¯s activities and decided to go to bed and have a talk over concerning the contract tomorrow.


    He took a quick shower and jumped into bed. He used some pillows as a wall between them to keep her out. There was no way he was going to be allowing this woman to touch him. He barely knew her. He would ask his assistant to do a background check on her.


    Jessica¡¯s body clock never failed and by five am on the dot, her eyes were wide open and ready for the day¡¯s activity. She had taken her annual leave from work when she was to get married so she didn¡¯t have to go to work.


    Although they had no honeymoon nned Jessica still took the leave to spend time with her husband when she got married. She stood up and decided to arrange her things. Yesterday after dinner she wanted to arrange them but she was too tired to do so.


    It took her not too long to arrange her things. She sorted through them and decided to throw out the things that Burke had given to her. She was sad to let the rtionship go down the drain as such but she needed to move on.


    She always saw that girls got rid of things from past rtionships when entering into another one. After she finished sorting through her things she went downstairs since it was a little past six to see if there was any worker around so she could get a trash bag to trash out all the things from her ex-boyfriend.


    She met Roselle standing in the kitchen.


    ¡°Hello Youngdy,¡± Roselle said with a young bow when she saw her.


    This wife had appeared from nowhere and Roselle was not sure how she felt about her but her overall vibe was not bad. But Roselle was old enough to know not to judge a book by its cover.


    ¡°Good morning Ms. Roselle,¡± Jessica said. She felt ufortable being called Young Lady and since Roselle was not going to stop she would raise her to her level.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in trouble if you call me that,¡± Roselle said. She knew that the members of the Delgado family should be respected. She had served there for more than thirty years and she knew that for a fact.


    ¡°For what?¡± Jessica asked why anyone would be angry that she respected this woman.


    ¡°Just call me Roselle,¡± She said avoiding her question. Everyone living in the mansion knew of Xavier¡¯s temper.


    ¡°Can I get a trash bag? I want to throw out some of the things¡± Jessica said dropping it since she could see the difort on her face.


    ¡°Leave it out I¡¯ll send one of the girls to clean it up after breakfast,¡± Roselle said. How could she make the newdy of the house do manualbor.?


    ¡°Speaking of breakfast what would you like to have?¡± Roselle added.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to make breakfast for me. I can manage¡± Jessica responded. She has loved cooking and had been cooking for herself.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that,¡± Roselle said.


    ¡°Let her do whatever she wants to do,¡± Xavier replied from behind them.


    Startled by a strange voice Jessica turns around to find Xavier in a house coat, his hair all messy and him looking sexy. She decides that lying was a bad thing since her young days at the orphanage home. Her husband was looking breathtaking.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he said looking at her. His voice was husky and a bit rough probably because he just woke up.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± she said pulling herself together. His voice was drawing her attention greatly.


    ¡°Can we talk now?¡± he asked. Roselle bows and leaves them to be.


    Anyone could tell that the two of them were not together so they might have a lot to talk about. So Roselle left, she had a great urge to protect Xavier so she was wary of anyone who came close to him.


    She knew how his parents died and the public suspected that there was a killer but the police investigation ended as an ident. With the culprit caught everything was closed quietly but it put a big hole in the spirits of those left behind.


    ¡°Yes sure¡± Jessica responded.


    She had many things to ask and tell him.


    ¡°Roselle¡± Xavier called. She entered back and met him while bowing.


    ¡°Yes young master¡±


    ¡°Let someone take care of the things she wants to throw away,¡± Xavier said motioning toward Jessica.


    ¡°Also prepare lunch for Papa, Jessica would be visiting him today¡± he added.


    Jessica had promised to go to his grandfather. He did not want it but he knew his grandfather gets worried and lonely. She could be of goodpany who knows.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± he adds turning on his feet towards the staircase.


    Jessica turns to smile at Roselle before making her way toward where Xavier had left to go. He climbs upstairs and instead of turning to their room direction he turns the other way and makes his way to the little sitting room upstairs. They could talk there.


    ¡°Have a seat¡± he said taking his seat.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    She sat close to him but put a little distance between them. Jessica looks around the room. There¡¯s a portrait that contains the grandfather she was at the hospital alongside a man and woman holding up a toddler. It must be Xavier. She adored how cute he was.


    ¡°We need to discuss the terms of our marriage,¡± Xavier said when he caught her eyes wandering the whole ce. He intended to discuss the terms to help them live together and respect each other.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hear it,¡± Jessica said. She had gotten married out of impulse so she believed nothing could be worst than that.


    ¡°First of all, I¡¯m not looking for a romantic partner¡± Xavier began.


    ¡°Totally agree, can¡¯t possibly have sex with a stranger,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°I just needed a wife to show my dying grandfather. After a year we can go out separate ways. Do not worry I wouldpensate you ordingly¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I¡¯m married to you already. Although I made a rash decision it can¡¯t be undone. Let¡¯s live in peace and try as much as possible to be friends¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Friends?¡±


    ¡°Yes Friends,¡± Jessica said standing to her feet and stretching out her hand for a handshake.


    Xavier stood up and took her hand. He hadn¡¯t had a friend in a long time. Having a friend doesn¡¯t sound so bad.

 Branch Seven

    ¡°Would you like some breakfast?¡± Jessica asked now feeling good.


    It would be a bad thing if she was to be avoiding him. Their being friends could put her mind at ease.


    ¡°I don¡¯t eat breakfast,¡± Xavier said sharply.


    ¡°Come on. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day¡± Jessica said kind of yfully. She was carefree and even though her mind was not fully pulled off from Burke she was doing all sorts to distract herself from the fact that she was dumped and married within a day.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have breakfast,¡± Xavier said coldly and more sharply than before.


    ¡°I¡¯m a good book. Remember that I¡¯m a chef¡± Jessica said convincingly.


    ¡°Drop it,¡± Xavier said and began to walk away.


    ¡°Maybe he doesn¡¯t like breakfast¡± She murmured to herself and shrugged before leaving the room.


    She went back to her room and discovered that the clothes she put out had been taken away. She went back down and made a simple breakfast of oats for herself. She had it before going back up to freshen up for the day.


    Since she already said that she would be visiting his grandfather she better keep her promise. She was going to visit him and then shop for some dresses with the card that Xavier gave her.


    She was left with almost no clothes because most of them were gifted to her by Burke. Burke had been such a sweet person. He insisted on getting her dresses and clothes. She barely spent money on getting anything for herself. He always spent on her.


    She was sitting in bed waiting for Xavier to be done in the bathroom. He came out and entered the walk-in closet to change. A thought crossed her mind and decided to talk it out with him.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Xavier¡± she began.


    ¡°Yes speak¡± he responded from inside. Jessica thought it strange that he sounded like a king from the old days.


    ¡°I took a leave from work because of my wedding. It would be for three weeks only. I am going to be resuming back after the time expires¡± she said.


    She only thought it courteous to let him know seeing that Burke had called her that means that he had put out the news.


    ¡°I do not think that is a good idea,¡± he said gently.


    He knew the way women were sensitive to getting and retaining jobs as issues. He didn¡¯t want to be seen as the man who refused his wife from working.


    Confused Jessica asked. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± she knew herself to be rash and spontaneous so she tried controlling herself in case she went ahead to say something that doesn¡¯t end well.


    ¡°Well for starters my wife can¡¯t be seen outside working,¡± Xavier said.


    Jessica knew she got married to a big name in the world. Maybe one of the biggest for a matter of fact but she loved more than anything working in the kitchen.


    ¡°Are you saying I wouldn¡¯t be working?¡± Jessica asked confused.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m saying let¡¯s find another way around it. Maybe we can find you a bigger position at any firm or open up your business¡±


    Jessica¡¯s mouth fell open at the mention of business. Her dream was to open up a restaurant of her own.


    ¡°Almost everyone in the city is aware of the fact that we got married yesterday so they would be poking into your matters. It would be better if we think of an option that would befit my status¡± Xavier saiding out with his tie in hand.


    ¡°Well, it all sounds kind of strange¡± Jessica answered.


    She had no money to open up her business. So that was a no. And when they spilt up even if she was given enough money to do whatever she would feel worthless if she had nothing to do. Although they were yet to reach an agreement because Xavier had to leave for an early meeting they agreed to continue when they got back at night. Jessica ensures to get her number and that was when she finally got to see her phone.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She had multiple calls and text messages and messages on her socials. She decided to take some time to look over the messages.


    Most of them were congratting her on snagging the billionaire of Chiachester City. It was truly no easy task. Some media houses were even requesting an interview with her. She decided that she would speak with Xavier before turning them down. She would turn them down anyways.


    She even got messages from those who were jealous and decided to wish her ill luck. She decided to leave it be when a message from her aunt caught her eye.


    Jessica did not know her dad but she lived a little time with her mom before she died. Her aunt could only keep her for a year before sending her to the orphanage.


    Her aunt had resurfaced in her life after college and had been requesting money every time from her. She remembered the year she spent with her aunt to be full of torment and physical abuse but she had no iota of shame toe back and demand money.


    Her mom was poor so she had no insurance on her life but she did have a little savings. Her aunt had said she used the money to take care of her but in reality, she squandered the money and sent her away after the money was exhausted.


    Her aunt had sent a link which was an article about her surprise marriage. Her aunt was demanding to know if it was true. Jessica knew well not to answer instead she read the article and she saw how she has painted the mysterious woman while the writer dotted love and attention on Xavier.


    She put down the phone and step into the bathroom. If she wasted more time reading thement and articles alongside the messages she would bete and might not aplish all on her to-do list today.


    She entered into the huge bathroom which was twice the size of her bedroom before. On the bathroom counter, she found a face wash belonging to Xavier. She picked it up and read the product name. It was the same one that Burke used to use.


    Her face began to feel hot and itchy and before she could tell what was going on she was in full crying mode.


    She had tried to act okay and smile more thinking the feelings she had for Burke would all go away. Anyone would think she was insane. It was not her n but here she was married to a billionaire with media houses waiting to give her an interview yet she was crying for a man with little less than a million to his name.


    She clutched her chest and tears could not stop flowing from her face. She wished she could go back to the previous day and go back to convince Burke to get married to her. She believed that if she could go and kneel before him he would agree and they would get married and she would be living in her happily ever after.


    She sat on the bathroom floor and tears continue to flow. She felt her stomach be tight and tighter. She was heartbroken. She wondered if this is what it felt like to be dumped. Her tears were flowing too much.


    She began to hate herself for crying over poured milk but she couldn¡¯t stop crying. She missed him.

 Branch Eight

    Jessica stepped out of the elevator on the hospital¡¯s private VIP floor and made her way to Dawson¡¯s room. She was healthy and never had the chance of going to hospitals talk less climbing up to the private floor. Marrying a billionaire overnight has its perks. She pushes open the door and sees Dawson eating cut-up apples while watching the television absentmindedly.


    ¡°Hell sir,¡± Jessica said trying to get his attention on her.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you that you can call me Dawson,¡± he said as his face lit up.


    Dawson was bored at the hospital. His grandson had to run things around since he had been hospitalized for almost six months. He had a caregiver but she was mostly rigid and afraid and refused to talk probably because it was not in her job contract.


    ¡°How are feeling today?¡± Jessica asked ignoring his statement. She felt weird calling him by his name. He was old after all.


    ¡°Waiting to die,¡± Dawson said joking.


    Since the doctor had told him that he would definitely die he had been making jokes out of his situation. He felt better if he made the joke and othersughed at it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry you canugh¡± he added when he saw the troubled expression on her face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t find it funny,¡± she said voicing he opinion.


    She barely knew him but she just unconsciously became family with him and losing him may be too much for her. After all, she always left family less, ande to think of it she was going to be left without one once more when she gets divorced.


    ¡°Here, Ms. Roselle made this delicious meal for you,¡± she said putting down the lunch bag in her hand on the bedside cab.


    ¡°Is it something I would enjoy?¡± Dawson asked.


    Since had been there they had been forcing a healthy diet on him. He knew that they mean well, he was just exhausted from eating nd and colorless food.


    Jessica smiles and starts unwrapping the lunch bag. Inside is a te of in oats, a te of sd and some fruits too. Jessica wondered why he had to eat such.


    Immediately he saw the content he scrunched his nose upwards. He wasn¡¯t expecting anything better than what he had received. It was Roselle after all she would make sure to make a meal that would make him go mad.


    ¡°Be a darling and get me a hamburger and coke¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Are you allowed to eat it?¡± Jessica asked.


    She knew that she would not be able to survive eating this kind of meal so she was moved to get him something she would enjoy. She knew from her own experience that when she was having a tough time eating what she wanted was a good thing and it cheered her up.


    He may be dying but at least his food should have color and life.


    ¡°Of course sure.¡± He answered immediately.


    Jessica sensed foul y in his words. She knew now that he was not allowed to eat them but she still wanted to give it to him so badly.


    ¡°Why would an old man like myself lie to you?¡± Dawson asked. He knew that using his age would get him what he needed. She was new and she knew nothing about his situation so getting what he needed should be a piece of cake.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± Jessica said and left the room.


    She came back a few momentster with a burger and a small Coke. She began to unwrap the burger and then gave it to him.


    ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡± A voice behind them screamed and charged at them. It was Xavier.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xavier asked entering inside.


    He had left the office on his lunch break and decided toe to see his grandfather only for him to realize that someone who happened to be his wife was giving his grandfather some oily treats.


    ¡°Are you okay papa?¡± he added rushing over like his grandfather was involved in some ident that could im his life.


    ¡°How could you?¡± he said harshly to Jessica who seemed confused. She had only caved in because the old man had assured her that it was okay and also because he seemed to need something to take his mind off the depressing atmosphere of the hospital.


    ¡°I asked her for it,¡± Dawson said jumping to her rescue. He knew his grandson and he knew that he would be berating her for no big reason.


    ¡°And you should have been wise enough to refuse him,¡± Xavier said.


    Jessica didn¡¯t know what about the sentence pissed her off but she could feel her eyes bing heavy from his words. It was like he washing her face in onion juice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± she muttered gently. She could feel her voice shaking and she was holding herself back from crying.


    ¡°I would prefer if you don¡¯t make that mistake again¡± Xavier added.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she muttered looking upwards and sniffing.


    Her vision was getting blurry and she could feel the years threatening to fall.


    ¡°He is sick and I don¡¯t feel like we should be worsening the situation¡±


    ¡°Are you always a jerk?¡± Jessica said dropping her head and giving away to allow the tears to fall down her cheek from one eye.


    ¡°Wh¡­ att¡­. tttt?¡± Xavier stammered in response.


    ¡°I get it. I made a mistake. I even apologized but you have just refused to let it go¡± she said with annoyance obvious in her voice.


    ¡°I just wanted to make sure you got what I was saying,¡± he said more humbly when he saw the tears on her cheeks.


    ¡°Even a deaf man would have gotten what you were saying,¡± she said walking to the door.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°I just go outside and have this,¡± she said holding up the burger pack to him.


    ¡°When you are leaving I¡¯lle back. I can¡¯t stand to be in the same room with you now¡± she finished and left them.


    ¡°You were very foolish,¡± Dawson said as soon as Jessica stepped out.


    ¡°Papa¡± he cried out to his grandfather. He was just afraid that his having such oily for would elerate his death. He was not ready to deal with the loss of his grandfather yet.


    ¡°Go out and apologize to her immediately,¡± Dawson said.


    Dawson knew his grandson was barely a human. He had turned himself against everyone and shut them out which was a major reason he wanted him I get married before he left. He thought that Xavier would at least try to get someone he would love.


    He was shocked to see him appear out of the blue with a stranger and he was even more shocked to see the stranger stand with him.


    He had not known Jessica for long but she seemed nice enough to him.


    ¡°Get out there and apologize NOW¡±

 Branch Nine

    Xavier knew that his grandfather would badger him into saying sorry to Jessica. Although he saw nothing wrong in what he did, he decided to apologize to save himself the trouble.


    He stepped out of the room and met Jessica sitting on one of the waiting chairs munching on the burger while sipping the coke.


    Her eyes caught him as he took long strides toward her. She rolled her eyes at him hoping that he saw her and turned her face the other way.


    Xavier sat quietly beside her. He had grown up living a luxurious life. He had never needed to say sorry to anyone before because he was always right even when he was wrong. Learning at a young age that money fixes everything he decided to go with that approach to life. He cleared his throat multiple times.


    ¡°Got something stuck in your throat?¡± Jessica asked ensuring that her annoyance is felt in her voice.


    He shook his head and cleared his throat again. Apologizing was harder than he thought.


    ¡°If you have something to say, say it now,¡± Jessica said giving him a chance to apologize for after all that was what he was outside to do.


    She was sure that Dawson had asked him to apologize. He stared at her and said nothing. In annoyance, she stuffed thest bit of the burger into her mouth and then stood up to throw out the package it came in. She walked back into the room.


    ¡°I hope you are not mad at me?¡± Dawson said as soon as Jessica entered the room. He was a hundred percent sure that his grandson did not apologize.


    ¡°Why would I be mad at you?¡± Jessica asked and then added in a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s your dumb grandson I¡¯m mad at¡±


    ¡°He is barely aplete boy,¡± Dawson said jokingly.


    ¡°Well he doesn¡¯t have to be a total *ss,¡± Jessica said almost bursting intoughter.


    ¡°He is clueless on most matters that don¡¯t include business,¡± Dawson said trying to be her mind.


    ¡°I know I made a mistake but he could exin more gently instead of making me feel bad,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°I will apologize in his stead,¡± Dawson said.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Jessica began to feel better and this adorable old man was apologizing she could shake it off and live a lighter life. She was an extremely simple person who made shotgun decisions and lived freely.


    She stayed a few more minutes with Dawson before she decided to go back home and make herself lunch and arrange the things she got herself.


    ¡°I¡¯lle tomorrow, Bye,¡± Jessica said as she was at the door ready to leave.


    ¡°Be sure toe¡± Dawson said already missing her.


    ¡°I sure will¡±


    Jessica got outside to see that Xavier had left already.


    ¡°Jerk¡± She muttered and made her way downstairs.


    The ride to the mansion was short because her mind wandered. Her phone rang and she looked down at it. It was her Aunt, probably looking for money as it was her usual way.


    Xavier walked back into his office with a scowl on his face. He had gone to visit his grandfather but ended up getting scolded.


    ¡°What¡¯s the big frown all about?¡± Brian asked following his boss into the office.


    ¡°What frown?¡± Xavier asked back.


    Brian and Xavier had aplicated rtionship. They both went to the same school under the schrship fund provided by the Delgado family. Brian was also bullied and the stone-cold and quiet Xavier came to his rescue and since then they had been close.


    When Brian left school and got a job at thepany he began to work for Xavier hence their close rtionship.


    Although, Xavier was cold as usual. Only Brian could talk to him like that and get away with it. They had aplicated and strange rtionship.


    Rumors spread around thepany that they were in a rtionship which came to an end when Brian got hitched to his crush. She was one of the girls bold enough to go after Xavier but then she fell in love with Brian.


    Everyone thought it strange when she changed her goal from going after Xavier to Brian and finally got him down with marriage.


    ¡°You see, the thing is that no normal person would go around the world looking like that except if they are mad about something,¡± Brian said sitting on one of the sofas in the office.


    Xavier muttered something about how he wanted to end Brian¡¯s life. He took off his suit jacket and hung it up on the jacket stand.


    In Chiachester City it was pretty warm in June and Xavier was creating his source of heat from his belly as heined internally about his new wife.


    ¡°Well since you aren¡¯t telling me it means it is something that I can¡¯t solve so I¡¯m going to go away now,¡± Brian said sarcastically standing up.


    ¡°Wait¡± Xavier called out as Brian reached the door.


    ¡°Yes?¡± he answered in a singsong voice.


    ¡°When you wrong your wife how do you apologize?¡± he asked him quietly.


    ¡°It¡¯s been only a day and you¡¯ve wronged her already?¡± Brian asked incredulously.


    He knew his boss was one to do things the way he pleased but he thought since she was one who he didn¡¯t know well he would at the very least give her a break from catching his annoying nature.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like I wanted to annoy her. I spoke as usual and she just started crying¡± he answered.


    ¡°You spoke as usual?¡± Brian asked.


    Xavier¡¯s usual was not something anybody wants to hear. He was always ruthless with his words as if he was in a battle with everyone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t speak as usual to a girl who was dumped and married you. She saved you from losing yourpany to a specialist¡± Brian said.


    He knew his boss well and he knew that once the business was mentioned he tends to get softer about the situation and try all he can to fix it.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s true,¡± Xavier said.


    He hated that his friend was right and that he needed to apologize. He needed validation that he wasn¡¯t hard on her.


    ¡°Just go back home and say sorry, it¡¯s not that hard¡±

 Branch Ten

    Jessica had made herself a full lunch. The house helps saw her cooking, she even offered to make something for them to which Roselle declined.


    After her filling lunch, she went ahead to fill up the things she bought into the side of the closet that Xavier had cleared out for her.


    She had gone to a thrift store and gotten the clothes she needed. She wished she had a little extra money with her so she didn¡¯t have to spend from her husband¡¯s limitless card.


    Although what she spent was not so much she still felt bad and decided to wire him back the money as soon as she started working again.


    She had pulled up her savings and used them to furnish Burke¡¯s house because she thought she would be living there after the wedding.


    She wanted to get her money back from him since he cheated on her but she was afraid she would embarrass herself in his presence when she gets there.


    She knew her heart was still too fragile to handle seeing him with another woman and her best friend at that.


    She was so busy with her things that she didn¡¯t notice Xavier who was standing there watching her.


    Xavier cleared his throat to get her attention. He came in quietly as a mouse and stood there hoping she would turn around soon. After he spoke with Brian he decided to apologize if not he felt that things would be weird for him since he had to see her every day.


    Startled and with hands on her chest Jessica turned around to see Xavier standing there. His expression looked like he was about to make a snarkyment. She eyed him up and down, no doubt he was a price when it came to good-looking men but she could tell he would have the worst kind of talking habits.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± Xavier asked hoping she would face him.


    ¡°I have nothing to say to you but if you do feel free to get on with it¡± She responded hanging out the dress too she got.


    ¡°Well,¡± he started with gritted teeth. She showed him no respect. Was he to be speaking to her back?


    ¡°I made some errors while speaking today and I went too far. I would like to apologize and say sorry for my errors¡± he said.


    He felt weird. Never had he apologized to anyone. His grandfather had spoilt him silly and kept him safe. After all, when he lost his parent he became sensitive to everything and everyone.


    ¡°Is that what you call an apology?¡± Jessica muttered to herself.


    ¡°Sorry? I didn¡¯t get you¡± Xavier asked. He only heard the word apology.


    ¡°I said thanks for the apology. It¡¯s all fine, I did make a mistake after all¡± Jessica.


    She turned to him and gave him a half-ass smile.


    He tried to smile back but seeing that smiling wasn¡¯t his strong suit, he dropped it and settled for a smirk.


    ¡°What would you like for dinner?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask the staff to prepare it¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about my dinner, I¡¯ll cook it myself¡±


    ¡°Do you want to join me for dinner?¡± Jessica asked him.


    He wanted to decline the offer because all his life he had only been eating meals prepared by seven-star hotel chefs but the look on her face made him know that his eating this dinner was what was going to determine if he was forgiven.


    Moreover, she was a chef too although assistant chef she should still do a great job.


    ¡°Sure¡± he responded.


    ¡°Great,¡± Jessica said pping her hands together.


    ¡°Let me put this away and I¡¯ll get started with dinner,¡± she said pointing to the bags on the ground.


    ¡°And also can you forward your ount number so I can pay for what I owe, I know you gave me the card to use for household needs. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m a little short in cash now so I¡¯ll send it to you as soon as I resume back to work¡± she rambled on.


    ¡°About your work, I think we should still talk over it,¡± Xavier said and stopped talking.


    Jessica needed more information but he


    thought it best to hold his horses and just be quiet.


    ¡°Okay? When do you want to talk about it?¡± she asked seeing that he wasn¡¯t going to give her more information than that.


    ¡°Maybe after dinner or tomorrow morning,¡± he said. He knew that what he was about to bring up would be a touchy subject seeing that she was ready to return the money she spent.


    He was just apologizing and he didn¡¯t want to get himself more into the mess so he would allow her to calm down before telling her that her job is way below his status and he can¡¯t allow her to work there anymore.


    ¡°Okay then, anytime¡± she responded hanging the clothes up.


    Soon she was done and left the room to go to the kitchen. Xavier had gone to his study to do whatever Jessica was unaware of.


    ¡°What is Xavier¡¯s favorite food?¡± Jessica asked Roselle who was now following her every step as soon as she got into the kitchen.


    Roselle raised her eyebrow at Jessica. She wanted to loudly express her displeasure that she calling herself his wife and she didn¡¯t know themon things such as a favorite meal.


    ¡°Don¡¯t judge me¡± Jessica jumped to defend herself when she saw the judgemental look on her face.


    It wasn¡¯t her fault that she ended up in this marriage like this. She expected to just get married to a random man who needed an urgent wife outside the courthouse.


    ¡°Okay? So what is it?¡± Jessica went on pressing.


    Maybe when Roselle¡¯s facial tense lines reduce a bit then she would get morefortable and tell her the funny story of how she ended up being the wife to her boss otherwise she would hero amusing herself with the story.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you let us handle the cooking?¡± Roselle said ufortably.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯m a very good cook¡± Jessica responded with a smile.


    ¡°And it¡¯s not like I am going to put poison in his meal¡± she added with put a bug frown over Roselle¡¯s face.


    ¡°I said I won¡¯t be putting it,¡± Jessica said with a chuckle.

 Branch Eleven

    Dinner was a light spread but was filling as much as Xavier would not admit out loud with his own mouth, Jessica was actually a very good cook.


    The meals blended with one another and the taste was exquisite that he almostplimented her but be it far from his nature.


    The silence at the table was deafening. Jessica tried to start a conversation about two times but he killed it off with his one worded answers that she just had to give up.


    ¡°Thank you for the meal,¡± Jessica said wiping her mouth with the napkin.


    She was not a heavy eater but she are when necessary. Having this meal as the first with him will forever remain with her because she was a sentimental person.


    ¡°Thank you too,¡± he said.


    Jessica had thanked him not because he was responsible for preparing the good but because she was eating from his sweat and she ought to thank him. The orphanage at least taught her that much manners.


    She stood up to clear the table but he stopped her and called on Roselle to either clean it herself or have someone else do it.


    He may have married at first sight without even knowing her name but she would still be treated as thedy of the house for as long as the marriage goes on.


    Roselle bowed to him and nodded before getting on to clean up the table. Since Jessica was used to cleaning after herself she felt quite ufortable with someone doing it for her.


    ¡°Thank you¡± she whispered to Roselle when she came to her side.


    Roselle nodded and finished it.


    ¡°Can I interest you in a cup of tea?¡± Roselle asked holding thest of the dishes.


    ¡°No¡± Xavier said sharply to which Roselle bowed and left them in silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m exhausted¡± Jessica began yawning breaking the silence.


    She could barely understand what kind of silence it was. It was not the kind that would make you want to peal off your skin but it wasn¡¯t nice either.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind can we have that conversation about my work tomorrow?¡± She asked.


    Xavier silently wondered what she did that made her tired from what he could tell she only shopped and visited Papa.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said.


    ¡°Good night then,¡± she said leaving the dining table. He was really a man of few words.


    He just nodded instead of replying. Jessica turned yawning again. Xavier watched her retreating figure as she left the dining room.


    Xavier picked up his phone and decided to catch up on thetest news. He stood and made his way upstairs too but to his study. He sat on one of the sofas.


    Maybe he could pretend to be workingte and start sleeping in the study so she doesn¡¯t feel ufortable.


    But why should he give up his room for a strange woman? The thoughts kept clouding his mind as he scrolled.


    The headlines


    Gold Digger married to Delgado¡¯s Grandson?


    Those words caught his eyes and he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off them.


    Burke smiled down at hisptop that was on the table. It was almost midnight but his eyes were still bright as if it was just noon. He was proud of what he had aplished.


    How dare Jessica think she could leave him and go marry someone else? And she even got married to a hotshot.


    Burke was not well too but he had connections from college with those who were now living their best life. Luckily for him, he knew enough reporters and blog writers who were looking for engagement on their page.


    Writing about the Delgado family will skyrocket the traffic on their page and give him exposure. He did not have to make too many calls before the headline that Delgado¡¯s grandson had married a gold digger.


    Burke was feeling a sense of pride like he had done the whole town a favor by revealing who the wife of the town¡¯s billionaire was.


    ¡°What are you still doing awake?¡± Emma¡¯s voice startled him.


    He looked up to see her standing there rubbing her eyes and yawning at the same time.


    ¡°I had a lot of work to do¡± he responded closing theptop and standing up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to bed,¡± he said moving closer to her and sliding his hands up her nightgown that only went slightly below her buttocks.


    Emma giggled and pulled him closer to herself she kissed him on the lips and pulled him to the bedroom.


    ¡°Never keep me waiting,¡± she said amidst the kissing.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± He replied kissing her as if his life depended on it.


    If Emma knew that he was awake till that time to destroy the reputation of his ex-girlfriend because she wanted her back now that she was gone, she would probably not be sticking her tongue down his throat.


    They both stumbled in bed and began passionate lovemaking. All the while Burke¡¯s mind kept wandering back to Jessica.


    He wondered if he missed her or if it was an absence that was making his heart grow fonder.


    Meanwhile, back at the Delgado mansion Xavier was pissed and yelling on the phone.


    ¡°Xavier, I¡¯m a married man you can¡¯t be calling me at this time. My wife does not appreciate it¡± Brian said groaning.


    Xavier had called him immediately after he saw the trends of the articles.


    ¡°And I need those articles taken down,¡± Xavier said in amanding voice.


    ¡°And I would do just that first thing tomorrow¡± Brian answered.


    Before he got married he usually worked almost round the clock. Under normal circumstances, he was supposed to be scurrying to the mansion and trying to find an immediate solution.


    His wife would kill him and have the birds eat him up if he tried it now. He was married after all.


    ¡°More people would have seen it before then,¡± Xavier said slowly like he was exining the alphabet to a two-year-old.


    ¡°Talking in that voice won¡¯t make mee over and fix it¡± Brian said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it tomorrow morning¡± he added for emphasis.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Fine¡± Xavier said giving up, not because he wanted to but because he could see the conversation was not heading anywhere.


    ¡°Get some sleep, we will get to the bottom of it. Good night¡± Brian said and cut off the call.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if it is true or not. I¡¯m going to make them pay for rubbing the Delgado family the wrong way.¡± Xavier murmured to himself.

 Branch Twelve

    Xavier moved to the bedroom and saw Jessica sleeping soundly. If only she knew what the entire city was saying about her now.


    She turned in her sleep and rubbed her most lightly while muttering incoherent words.


    Xavier freshened up and then put up the pillow wall before sliding into bed. The headlines andments yed in his mind over and over again.


    This was the first time his family was caught in the entertainment news. Who knew that the marriage hr dreaded so much would be what would put the family up in the spotlight the wrong way?


    The Delgado family were business tycoons and appearing in the business news was no big deal at all. That was his specialty. He lived a quiet life and that made the blogs and tabloids avoid him as he was the boring young handsome rich boy.


    His looks were good enough but the story around his life was just not interesting enough. Somewhere between two to three am Xavier finally drifted into a light slumber.


    As Xavier was just getting to go to sleep by five am Jessica woke up. She decided that since thepound of the mansion wasrge enough to be a pce she would use the opportunity to exercise.


    She went into the closet careful enough not to wake Xavier, she put on some tights and a sports bra while throwing over a jacket.


    Although the weather in Chiachester City was warm at this time of the year, the mansion was filled with trees so it was probably kind of breezy outside.


    She put on running shoes and left the room. Xavier heard her movement around the room but devised again standing up. She might have been startled. He waited till she had left and then went upstairs to the first-floor balcony to see what she was doing. Seeing as she was running around the house. He left her to be and came back to sleep.


    Xavier finally got to sleep but what felt like a few minutes was now six thirty am Jessica stood over him shaking his shoulders to wake him.


    He rubbed his eyes and ran his other hand through his head. He saw Jessica standing her eyes glistening as if she oiled them.


    ¡°Have you seen this?¡± she asked pointing to the phone in her hand.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked as soon she sat and yawned too. His yawn made her yawn too.


    She sat beside him which made him scoot over so she can sit.


    ¡°Have you seen this?¡± she asked again pointing to the phone screen.


    Xavier collected the phone from her hand and scrolled to read through it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen it and I need to sleep,¡± he said tossing the phone back to her.


    ¡°You know that I didn¡¯t do that right? I didn¡¯t even know you before I married you¡± Jessica jumped to her defense.


    ¡°I need to sleep,¡± Xavier said his voice cold and distant. Heid back down and pulled up the nkets to himself.


    ¡°Just like that?¡± Jessica asked confused at his attitude.


    Weren¡¯t rich people concerned about their public image? Was it weird that he was cool about itWhile Jessica was busy fussing over the fact that Xavier was too calm for someone who should care about reputation, Brian was busy hunting down the bloggers and tabloids writers.


    They were definitely going to be either going to court or paying a fine for defamation. There would be no way that the Delgado family would let them loose.


    Since Xavier hardly caused any trouble nobody knew what the family would do. The blogs that took up the story were small blogs that wanted to improve traffic on their page.


    ¡°What do you mean I¡¯ll be paying a fine?¡± Burke thundered over the phone.


    Burke had been receiving threatening calls all morning. He was the one who sent the post so they all wanted to get even with him.


    ¡°I am going to tell the police that you sent the blog post to me. I have evidence¡± Max said calmly.


    He had gone to school with Burke and he was skeptical about releasing the news but he needed the traffic and it was the Delgado family, so he took the risk.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t,¡± Burke said with a touch of a crazyced in his voice.


    ¡°Moreover I would only be given a minor sentence. I didn¡¯t force you to publish. You are the publisher who published without checking facts¡± Burke added.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You are a psycho,¡± Max said before cutting off the call.


    Burke was delighted with himself. There was no way that the incident could be traced to him. He wasn¡¯t done dragging the name of his ex-girlfriend in the mud. How dare she have a wonderful life after leaving him? He wanted her miserable not living in a mansion and eating fancy meals.


    He broke up with her and went after her best friend. For some reason even though she grew up in an orphanage she had an optimistic side to life about everything.


    She was the half-full-ss kind of girl and it did get on Burke¡¯s nerves all the time. Hence his brutal breakup with her on the wedding day.


    If the reporter he used now refused to go after her because she was now associated with the Delgado family, he would find more reporters who would be willing to take the risk.


    There are always the reckless fame-seeking ones who would do anything to be recognized.


    Burkeughed out loud to himself. Emma stood by the door of the room watching himugh like a wizard. She tapped the door frame which brought him back to reality.


    ¡°Care to share the joy?¡± she askeding in.


    She was dressed for work. She worked as an ountant in one of the Delgado industries. Burke had not bothered himself to learn it because he was barely interested in her.


    He was with her because of her friend. He didn¡¯t love her either. He was just passing the time with her.


    ¡°You¡¯ll soon get to know¡± Burke answered.


    ¡°On your way to work?¡± he asked her.


    ¡°Yeah, see you at night,¡± she said nting a small kiss on his lips before leaving the room.


    ¡°Bye,¡¯ he called after her.


    ¡°I love you¡± She turned around and looked at him.


    ¡°Me too¡±

 Branch Thirteen

    Brian sighed in annoyance. He had been on the phone all morning with thewyers. After Xavier had given him a call at an ungodly hour that had pissed off his sleepy wife, he still had to leave home early to ensure he cleared off the horrible news of his boss and wife off the inte.


    ¡°What is the first traceable source of this information?¡± Brian says throwing the question to the group ofwyers and advertising agents.


    The group was created for damage control but Xavier being the dream entrepreneur and creating no drama the team had been practically useless. Give it up to the mystery wife to use the group for what it was meant for.


    ¡°It is traced to one mini blog owner who goes by the name Max,¡± one of the advertisers said.


    ¡°What can we do to those who carried on the news without verification,¡± Brian asked.


    His boss would soon being in and he knew him well, all he would be interested in would be the solution. No briefing, no stammering, no long processes. Just the solution straight away.


    ¡°It would be difficult to get any of them to pay any amount substantial seeing that most are first-time offenders and they all im that the tip came from someone close to the victim.¡±


    ¡°The best that can be done is that they get fined for spreading false information and nder¡±


    ¡°That can¡¯t be enough for the boss,¡± Brian said.


    His boss was a man of few words but most times those words were dangerous and often he wanted justice for thetter.


    Brian¡¯s phone rang and he looked down at it. It was the big boss. Dawson Delgado is also no-nonsense but sweeter than Xavier.


    Brian picked up the phone and put it out on loudspeaker. Everyone in the conference room kept quiet to listen in on the conversation.


    ¡°Hello, sir,¡± Brian said.


    ¡°Hello, Brian how are you?¡± Dawson answered back.


    ¡°Very well Chairman. How are you feeling today?¡± He asked back.


    ¡°I¡¯m good good,¡± Dawson said back. He cleared his throat thinking of how nicely he should bring up the topic and tell them that they taking too much time to settle the issue of the news.


    ¡°What is wrong?¡± he asked following up with clearing his throat.


    ¡°Some small blogs, we¡¯re already having a strategic meeting to clear up all misunderstandings¡±


    ¡°Brian, how many times a day must I echo that the news was made for the rich? I don¡¯t like that my family¡¯s personal matters are all over the inte.¡±


    ¡°We are on it chairman¡± Brian responded.


    ¡°Leak celebrity news or anything you want to do to fix this before lunchtime,¡± Dawson said before cutting off the call.


    ¡°You heard him, what do we have on any celebrity influencer?¡±


    ¡°I will get right on it¡±


    ¡°Ensure it is something big enough to cover up the Delgado family scandal,¡± Brian said.


    ¡°Okay sir¡±


    ¡°Meeting dismissed. I expect something very favorable soon¡±


    Xavier finally stood up from the bed by the time it was past noon. He was feeling refreshed and better after all he slept when it waste. He freshened up and got ready for work.


    He got down the stairs and heard some noise. It was like someone was rattling the pots in the kitchen. He popped his head in through the kitchen door and saw Jessica running around the kitchen.


    ¡°What is going on here?¡± Xavier asked when he entered the kitchen.


    ¡°Young master¡± the house helpers who were fussing over Jessica¡¯s every move bowed to greet him as soon as they set their eyes on him.


    Jessica was fixated on what she was doing. She was busy tossing and turning something in the pot on the gas cooker.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Xavier asked again. This time his voice was louder and now fully in the kitchen.


    ¡°The youngdy is cooking,¡± one of the helpers said.


    ¡°Why?¡± Xavier asked.


    Was this a situation where she should be cooking up a storm? Xavier looked at the kitchen ind and saw a ton of food that Jessica had cooked.


    Xavier walked closer to her as she moved to the chopping board and began chopping some tomatoes.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked standing close to her.


    ¡°What does it look like I¡¯m doing?¡± she asked and looked up at him briefly.


    ¡°I can see you are cooking but why so much,¡± Xavier asked pointing at the kitchen ind.


    ¡°I¡¯m stress cooking¡± she responded in a voice that said he was sounding stupid for asking.


    ¡°What¡¯s the reason for stress cooking?¡± Xavier asked his voice now getting angry.


    In his eyes, it looked like she was wasting the food. Who was going to eat all this now?


    ¡°Stop,¡± Xavier said holding her hands and stooping her from continuing her chopping.


    ¡°You know quite alright why I am stressed. I just can¡¯t understand why you are cool about it¡± Jessica said with a sad voice.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± he said pulling out the knife from her hand and pulling her to the sitting room.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Jessica said whining.


    The only thing that can get her mind off the false news about her was to stress cook. I had always been her way of dealing with difficult situations.


    ¡°Keep quiet¡± he answered with gritted teeth.


    Xavier pushed Jessica into one of the chairs.


    ¡°Who is going to eat all that food?¡± Xavier asked. His blood was boiling and he was trying to cool down. He knew that if he left himself he would blow up and make a mistake which would take him back to apologizing to her.


    ¡°Those foods can be refrigerated and the staff can eat them too,¡± Jessica said calmly.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± he said now calmly down.


    ¡°Yes Genius¡± Jessica added and stood up.


    ¡°Do you know who could drag you online?¡±


    ¡°Not one person I can think of¡± Jessica answered.


    She had thought it over and over again and it was making her stressed which led to the excessive cooking.


    ¡°No more cooking, go put on some nice clothes ande with me,¡± Xavier said an idea popping into his mind.

 Branch Fourteen

    Jessica didn¡¯t understand why Xavier would want to go out in this situation. The only logical thing she would do would be to hide out from the news and press till all is settled and they are talking about something new.


    ¡°Go put on something nice,¡± Xavier said again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like going anywhere,¡± Jessica said folding her arms.


    ¡°Yes, you are. You would stand up now and go put on something nice that would make every girl in the city jealous and you would meet me here and we would go out together¡± Xavier said.


    His voice sounded verymanding. He was staring at her daring her to challenge him and not obey him.


    ¡°I will do no such thing,¡± Jessica said standing up and putting her foot down.


    Who did he think he was? Who did he think he was tomand her like that? Did he think she would just give up and obey him? He must be high on something.


    ¡°Oh yes you would,¡± Xavier said pulling her hands and making his way towards the staircase.


    ¡°What are you trying to pull?¡± Jessica asked in a scream.


    ¡°I have no intentions of leaving this house. I¡¯m too emotionally drained to be going out¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Xavier Barker at her dropping her hands and turning to face her.


    As far as he was concerned she was being a very big stress to him. Why won¡¯t she just obey and let him fix this? A public appearance would fix it all within a few minutes.


    If the public sees them being all lovey-dovey outside the rumors would spread and the righteous Delgado¡¯s name would stand strong back.


    ¡°There is nothing wrong with me and you wouldn¡¯t shout at me again¡± Jessica barked back.


    Xavier was startled that she shouted at him.


    ¡°Why are you being a jerk?¡± she shouted and pushed him out of the way and climbed up to her room.


    She pushed the door and locked the door. She sat on the floor and tried to steady her breathing. Xavier was being such a mean person at the moment.


    Yes, Delgado¡¯s name was being dragged down but the person who was getting the worse of it all was Jessica. Everyone in town knows her as the gold digger ago forced her way into the family.


    ¡°Open up the door,¡± Xavier said rattling the door knob.


    ¡°Open up the door before I get the door down¡±


    ¡°Knick it down¡± Jessica yelled.


    She was getting convinced that she did make a mistake approaching Xavier and getting married to him that day. Usually, those rich men in books and movies have a soft spot but Xavier was proving that this was no storybook or movie.


    ¡°Listen Jessica. If we go out in public it will put the news down and get the situation better¡± Xavier said more calmly this time around.


    Jessica thought what he said through. That means they would have to act like they were in love and the paparazzi and gossip blogs would be picking up on the news naturally.


    Jessica stood up and unlocked the door. She pulled it open and saw him standing there.


    ¡°Do you really think it¡¯s a good idea?¡±


    ¡°Trust me¡± Xavier said with full confidence


    ¡°I¡¯ll get ready and go out with you but only because I¡¯m involved in this. And I hope you get ready to sleep out on the couch¡± Jessica said closing the door in his face.


    She was definitely not going to allow this man to walk all over her. She was poor and married him on impulse but that did not mean that she should be treated like a low life. All he did all day was bark orders and yell at her like she was some dumb alien.


    She quickly put on a short gown and took a jacket with her. She did a little makeup and came out. Xavier was waiting for her downstairs. When he saw how nice she looked his mind could not help but agree with his heart that said she looked stunning.


    ¡°Shall we? Or are you going to continue yelling at me?¡± Jessica asked standing I¡¯m front of him.


    She was going to be in defense around him from now on. He had proven that he was not fine husband material and Jessica could roll with it for a year. She just needed to always do what was best for herself.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Xavier said walking towards the door.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°We would drive ourselves,¡± Xavier said collecting the keys from the driver.


    The driver didn¡¯t know how to react but bowed and stepped back. Xavier entered the car and waited for Jessica to do so too. Jessica entered the car and Xavier started driving away.


    ¡°We would go to a restaurant. Have a lovely date and then go for a walk along the road before going home. That should be enough time for people to get pictures and videos of us¡±


    ¡°How romantic are we talking?¡± Jessica asked.


    If she was going to act then she had to make sure to do it right.


    ¡°The type that makes you cringe and almost puke¡± Xavier answered and Jessica nodded.


    Her phone began to ring, she pulled it out from her bag and saw that it was her aunt. She faced the phone down on herp and began to look around ufortably.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you get that?¡± Xavier asked.


    Jessica decided to ignore him. There was no need for her to exin the situation to her aunt with him.


    ¡°Or is it your secret boyfriend?¡± Xavier added.


    ¡°Stop it,¡± Jessica said with gritted teeth.


    She saw Xavier as a man with few words. Why is he have so many words today?


    ¡°Why are you ignoring the call if you don¡¯t feel guilty about taking it in front of me?¡± Xavier said pushing it.


    Jessica was getting tired of it.


    ¡°You know very well that I was dumped on my wedding day and that was how I saved yourpany and got married to you. I would be stupid to go back to him¡± Jessica said anger rising in her voice.


    ¡°Then get it¡± Xavier said pushing forward.


    He just wanted to know if Jessica would not cheat on him to turn into a good digger. He needed to finalize on the contract as soon as he could so he prevents her form mining any gold with him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not getting¡± Jessica said in a shout.

 Branch Fifteen

    The car came to aplete stop in front of Hyshoo restaurant where they would be dining.


    ¡°Arguing won¡¯t help us get the impression that we are going for,¡± Xavier said taking a deep breath.


    Jessica¡¯s phone had gone off the hoot ringing nonstop and she had refused to get it even with Xavier urging her to get it to prove her innocence. He just wanted to know if she truly was not cheating on him.


    Jessica on the other hand was greatly uninterested in speaking to her aunt even as Xavier was hounding in on her like a wild dog.


    ¡°I never wanted to argue. You started it¡± Jessica replied taking off her seat belts.


    The valets watch the car not sure if they should go up to it. The tinted window ss makes it difficult for them to know who is in it as this gives the couple the liberty to argue about it as much as they want.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not argue. Let us have a funte lunch and have something everyone can see a call as a date. Okay?¡± Xavier said.


    To him, it felt like going in circles. He was exhausted from the exchange. He had been put in a situation where he had to argue so much.


    To most of the people around him, his word was the finalw and they obeyed withoutining or objection. Jessica held firm and not picked up the phone.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she said still pissed but ready to clear up her name in the minds of the citizens of the city.


    ¡°I¡¯ll open up for you and then take my hand when youe out,¡± Xavier said removing his seat belt anding out.


    ¡°And he ims to never have dated anyone,¡± Jessica said with a huff.


    ¡°Who is he fooling?¡± she added.


    Xavier went around the car and opened up the door. Jessica put one leg out before the other and came down. She linked her hands to his and smiles at him.


    Xavier could not believe this was the same woman who yelled a few minutes ago. She must be good at acting.


    Jessica did take a few acting sses in college. It was an elective and she did enjoy them. With her side-eye, she noticed one of the valets approaching them.


    ¡°Darling let¡¯s go,¡± she said using her free hand to touch his forearm. Those who work as valets, waitresses, drivers, or any kind of help were the easiest method to spread gossip. She needed to use him.


    Xavier was thrown back by the nickname but he quicklyposed himself. They began walking into the restaurant. The manager met them at the entrance.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado, I wasn¡¯t expecting you today,¡± Richard said when he saw him. ¡°And alongside your lovely wife too¡± he added when his eyes fell on Jessica.


    Although Xavier had published on her when thru had the wedding, most people only came to take note of her face and person when the false news came to light.


    ¡°This is Mr. Richard¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Hello Mrs Delgado,¡± Richard said bowing his head.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Jessica said with a smile.


    ¡°Can I show you to a private room?¡± Richard asked.


    He knew Xavier¡¯s style quite well and how he liked his privacy away from the public eye. So even if it be that he removes one customer for him then so be it. Xavier was worth more than ten customers to him.


    ¡°Just give us a table on the floor¡±


    What was the point of dining out if they sat in a private room? They needed to be seen and so the floor room it was.


    Richard¡¯s eyes widened when he heard Xavier¡¯s request. It was absurd but he did it anyways.


    He led them to a table that was away from direct contact with the crowd¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Give us a different table,¡± Xavier said when he noticed the table that he was offering was not going to do the trick.


    To Richard, it was as if someone had switched up the soul of Xavier. His requests seemed weird to him. He obeyed anyways and gave them a table open to the public eyes.


    ¡°Oh thank you, Mr. Richard. That¡¯s so kind of you¡± Jessica said raising her voice some degree higher than normal.


    ¡°No problem ma¡¯am. I¡¯ll be back to take your order¡± Richard said before walking away.


    To Jessica, this was very strange. The manager taking orders, not ever has she seen such. Xavier must be as influential as theye.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Soon the chefs and assistants were lining up to greet and make themselves known to the client. This was hardly anything new. She has done it countless times. There were stories that some people be personal chefs after showing themselves to the client.


    Jessica signed in jealousy. She missed being in that uniform and cooking to her heart¡¯s content.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°Are you sad I¡¯m not your little boyfriend?¡± he added.


    ¡°Stop it,¡± Jessica said smiling through gritted teeth.


    To Xavier, he couldn¡¯t understand why he was behaving like that. He saw quite well the way she cried on the day she got married. He knew that she was probably not seeing that man again but the thought of the news made him somewhat angry.


    ¡°Okay,¡± He said with a high to of anger in his voice.


    Jessica stretched forth her hands and ran them over his. He froze and wanted to recoil but his eyes caught those who were openly staring at him.


    ¡°Remember that you are not sleeping in the same room as me,¡± Jessica said still smiling and sounding as sweet as possible.


    ¡°Impossible,¡± Xavier said.


    It was quite unimaginable for him to smile so he yed his poker face card.


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking,¡± Jessica said then bursts out in fits ofughter as if any of them had said anything funny.


    ¡°That¡¯s a matter for another time, definitely not now,¡± Xavier said.


    Jessica picked up the menu to see what e should go for. She has never had the opportunity to enter a high-end restaurant and order food. She was going to get the best tonight no matter how pissed at her husband she was.


    ¡°Do you want me to order?¡± Xavier asked. ¡°You¡¯re probably unfamiliar with most dishes there¡± he added.


    ¡°I¡¯m a chef Mr. Delgado and I pretty much know many dishes. Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll order myself¡± Jessica said keeping up the smile.


    Everyone around was staring at them and wondering what they were doing. Some people thought they had lost screws up there. They did look happy because they had been all smiles since they came in.


    Some had abandoned their dates or meetings and stared at them shamelessly. After all, it was the Delgado owner.


    The manager came back and took their order and brought out their meals afterward. Jessica had ordered a seven-course meal.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to feed you some food now. I want you to collect it with glee¡± Jessica said in a whisper. The same whisper they had all night.


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widen. He could hardly believe what he had heard.


    ¡°You better cooperate now¡± Jessica added.


    Although it was a whisper it was as good as a decree. Xavier¡¯s mouth flew open as the cutlery came towards his mouth. He collected and chewed the food.


    ¡°It won¡¯t kill you to smile¡±

 Branch Sixteen

    The mealsted quite a while with the couple trying to act romantic. With the beauty of Jessica and the air and handsome face of Xavier anyone who saw them would believe that they were just an ordinary couple who married for love.


    The people who took pleasure in taking pictures and videos for their socials were convinced that this couple married for love. For all everyone knows Xavier could have been in a secret rtionship all this while and then finally tied the knot.


    The tables began to turn and everyone came to Jessica¡¯s defense. The blogs that pioneered the first news story began to get a lot of hatements and messages about how they tried to spoil an innocent woman¡¯s name.


    How fickle are people? They can switch sides like it¡¯s nothing. The side with the most evidence wins. Xavier¡¯s phone began to ring on the table. He peeps to see who it was and it was Brian his assistant. It


    Brian was impressed at his boss¡¯s strategy and wanted to praise him. He was surprised that it worked and he didn¡¯t even have to o post anything to divert the attention of people. Xavier cut off the call.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you get that? Or is it your secret girlfriend?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Jessica was petty and she was d that her turn for revenge came as quickly as a few hours apart. She was going to badger him to ept the call just as he did to her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take the call here. It¡¯s Brian, my assistant¡± Xavier replied exining to her.


    He did not know why he had the need to exin to her but he just did. After all, she went all strong and refused to answer the call and he did not know either who called her all the way.


    ¡°Are you perhaps dating your assistant?¡± Jessica asked with a gasp ending her sentence.


    She put her hand over her mouth andughed. In the eyes of those around it seemed like something funny had been said and Jessica was reacting appropriately. Who knew that they were at each other¡¯s throats?


    ¡°Are you almost done with your meal?¡± Xavier said changing the question.


    Given the circumstances, he wasn¡¯t really hungry but forced himself to eat to keep up with the facade.


    ¡°I¡¯m done we can leave¡± Jessica replied cleaning the corners of her mouth with a napkin.


    To be honest she thought she would have a fun-filled day tasting the vors and cooking


    of the Highshoo restaurant but she ended up having to eat while trying to keep up the act.


    Most times the delicious-looking seven-course meal tasted like chaff in her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stand up first and help you out of your chair then we go out for a walk around and thene back to get out car¡± Xavier exins.


    Jessica was down for it after all she already agreed to it. They stepped outside hand in hand. The sun was setting and they began to take a walk.


    Who had thought that the envied couple of the city would eat a seven course meal and walk around the area? As People saw them the talk of their date continued to increase online as they put on a show and the people were the directors and producers who were helping it thrive.


    Jessica¡¯s phone began ringing again. This time it was Burke. Seeing his name sh on her screen, Jessica felt her chest constrict. She hurriedly put the phone back in her bag. She clutched onto Xavier¡¯s hand tightly and continued to walk with him.


    There would be no way she entertained him any longer. He was now going to be dead to her from this moment onwards


    Since Xavier wanted to call Brian back and hear the news and give him some feedback on what he had been able to achieve they cut short the stroll. They could do a follow-up date by the weekend. Maybe an adventure or amusement park or even the movies.


    Just anywhere where the crowd was much and word could get out can¡¯t than normal.


    They came back to the restaurant door and entered into their car. Xavier drove them down the street a little before parking. He picked up his phone to call Brian.


    ¡°Tell me¡± he barked at his assistant as he put the phone to his ears.


    ¡°Your effort has proven efficient. The false news has been pushed down the trending list and reced with the romantic daytime date between you two¡± Brian exined.


    Brian couldn¡¯t hide the joy in his voice that he would not need to work extra time trying to clear out the Delgado¡¯s family problems.


    ¡°Go home for today ande to work tomorrow,¡± Brian said before cutting the call.


    He knew that Xavier would still want toe to work at this time. Al he truly cared about was money and business. He could use this opportunity to try and get to know his wife. They would be together for a year after all.


    ¡°I¡¯m driving now,¡± Xavier said informing the woman sitting beside him.


    Jessica was absent-minded and did not notice or hear what he had said. She was contemting calling Burke back. Let her hear what he had to say. While she was still thinking Burke¡¯s call came in and out of impulse Jessica picked up and put it to her ears.


    Xavier started the engine and began to drive towards the house. He needed to drop her off and catch up with work at the office.


    ¡°Did you like my little present?¡± Burke asked over the phone.


    ¡°I did not receive any present from you,¡± Jessica said wondering to herself why she picked up his call and why she was having a conversation with him. She was supposed to be cursing him out.


    ¡°The present on the news¡± Burke replied with a snort in his voice.


    ¡°You did that?¡± Jessica asked. The news was that he was at fault foreign to her. but it made her blood boil.


    How dare he do something so horrible?


    ¡°You son of a b**ch¡± Jessica screamed over the phone to which Burkeughed. Jessica cursing him out was funny to him.


    ¡°Is my life some kind of toy where you y and dump it away only as you like?¡± Jessica asked screaming.


    He went ahead to publish the fake news but still had the courage to call back was the shocking part of the whole scenario.


    Xavier could sense that Jessica was having a hard time with whoever she was speaking to he yanked the phone from her hand and put it to his ears.


    ¡°Jessica¡¯s husband speaking,¡± Xavier said.


    Burke was covered in fear after hearing the sternness that wasced in his rival¡¯s voice.

 Branch Seventeen

    ¡°Can you please put Jessica back on the line?¡± Burke said trying topose himself.


    ¡°Anything you have to say to my wife you can say to me too¡± Xavier answered.


    He was irritated with the back-and-forth of Jessica with him. He had a faint idea that Burke was behind the news but he only confirmed the suspicions now.


    ¡°It¡¯s a private matter between us¡± Burke answered. He did not expect to speak with him so soon.


    Burke was quite aware of the power and wealth that the Delgado family carried but his anger towards Jessica who had changed her status overnight by marrying into the family made him furious and he went after the family without any reason.


    After all, there was no way he could single out only Jessica without affecting the family. There was no direct link between the blog owner and Burke so he was calm and there was no evidence of the information transfer too.


    ¡°I will call her back then¡± Burke responded when it was obvious that Xavier was neither going to say anything nor pass back the phone to Jessica.


    ¡°So your little boyfriend got us into this mess?¡± Xavier asked throwing the phone onto Jessica¡¯sp.


    ¡°He was my boyfriend, not anymore¡± Jessica answered with gritted teeth.


    He knew that so why was he acting like a meanie? Since he woke up he had been a jerk to her. What was his issue? In fact, if they look at it very well, he would not be med after all she was the gold digger who pushed her way to wealth. He was very unaware of the situation. She was the bad guy.


    ¡°You¡¯re so annoying¡± Jessica muttered and plugged in her ear pods to drown anything he might have to say. She was already having a very hard time. Why was he bent on making her angrier?


    Xavier drove back to the house silently. As he stopped at the door of the mansion, Jessica came down and stormed off to her room. She entered the room while paying no attention to the employees who head where ever down to greet her.


    Her name was being dragged into the media and here this man was trying his possible best to piss her off the more. He must be doing it on purpose after all this could be a good way for him to get off this marriage.


    Jessica sat on the bed after she locked the door from the inside. She was fuming mad and she was breathing heavily. The ringing of her phone made her even angrier.


    She pulled it out and it was an unknown number. She had been getting calls and messages on all socials and she was tired so she picked up and barked into the phone.


    ¡°What do you people want from me? I never did anything to you. All I did was get married yet I never hear thest of it. Am I such a sinner for getting married?¡± she yelled to the recipient.


    ¡°No, you are not a sinner¡±


    Jessica could tell right away from the voice that it was Dawson. The old man was rather worried about Jessica. He had his fair share of media gossip back in the day. Then everything was not as digitalized as this but word still got out.


    Dawson knew that Xavier and Jessica barely knew each other but he went along because he thought that perhaps his grandson may find love in the hands of a stranger. Upon spending time with her knew he knew she was a pure soul. He was old but still an excellent judge of character.


    ¡°Hello Dawson,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°I¡¯m so d you recognized my voice,¡± Dawson said.


    He had decided to call her because he knew his son was not the best at handling any situation like this. He had grown a thick skin to the media after what they did after his parents died.


    Xavier happened to be in the car but got out unharmed. His mother¡¯s hands had been cuddling him and he was crying and wailing at the scene.


    He barely understood anything but he knew he had lost his parents. A media house thought it would be fun to hand the little boy and he came in severally to make him speak. He had difficulty speaking for three years after the ident.


    From then on Xavier made sure to do nothing that would make the media go after him so relentlessly. The only time his name was mentioned in the media was when he closed a deal or for a business purpose. Tabloids and entertainment news barely saw anything worthy to write about him.


    ¡°It would be extremely hard not to¡± Jessica replied.


    He was a sweet man who made her feelfortable while her so said husband made her feel unwee.


    ¡°How are you? ¡± Dawson asked.


    ¡°Honestly?¡± he added.


    ¡°I could be better. Maybe this is the universe¡¯s way of punishing me for bad deeds¡± She responded withughter.


    The ssic turn your tragedy intoedy in the presence of others.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe in to see me tomorrow?¡± Dawson asked.


    Jessica could use a distraction from the back and forth on the media and Dawson could use thepany. It was a win-win situation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should be seen about and around,¡± Jessica said.


    To be honest she just wanted to be coupled up inside her room without talking or seeing anyone. She made a mistake. She was to me after all.


    In her defense when she approached Xavier she did not know who he was until after they had signed the marriage papers so she was clear. Was he perhaps greedy when she heard his status? Was she what they called her to be?


    ¡°Come see me,¡± Dawson said in apelling voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m really bored being all plugged into these drips and constantly being pierced with needles all day¡± Dawson added.


    He pleaded his case, yes but he wanted to see Jessica. He decided to make her stay with his grandson. He may seem selfish but the boy had been alone all his life. He needed thepany and now that he has got one he was afraid she might lose it.


    ¡°Come see me okay?¡±


    He made it sound like an amusement park offer that she couldn¡¯t refuse.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Okay then. I¡¯ll be there tomorrow¡±

 Branch Eighteen

    Xavier got home quite exhausted andte. He had meetings with foreign investors as they were all interested in the life of the owner of thepany they invested in. He just took over thepany in paper although he had been running it ever since Dawson got sick.


    ¡°Wee young master, should I prepare dinner for you and thedy?¡± one of the house staff asked.


    She just happened to be around when he came in and she decided to ask him if she needs to prepare anything.


    The house staff saw the news and they were all worried about the youngdy. Ever since she got here she had been friendly and made them all feelfortable. She has not left her room to prepare dinner for herself which was quite strange since she had done so every night.


    The staff knew that the young master would turn any food since it was past midnight but she was worried about the youngdy not having dinner. They were all worried that she was coupled up in her room crying her eyes out about the rumor.


    The staff had discussed it. While some agreed with the blogs majority said she seemed sweet and not the kind of person who would do such a thing.


    Most of the members of the staff had worked with other rich families in the city and it was rare for the new housedy to cook herself and offer food to the staff.


    They also had a taste and it was still quite rare for them to have such professional touch in their meals. The staff members would be lucky if thedy or her children know how to make instant noodles or even toast for themselves.


    ¡°Jessica hasn¡¯t had dinner?¡± Xavier asked.


    He was also kind of worried about her. She was not used to the spotlight all over her. He had his fair share of media struggles when he was younger but ever since his grandfather bought and closed down the media house he had been good.


    ¡°Yes young master,¡± the young girl said.


    Her head was bowed so all she could see was his shining shoe. It was getting quite dusty outside yet his shoe shone. The girl wondered if he walked by himself at all.


    ¡°Prepare a bowl of oats and bring it up¡±


    Xavier was not going to have such food thiste. He was just worried about his wife. It was a normal thing. He had to be worried about her. Fighting against the media was a big deal for the rich not to talk of someone not used to it.


    Xavier walked up the stairs and got to the door of his room. He knew he had offended her quite a lot today but she was no different. It crossed his mind that Jessica threatened to lock him out tonight but he believed that she could not lock him out of his room.


    He tried to push the door open but it refused to budge. He tried and tried before he heard a voice firm inside.


    ¡°Keep it down and do not break down the door. I¡¯m trying to sleep¡±


    Her voice sounded fine. She wasn¡¯t crying. Good to know. How dare she lock him out. He did not believe her threats because nobody threatened him not to talk of doing it.


    ¡°Open up the door,¡± Xavier said rattling the door handle.


    ¡°Sleep elsewhere. I told you already¡± she answered back. He was disturbing her sleep.


    ¡°Where?¡± he asked.


    This had been his room all his life.


    ¡°Anywhere you want¡±Jessica shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯ll break down the door,¡± Xavier said. He was getting impatient.


    ¡°Go ahead¡± she screamed back. She didn¡¯t care whatever he did to his house.


    She could hardly remember his offense, she was just pissed at him.


    Xavier walked away and came back shortly holding the spare key. It was a good thing that the master key was kept as the spare key so even if she had left the hey at the mouth of the keyhole he could still get in.


    He pushed the key in and opened up the door. He saw Jessica sitting on the bed. She was not sleeping as she imed. Her eyes shone as someone poured glitter into them. They were lined with tears.


    She was crying but her voice managed to sound normal. Seeing the tears, the anger that Xavier hade in with instantly melted.


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± he asked awkwardly still standing by the door.


    Jessica looked up at him. Was it that he did not know why she was crying or that he was just really bad at consoling others?


    Jessica narrowed her eyes at him. He slipped his hand into his pants pocket and shuffled ufortably on his feet. Her re was not afortable one.


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± he asked again.


    Was that the best he could do to console? She asked herself.


    ¡°Because pigs can¡¯t fly¡± she answered sarcastically. She did have a thing for dealing with every situation with sarcasm.


    His eyebrow went up unable to read the sarcasm in her voice. He wondered why that would be a reason for her to shed tears.


    ¡°Why would that make you cry? It¡¯s not your fault, it¡¯s just the way pigs were made¡± he said with seriousness as if he was teaching a kindergarten.


    Jessica couldn¡¯t believe that he thought that was why she was crying. His childishness and naivety made her wonder. How could a grown man who headed apany does not even know when she was being sarcastic?


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry about something you can¡¯t change¡± He continued.


    Jessica could feel her happy andughter nds being open. She didn¡¯t know when augh escaped her lips. Xavier was now confused. She was crying just a moment ago and now she wasughing.


    ¡°Is something funny now?¡± he asked.


    He was not used to being around people so he had a really hard time behaving like everyone else.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re being cute,¡± Jessica said and her hand flew to her mouth.


    She only wanted to think that and not say it out loud. Xavier furrowed his eyebrow and scratched his nose. He couldn¡¯t understand her. It was like she was speaking a foreignnguage.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± He asked.


    He had never been referred to as cute since he reached puberty. It was a strange word to use to describe him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You possibly do not think I was crying because pigs can¡¯t fly do you?¡±


    ¡°Why would you say that if you don¡¯t mean it?¡± he asked confused.


    He had angrily opened the door to give her a piece of his mind but here he was still in the doorway awkwardly consoling the woman whose emotional change was faster than saying, Jack.


    ¡°Ever heard of sarcasm?¡± Jessica asked standing up.


    ¡°I went to Harvard¡± He answered simply as of he was supposed to give her all the answers to all the questions in the world.


    ¡°Well, your Harvard certificate did not teach you what sarcasm is. I was being sarcastic. I was crying because of the news of today and I expected you to know that and not ask me why I am crying¡± she answered.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to assume,¡± he said looking down at his feet.


    Jessica nced at him before her eyesnded on the small girl holding a tray with a few more bowls than necessary.


    ¡°The oats you requested for the young master,¡± she said.

 Branch Nineteen

    ¡°Put it there,¡± Xavier said moving from the doorway and pointing to the table at the corner of the room. The girl dropped it off and nced at the youngdy she was relieved when she saw that she was doing quite well. She bowed and left in a hurry.


    Xavier entered the walk-in closet and changed his clothes to his pajamas beforeing back out. Jessica watched him in awe as he went about his nightly routine.


    He had not finished consoling her yet he wasfortably doing something else.


    ¡°Xavier¡± she called his name quite absentmindedly because she was busy watching him.


    He was in front of the mirror. He turned to face her and she looked him in the eye. She has always seen his beauty but this time it shone through. She gulped down the question she wanted to ask him long forgotten in her memory.


    Maybe it was the fact that she was heartbroken and lonely or the fact that his attempt at consoling her was the worst technique she had ever seen or the fact that he looked so hot right now, she could hardly tell the reason since her emotions were all jumbled up in her heart but she wanted to jump him and press her lips against his.


    ¡°Do you need something?¡± he asked popping out of her thoughts.


    She pinched herself for having immoral thoughts against him. He was her husband why were they immoral thoughts another portion of her mind said.


    There are still immoral either way. She should not do so.


    ¡°Jessica?¡± Xavier said her name in a question form as he approached her gently. He was just worried about her.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she answeredposing herself.


    ¡°You called me?¡± he asked her and she nodded.


    ¡°Do you have something to say?¡± he asked raising his eyebrow.


    ¡°I forgot¡± she responded looking away before she started undressing him in her mind.


    He moved to the table where the food for her was.


    ¡°Come eat this,¡± He told her taking one of the chairs there.


    ¡°What is that?¡± she askeding down from the bed where she had made her fortress.


    ¡°Oats¡± He answered simply.


    ¡°Oats?¡± she asked confused.


    Why did she need to eat oats aste as this?


    ¡°Thiste?¡± she asked and sat beside him in one of the seats. He pushed the tray closer to her and opened up the lid of the tes. She stared at the nicely prepared oats with the milk in another bowl and different fruits beside.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Rich people sure were different she thought to herself.


    ¡°Why oats thiste?¡± she asked putting her spin into the bowl.


    She had eaten to her fill at the restaurant but the crying she had done had drained the whole energy she managed to acquire.


    ¡°Because I heard from the staff that you didn¡¯t have dinner¡±


    If she didn¡¯t have a conversation with him earlier today, she would be convinced that he care about her. He was a jerk, it was understandable to her why he was suddenly being nice.


    ¡°Did you have dinner?¡± she asked him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me¡±


    Jessica took small bites out of the bowl of oats. She wanted to convince herself that there was no way that Xavier was concerned about her up to the extent that he got her a meal. He was the same jerk that got her riled up all day.


    ¡°Finish everyst drop,¡± Xavier said.


    Jessica had tried to stop her spoon because she was filled but Xavier whose eyes were closed happened to see her drop her spoon.


    ¡°I¡¯m full, why don¡¯t you have the rest?¡± Jessica asked rubbing her tummy with her hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t eat sote at night¡± he replied.


    ¡°But did you have dinner?¡±


    He had been so busy that he skipped dinner. He even had to leave work without finishing up his work.


    ¡°No, I did not but I keep a strict timeline for my meals,¡± he said standing up and walking toward the bed.


    ¡°Finish up the meal,¡± he said turning to face her before climbing up to the bed.


    ¡°As I said before, I¡¯m quite filled so I don¡¯t think I can have any more,¡± she said also standing up.


    She put on the lid back on the te and walked towards the toilet. Now that she had a meal she needed to brush her teeth again. She quickly did her business in the toilet and entered the closet and changed her clothes to her nightgown.


    She entered back into the room and saw Xavier very cozy and drifting to bed.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado,¡± Jessica said in a soft tone.


    Since the incident today, she felt distant from Xavier so she decided to address him formally. After all, she had only a year to spend with him. There was no need for them to get over-familiar with each other. The best status that befits them in their rtionship was to treat each other like colleagues.


    ¡°Yes?¡± he answered gently and his voice sleepy.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see your grandfather tomorrow. Anything I should take note of?¡± she asked.


    She didn¡¯t want a repeat ofst time. She knew that only a fool made the same mistake twice. Xavier¡¯s eyes flickered open and he raised his head to look at her standing there rubbing hand lotion on her hands.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea to go there,¡± He said.


    He was worried she would run into the media body. They all knew that his grandfather was staying at the hospital and what hospital he was in. He knew that they would be there.


    ¡°He asked me toe. Don¡¯t worry I would not make the mistake twice. I¡¯m wiser than that. That¡¯s why I asked if there is anything to be mindful of¡± she jumped to defend herself.


    He may be thinking that it is a bad idea to leave them alone but she learned her lesson and would only have him take or eat what was passed by the doctor. If she was unsure she would ask someone.


    ¡°It¡¯s not because of you but because of the press. I would tell Papa that you¡¯lle another time¡±


    ¡°I think it would be okay for the press to see me going to visit him. I also think that he is lonely. Let me go see him¡± she said.


    To his ears, they sounded both like amand and a request at the same.


    ¡°I hope it would be okay,¡± Xavier said giving in.


    He decided to give in so as not to offend her. She may be thinking that if he doesn¡¯t give in she might take it the wrong way and that wouldnd him in trouble with her.


    He didn¡¯t want to have to go look for the spare keys or have to call the guards to pull down the door at night either.


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you. I think it would be good if we showed up together¡±


    ¡°Anything you say Mr Delgado¡±

 Branch Twenty

    Both Xavier and Jessica enter the car and the driver goes away. Xavier had hammered that Jessica should wear something exotic but she still went with her in tee and skinny jeans. She was a simple girl like that.


    Her wardrobe barely spoke ssy not to talk of exotic. Xavier made a mental note to call famous stylists and designers to change her entire wardrobe after the whole mess settles down.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    She would have to be his date to many events from now on so she should dress the part even if she can¡¯t be the part. She was after all now the Lady of the Delgado family.


    Soon the high-ssdies of the city especially her age range would want to start interacting with her. Xavier had all these in mind but he did not know how he would be able to convince Jessica to change her entire wardrobe, style and even join the club of high-ssdies.


    Xavier knew that even the older generation would such up to her because of the family she married into. He wondered if she would be able to handle it.


    Not knowing what was going on in the head of Xavier sitting beside her, Jessica decided to use the ride to check on the status of things. Unlike yesterday when every Tim dick and Harry were cussing her out to be a gold digger and whore, now the majority came to her defense when her name came up.


    Her name as a hashtag and keyword had gone down the search.


    ¡°Oh thank goodness¡± Jessica caught herself saying.


    She had never been in such a situation and high school and culinary school didn¡¯t prepare her for this. If someone had told her a month ago that she would be sitting in a luxurious car going to visit the business tycoon of the city in his hospital room as his granddaughter-inw, she would haveughed and had a good-filled day.


    But here she was on her way to go see Dawson who had requested for her toe.


    ¡°What do you think ofing cleaning to your grandfather,¡± Jessica asked.


    She was not particrly good at keeping secrets and now that she was going to be standing before Dawson again and she was afraid she would spill without thinking. The best option for her was for Xavier toe clean and she supports him.


    ¡°Why?¡± Xavier asked with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t feel too good about lying to such a good man,¡± Jessica said.


    The truth was all she said. She didn¡¯t enjoy lying and all the other cover ups thate with it.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell him, he¡¯ll be disappointed and I may have to bury him before his time,¡± Xavier said without batting an eysh.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t keep your mouth should turn the car around?¡± he added.


    ¡°There would be no need for that¡± Jessica replied in a strained voice.


    Xavier was overreacting and it was obvious even to the driver. What was there if they told the truth about their rtionship to Dawson? She didn¡¯t know him well but he seemed to be a sweet little old man.


    The cares to a slow halt at the entrance of the hospital reception.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in holding hands,¡± Jessica said and Xavier had a huge frown on her face.


    ¡°I thought we were still ying the romantic couple role?¡± she added when she saw his face.


    She was just a normal girl there was no need for him to make such a face. Was he holding up a pile of maggots that the thoughts of holding hands troubled him so much?


    ¡°If you think what we did yesterday was enough then no need to hold hands,¡± Jessica said removing her seat belt.


    She thought he only volunteered toe because he knew the reporters she currently saw from the rolled-up window were going to be there. Xavier had good foresight after all. He knew that the media woulde to the hospital and that was why he came but she openly asked them to hold hands was shocking to him.


    ¡°No need to overthink this. If you don¡¯t want to do it. Then don¡¯t¡± Jessica said when she saw his face and the way it seemed his brain wheels were turning to create an excuse for her.


    Xavier opened up the door and the reporters swarmed towards him when they noticed he was the one. He came around and opened up her side of the car door and stretched his hand to her. Oh, he was good. Here was the man supposedly said to never have had a girlfriend pulling all these tricks.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado, is it true that you had never met your wife before marriage?¡±


    ¡°Can you give us a short statement concerning the current news¡±


    ¡°When would the official church wedding be?¡±


    The reporters were throwing all manners of questions at them today.


    Xavier holds Jessica¡¯s hand firmly and he begins to take long strides to the hospital. Once they are inside the whole integration would stop. Jessica finds it difficult to keep up with his long strides.


    They enter the hospital but Xavier doesn¡¯t let go. The eyes of everyone is following them as they move toward the elevator.


    ¡°They won¡¯t stop looking will they?¡± Jessica murmured so only Xavier could hear her.


    ¡°That¡¯s why rumors are scary¡± Xavier whispered back.


    Now that they were not running from the horrible pressure mounting questions of the media Jessica could finally feel the effect of what Xavier¡¯srge warm hand was doing to the pit of her stomach.


    She wanted to remove her hands because based on their rtionship she should not be feeling that way.


    They were husband and wife by thew. Was it wrong to kind of like your husband? Things like this only happened in movies but here she was living the storybook life.


    His hand was warm and it sent a tingle down her spine. She shivered at the thought of his hands going all over her body. She shook herself for having such immoral thoughts.


    ¡°Are you cold?¡± Xavier whispered as the elevator opened up in front of them.


    Everyone on it came down and Xavier pulled her inside with him.


    ¡°You did not respond,¡± He said again pushing the button to the twenty-fourth floor where the VIP rooms were before proceeding to press the do not disturb button so the elevator doesn¡¯t stop at any floor.


    ¡°No I am not cold¡± Jessica responded.


    Her mind was telling her to remove her hand from his but her heart just wanted that warmth.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± He asked bending down to her level.


    Now she could see him eye to eye. His deep blue eyes pierced her soul as shivers went down her spine to her feet.

 Branch Twenty One

    The door to the elevator opens on the twenty-fourth floor. After Xavier had a moment of staring deep into Jessica¡¯s eyes he let go of her hand and the rest of the elevator ride was awkward.


    Since the VIP ward was quite private and quiet, Xavier could step out of the elevator without worrying about the blogs and tabloid owners. There was no way that they would be here.


    Jessica followed behind him as he took long strides. He pushed open the door to his grandfather¡¯s ward.


    ¡°Just a minute Mr. Delgado, I am checking his vitals can you wait outside?¡± a nurse said as soon as Xavier stood in the doorway.


    He nodded and turned around which made him jump directly into Jessica. Her head to his chest. Being in this position she could take in his scent. He had quite a different scent from the majority of the male popce. He smelt like melted candy and cinnamon.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked steadying her.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered holding her head.


    It did not hurt her but she did blow it out of proportion a little. She had noticed that Xavier was quick toe to her aid if she having a hard time. The outing and the food and the walk did not take away the issue but it made her feel better. He acted like a beast that was a gentleman.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said moving back.


    ¡°No problem,¡± she said rubbing her forehead.


    ¡°The nurse said to wait,¡± Xavier said closing the door.


    ¡°Okay then¡± she replied moving to the waiting chairs down the hall.


    After a few minutes, the nurse came out and threw a filthy smile at Xavier, her face fell when she saw Jessica too. Jessica noticed it andughed within her.


    It was obvious that most girls would hate her after all she married the most desirable male in the Chiachester city and she was someone they did not know. It would have been better if he got married to Alicia Gates.


    Alicia Gates was the city¡¯s most desirable youngdy. Every man set there eyes on her and women wanted to be her. The rare tabloids that Jessica had read while waiting in line at hospital or the airports had made her know that the older generations were not too happy with the way Alicia lived.


    She had refused marriage to any man including the promising heir of the Delgado family. She lived life on her own terms regardless of what any one said. Jessica had read in one of the papers where Alicia had singlehandedly increased the sales of the famous fashionpany her parents left her as inheritance. She was a legend but she was yet to find anyone to settle down with. She was quite picky.


    ¡°What are you thinking about so intently darling¡± Xavier said holding her shoulders.


    Jessica¡¯s eyes widened open hearing darling. Waste addressing her with a dear name? Xavier¡¯s eyes moved slightly towards to the nurse watching them and Jessica¡¯s eyes followed.


    When she saw the nurse and the expression on her face she yed along.


    ¡°Nothing much my darling¡± she said lovingly.


    She was busy throwing up in her mouth with her words. She had never considered a loving it sexual rtionship with him. He had made it clear that he was uninterested in such.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go see papa¡± he said standing up and holding her hands.


    She stood up and took his hands and together they walked to the room. The nurse could not help but deny that they looked good together. Jessica Night have been a woman no one knew but she fit by his side. The nurse agreed but felt a pang of jealousy in her soul. She could not have him but she still wanted him.


    Both of them enter the hospital room and detached themselves from each other. It was as if they were both holding fire they couldn¡¯t wait to get rid of.


    ¡°Oh I love to see it,¡± Dawson said when he saw them.


    ¡°See what?¡± Xavier asked with a bitter taste in his mouth.


    He knew quite well what his grandfather meant.


    ¡°I need grandchildren,¡± Dawson said.


    Jessica coughed at the sound of that. Dawson has not asked for a child but children. Didn¡¯t Xavier say he was about to die?


    ¡°Forget it, papa,¡± Xavier said taking a seat by his bedside.


    ¡°You guys are in love so it shouldn¡¯t be something difficult or don¡¯t you think so Jessica?¡± Dawson said turning to Jessica.


    He nned to get them to confess that they were not together. He knew it from the first day they came here. Xavier must have thought him a fool. He forgets that his grandfather was once a big business tycoon. There was no secret in Chiachester City from this old man.


    ¡°Jessica is not ready to have kids yet¡± Xavier jumped to say. He was ufortable having this conversation with his grandfather.


    ¡°Am I now?¡± Jessica said turning to face Xavier.


    He looked at her with pleading eyes. It was the first time that Jessica was seeing anything as such. Her insides turned, and she convinced herself that it was from disgust and distrust.


    ¡°Yes, remember the conversation we had on our wedding night,¡± Xavier said sounding like he desperately needed to keep a secret.


    ¡°Our wedding night?¡± Jessica asked almost choking on her spittle.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said frustrated she refused to y along.


    Dawson watched them go back and forth and he cleared his throat to stop them.


    ¡°What are you guys doing?¡± Dawson asked with a chuckle at the end of his statement.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Can¡¯t remember your wedding night? Don¡¯t worry it happens to only those who do not stay together on that night¡± the old man added.


    Xavier¡¯s eyes widened and he looked at him. He knew at that moment that his grandfather had caught him in the act.


    ¡°All I¡¯m asking is to see my grandchildren before I die,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Are you not sick? Are you justying here so you would force me to make a family?¡± Xavier said with a tinge of hurt in his voice.


    ¡°Xavier¡± Jessica called with a gasp in her voice. She couldn¡¯t believe that he was talking to his grandfather like that.


    ¡°Stay out of this woman,¡± Xavier said ring at her.


    She caused all this. If she had not approached him he wouldn¡¯t have married her and he would not have to be in this situation.


    ¡°A grandchild would stop all rumors,¡± Dawson said ignoring how rude his grandson had been.


    Jessica concluded in her heart that Dawson did spoil Xavier. Normally he should have been scolded for speaking to the old man that way but he just ignored him and continued.


    ¡°You told me to marry, which I did. Now I should put a baby in this woman?¡± Xavier asked usingly.


    ¡°Yes, and that is what you would do,¡± Dawson said with a firm voice.


    Xavier recoiled. That was the first time that Dawson¡¯s voice did not sound delicate and warm toward him and he felt kind of out of the world.


    ¡°I will do no such thing,¡± Xavier said and left the room.

 Branch Twenty Two

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about him,¡± Jessica said going close to Dawson. She didn¡¯t know why she felt she had to apologize for what her husband who was a child in an adult body did.


    ¡°Eh don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s still a child¡± Dawson answered.


    It made Jessica understand fully why Xavier was like that, Dawson pampered him and took care of him like a child.


    ¡°But I¡¯m still sorry either way¡± Jessica still said. For some reason, it felt like she should take responsibility for that child.


    ¡°Sit down, I have something important to ask of you¡± Dawson gestured to the seat that Xavier was just sitting in.


    ¡°Oh I hope it is something I can do¡± Jessica responded sitting.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure of it¡±


    ¡°So I know that you and Xavier are not acquainted and that you met in front of the courthouse on the day of the wedding¡± Jessica gasped at the realization that Dawson was not in the dark.


    Funny enough Jessica felt as if a weight was lifted from her chest. She sighed in relief.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Dawson, I never meant to lie but Xavier insisted¡­¡± Jessica said trailing off.


    ¡°I know. I know my grandson. I know what he is capable of but I want you to help me with him. He is very immature in many ways and it¡¯s because he has been lonely for a long while. He is not fully developed¡± Dawson said with a littleugh.


    Dawson pitied his son and that was why he was always picking up after him. Xavier needed to be a man but he was barely able to get up from it.


    ¡°And you need to help me with him. I know it¡¯s a lot to ask you to give me a grandchild but I¡¯ll very much like that¡±


    Jessica recoiled in her seat. Dawson was asking for too much and she couldn¡¯t possibly do that. The only way she could sessfully sleep with Xavier was if he was drunk and didn¡¯t know she was on to him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s possible¡± Jessica answered. She didn¡¯t want to break the heart of the old man who had puppy eyes going for him but she knew it was impossible.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    The slightest mention of it made Xavier throw a grown man sized tantrum and leave the room.


    ¡°But I want you to think about it and even work towards it,¡± Dawson said.


    If Xavier could get married when all hope seemed lost then he might fall in love with his wife and they might have kids.


    ¡°I do not promise anything but I would try my very best,¡± Jessica said to give him hope.


    She doubt anything would happen. Ever since she got to that house Xavier always put up a pillow wall between them. He always refused to share a meal with her even when she asked and on top of all that he was a big jerk and meanie. He barely knew how to talk to others or even hold a conversation.


    Jessica knew Dawson was asking the impossible.


    Jessica spent a little more time keeping Dawsonpany before going out to meet Xavier. She believed that Xavier wouldn¡¯t leave her since he was her ride back home and since they were still trying to prove to the public that they were a happy couple.


    ¡°Good night Dawson. I¡¯lle again soon¡± Jessica said as she stood at the door frame.


    ¡°I will wait eagerly and hope you doe soon¡± Dawson replied.


    Jessica thought she saw a sad expression on his face. If she could she¡¯lle every day and keep himpany. It was sad to be sick and it was now even more sadder to be stuck in a hospital without anypany all day.


    ¡°What if Ie tomorrow too? I¡¯m free because I am on leave from work¡± Jessica said.


    She saw his face light up with joy. She was free after all there was nothing for her to do. She could as well spend her day visiting him and spending time with him.


    ¡°I would very much love that,¡± Dawson said with a smile.


    He was lonely since Xavier thought it wise to be at thepany and only visit him once in a blue moon. One of the things Jessica was good at was making him feel good even as an old man. She might have entered the family wrong but Dawson was going to do all it took to make her stay.


    If he was healthier and able to move around on his feet he would y matchmaker for them and get them together, but since he wasying there all day then he needed to get someone to do his bidding.


    ¡°Bye Dawson,¡± Jessica said closing the door.


    Dawson began to think about who could help him achieve his goal of putting the two together. The only trustworthy person who came to mind was Roselle. She knew Xavier all his life so she could very well give Jessica the right kind of advice that would benefit her in winning Xavier¡¯s heart.


    Xavier might not agree with his grandfather now but Dawson was certain that when he leaves this earth and after a while Xavier would begin to understand and appreciate all he did for him including forcing him into marriage.


    Dawson picked up his phone on the stand and dialed Roselle¡¯s number. The Doctor keeps emphasizing how he needs to take care of himself because he barely had any time left. ording to the doctors he was supposed to onlyst about three months.


    ¡°Hello, Chairman¡± Roselle said on the other side of the line.


    Roselle had been a trusted hand and Dawson knew he could leave the business to her.


    ¡°You do not evene to see me anymore,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Ohh Chairman, I only wanted you to have quality time with your grandson and daughter inw¡±


    ¡°Well it¡¯s been a good time thank you for your concern¡± Dawson replied.


    ¡°Do you need me to do something Chairman¡± Roselle asked.


    Although she had practically been treated like family by Dawson. Roselle likes to keep her distance from them because she imed she wasn¡¯t at their status.


    ¡°Come see me tomorrow,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Come earlier than Jessica. I have a favor to ask¡±

 Branch Twenty Three

    Xavier watched as Jessica came out of the room. He was sulking as he sat on one of the waiting chairs in the hallway. He actually thought of leaving her here since it seemed like she was taking his grandfather¡¯s side and thinking of giving him a great-grandchild.


    His grandfather should be content. He asked him to get married which he did after much constraint and thought but now a new favor? He felt bad for talking to his grandfather like that but it seemed as though his grandfather was using his sickness as an excuse to get him to do things.


    Jessica had her sit beside Xavier. She wanted tofort him and tell him that she did not n to have children with him. Although she did her children were set for life and would never have to worry like she did as a kid.


    She was definitely not going to be giving her virginity to a man who acts like a child, bully, and jerk all at once. He could win an award for that.


    ¡°Do not worry Mr. Delgado, I have no intentions of getting pregnant. At least by you¡±Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Someone her statement did something strange to Xavier¡¯s stomach. Her words were right and what he wanted but hearing them did not quite sit well with him. He wanted to react but he controlled himself because that was what he wanted.


    He would not be satisfying himself sexually with this woman. She had many secrets and he knew her no more better than a stranger.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado, you know we are yet to sign the contract we said we would sign. When do you think we can do so?¡± Jessica asked.


    She wanted Xavier to see that she was really not interested in making her children heir of the greatest empire in the Chiachester city no matter how tempting it was.


    ¡°I will have awyer whip up a contract. If you have any terms you want to be met for your troubles send it to me and I¡¯ll add it to the contract if it seems reasonable enough¡± Xavier answered.


    He had been busy ever since the wedding that his mind derailed from the contract. It was a relief that Jessica reminded him of it.


    ¡°I must say, Jessica, I¡¯m d that you remembered the contract. The earlier we sign it and settle it all the better for us¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no problem at all,¡± Jessica said.


    She was going to leave the city after the divorce. She couldn¡¯t possibly stand the judgment of the city after the divorce. She only would be med because why would they me the golden boy of the city? All she would ask for is enough settlement to live her dream life in any city she chooses.


    ¡°Can we go?¡± Jessica said standing up.


    ¡°Oh yes, give me your hands. We still have to continue acting¡± Xavier said offering his arm to her which she took.


    ¡°Let¡¯s switch things up. I¡¯m driving¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°I do not think that¡¯s a very good idea,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think I have good ideas Do you?¡± Jessica asked.


    Maybe poking at him would help her get what she wanted.


    ¡°Fine you can drive¡± Xavier gave in not wanting to offend his wife who seemed to be easily offended.


    ¡°Thank you¡±


    Jessica drove at a very slow speed but she got home eventually.


    ¡°I thought we were going to get home next year,¡± Xavier said as she pulled up to the front of the mansion.


    ¡°I do not drive very often so I don¡¯t know how well to drive,¡± Jessica said on defense.


    The reason she volunteered to drive was that it had been a while. She only drove to high school where they stole the car of the orphanage owner and crashed. They got into trouble for it with both the owner and the police.


    She was even shocked that her brain, hand, and feet remember the way to go about it.


    ¡°You can take any of the cars in the garage to practice how to drive but as long as you stay thedy of the house, you would rarely need to drive yourself,¡± Xavier said.


    It was true because the staff barely let her cook without them fussing over her every move. She could probably learn how to drive for the sake of it. When she leaves the mansion at the end, she would buy herself a car and drive herself around.


    ¡°Mr Delgado,¡± Jessica said calling his attention while removing her seat belt.


    ¡°Do you not think it weird that you call me that? You can call me by my first name Xavier. It would be much better if you get used to calling me like that so take you do not end up making a mistake in front of others¡± Xavier said.


    Jessica had thought of addressing him informally by his first name but his attitude toward her made her feel ufortable with the thought. She did not know how to react to him telling her to feelfortable on a first-name basis.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said testing the name on her tongue.


    ¡°See sounds much better,¡± Xavier said.


    Compared to the attitude he just disyed at his grandfather¡¯s dying bedside, he was being more considerate and thoughtful. He must have a multiple personality disorder. How can someone go from making his grandfather to now making her feel better andfortable?


    ¡°it does sound better,¡± Jessica said admitting.


    She was a very simple girl. She hated lies andplicated things. She was used to saying most things the way it was even if it made her vulnerable and at a point where she could be put in danger.


    ¡°I want to talk about my work,¡± Jessica said.


    Her words piqued his interest. After all, discussing the work that she would do since she didn¡¯t want to stay at home all day was an important discussion for them both. He knew that saying no to her would not work and she couldn¡¯t do something that would embarrass him or put the family name back on the news just when they managed to take it off.


    ¡°What about it?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°Next week is myst week before resume back. You said I would get other options which I want to hear before I decide to let go of what I have¡± Jessica said.


    She was happy that Xavier did not try to sell some stay-at-home mom bull shit to her. She would have had it down with him until she convinced him otherwise.


    ¡°My option is opening your restaurant,¡± Xavier said.


    It was the best status in line with her job that would befit his status. He had tasted her food and she would do well.


    ¡°What?¡±

 Branch Twenty Four

    It had been Jessica¡¯s lifelong dream to own her restaurant and be the master chef. She had been saving for it but every time she gets a good amount her aunt came out of nowhere to take all the money from her. She couldn¡¯t believe her ears.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have that kind of money,¡± Jessica said.


    She just barely finished paying off her student loan and it was barely up to two months since her aunt hade to get money from her. She was as poor as anyone could be.


    The remaining money she could spare was what she used to get a dress and flowers for the wedding.


    ¡°Why would you think that I would suggest a restaurant and make you pay the cost?¡± Xavier asked in bewilderment.


    ¡°Wait are you saying you¡¯ll pay the full cost?¡± Jessica asked also shocked.


    ¡°Yes Jessica¡± Xavier replied.


    His eyes nced at the time on the car dashboard. He needed to get to work.


    ¡°Can we talk over it after dinner?¡± Xavier asked her.


    He waste and needed to be on his way. If he went on with her then he could be there another two hours.


    ¡°Are you going toe home for dinner?¡± Jessica asked.


    She had been eating alone and she needed a partner knowing the kind of person Xabier was she didn¡¯t want to get her hopes up.


    ¡°Sure, have the staff prepare something light¡± he responded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it myself to show my gratitude to you for saving me from the hands of the trolls andzy inte people who know nothing but make others feel bad about living,¡± Jessica said.


    Xavier looked at her she smiled to herself so happily. It meant that she was happy to cook. Xavier etc could not tell if she was happy to just be cooking or if she was happy to be cooking for him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make something very delicious,¡± Jessica said with enthusiasm.


    ¡°Okay then¡±


    ¡°Be home early okay so we can have enough time to eat and allow it to digest before bed¡± Jessica said leaning back onto the chair.


    ¡°I need to go to work now too,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll get going now, see youter,¡± Jessica said opening the for and going out.


    Xavier changed his seat to the owner¡¯s corner at the back while a driver came to drive him.


    Jessica stood there until she could no longer see the rear of the car. She did not know why Xavier was all of a sudden interested in her meal by it made her feel better about him as a person.


    Jessica went back into the house and decided to freshen up before she began to prepare for her five-course meal which she would personally rate seven stars.


    She was overjoyed to be making a proper meal for her husband. She began to think of a possibility because of what Dawson had said.


    Maybe one day Xavier would warm up to her. But could she do it within a year?


    Jessica had all the food in small dishes and instructed the house staff on kitchen duty to only set the table when Xavier gets back. She went upstairs and freshened up. She wore something casual and just moisturized her skin and put on some lip balm to avoid breaking her lips.


    She came back downstairs and went to the main sitting room. Ever since she got to the house she had barely watched anything on television. She nced at the clock on the wall and it was almost seven o¡¯clock.


    Dinner was meant to at least be eaten by then so they don¡¯t have a lot to battle with in terms of digestion. Although Xavier did not call to say he would bete Jessica thought as much as he had beente ever since she started living there.


    She sat on one of the sofas that would give her a good look at the television and enough vision point to see who passes by the corridor. The thought of owning herpany made her yearn to see him.


    She put on the television and put it on one of the soap opera channels. She began to watch absent-mindedly as her ears were fully fixated on the door waiting for him to be back.


    Xavier entered the house and immediately his eyes fell on Jessica¡¯s small body on the couch. He had tried to finish up early since he was the one who suggested dinner. She was sleeping, she must have been tired.


    He left her there and went ahead to freshen up. He didn¡¯t take so much time so they could have their dinner and she could get into bed. That position must be taking a toll on her body.


    He came back down and stood in front of her. He stretched his hand to wake her but froze. His hands could not go further to touch her so he turned and went to get a house staff to help wake her up.


    She did not know when she fell into a deep slumber.


    ¡°Young Lady¡± a soft voice called out to her.


    She opened her eyes slowly to see one of the house staff crouched to her level shaking her gently. Her eyes drifted up to Xavier standing there. She could not tell how long she had slept but it was obvious that he had freshened up as his hair was wet from the shower he took.


    The staff stood up and bowed to them both when she saw that Jessica was now awake. She left quickly to the kitchen where she had been. Jessica was happy to see Xavier because of the beautiful conversation that lied ahead for them both but she wondered by he couldn¡¯t wake her up himself.


    Why did he have to ask the staff to do it? She suppressed all the thoughts that might affect the happiness she was about to encounter deep into her heart and stood up to him.


    She rubbed her eyes gently and steadied her feet and smiled at him.


    ¡°I am so sorry I amte, had a lot to do at work¡± Xavier apologized.


    Although he did not need to apologize he did so anyway and Jessica was grateful for that.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh it¡¯s no problem, I thought I will wait for you while watching some drama but I was too tired to keep my eyes open¡± Jessica replied yawning.


    If what they were about to discuss was not so important to her she would have ignored the dinner and gone to bed but this could shape her future and even determine the course of her life after the divorce.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± She said walking and pointing toward the direction of dining table.


    Xavier nodded and followed her.

 Branch Twenty Five

    They sat by the table and began to eat. To Xavier¡¯s surprise, the meal that Jessica prepared was very good. It was good enough to be rated top tier. Maybe helping her set up a restaurant would be a good idea.


    ¡°You did a fine job,¡± Xavier saidplimenting her.


    Jessica felt a high degree of tion upon hearing that Xavier liked it and felt she did well. She knew it was a good sign that opening the restaurant would go in her favor.


    She would normally not collect money from strangers. She considered Xavier no more than a stranger. Since she had known him she had barely had a mature and sincere conversation with him therefore she can¡¯t consider him a friend. He was a stranger.


    Why would this stranger consider opening a restaurant for her? She wanted to ask out loud so desperately but she kept her numerous questions to herself.


    ¡°I am d it¡¯s to your liking¡± Jessica answered instead.


    If it came down to epting the money and she felt ufortable she could ask him to act as an investor and then she repay once she starts getting profits from the business.


    She knew that all she needed for her adverts was being Xavier¡¯s wife. Everyone would want to know her and what she looks like and they woulde for the food. In no time she would be repaying all she would owe.


    They kept eating in silence. The silence did not make anyone ufortable. Jessica desperately wanted to break the silence because she was greatly interested in what he would have to say about the business. She has thought it over while cooking and she had no terms. She was just lucky to be the one who he married. She would leave with anything they offer after a year.


    It was obvious that Xavier was barely interested in love and was not looking for it either. And for Jessica with the recent heartbreak, she suffered she was barely interested in finding any man who would go ahead in spinning lies as they go along.


    Although to her Xavier did not look like someone who would do such a thing but the looks would barely matter when ites to the way a man would treat a woman.


    ¡°I do not have any more terms to add to the contract. I would go along with everything you want¡± Jessica said using that opportunity to break the ice.


    Xavier looked at her. To him, she looked innocent like she had never told a lie before. The way she spoke it was obvious that she was uninterested in his wealth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a bad idea? The contract might be in my favor and put you at a disadvantage and you get nothing in the end¡± Xavier said.


    He did not want someone who would extort money from him but he wanted to properlypensate her for her services. That was all he saw in this marriage. Customer and the service provider.


    ¡°There is no need to get greedy, you already said you would help with my business I still have to talk to you about it. But asides from that what more do I need? When we go our separate ways after a year, I do not want others to say that I¡¯m living my best life because of you¡±


    Although Jessica was as cautious as she could be somehow the words she spoke pushed a spear right through the heart of Xavier. He was displeased with her and her choice oh f words and tone.


    Xavier¡¯s expression changed immediately. He was not happy with the way Jessica had put the statement but he did not want to make an issue out of it.


    ¡°So about the business¡± Jessica began.


    She could see the displeasure and discontent on his face but she refused to allow herself to give up on her dreams because of a silly mistake.


    ¡°Go on,¡± Xavier said encouraging her.


    He did not want to me her for the way she spoke, if anything she was speaking only truths because they would go separate ways as soon as it is a year and she would be ostracised by society.


    He should be more understanding even though her words were wrong she was still right. He would remain the eye candy in the eyes of the public.


    ¡°So I was thinking that would be a better idea if you invest in my business instead of giving me the money out rightly,¡± Jessica said.


    Xavier pondered on her words. She was right. Although he was greatly uninterested in what the public said about him, he needs to be careful with what they said about her. She had no immunity or family to fight her battles since she was not from an influential wealthy home.


    ¡°That would be a great idea, that way no one would say you are freeloading on us or that you are a gold digger¡±


    Both Xavier and Jessica knew that he could use better words to describe the situation but for some reason, Xavier felt using harsh words would somehow get her back for the words she used earlier.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Jessica cleared her throat and shifted ufortably in her seat.


    ¡°Just so you know I did not approach you intentionally. I did not even know who you were until we got married and you saw me that day


    I was dumped by my boyfriend of eighteen years. He decided on the morning of our wedding that he was now interested in my best friend. I felt ashamed and terrible that was what made me approach you¡± Jessica said in a bid to defend herself from the usations of being a gold digger.


    She was notfortable with the title and she wondered why Xavier had used it too.


    ¡°I am sorry that you don¡¯t feelfortable that I used that word. I wasn¡¯t trying to use you of being a gold digger, I was just trying to exin the situation on the ground¡± Xavier said.


    Her expression made him feel bad immediately for his remark. He had seen her suffer that day but he was confused if she loved him because she seemed to move on with fast and easier for iming to have loved him.


    The man in question did not deserve love but from what Xavier knew of love it never fades away. The only true love he experienced was that of his parents and grandfather and he knew that that expression he understood them and they stayed in his heart.


    ¡°So we agree that you would be an investor and we sign the contract papers tomorrow?¡± Jessica asked.


    She wanted to change the topic since she felt ufortable and she knew that he would appreciate her efforts to make them have a normal conversation for once since they met.


    ¡°Yes, I think it is the most usible decision for our given situation¡±


    ¡°Are you done eating?¡± Jessica asked mentioning the abandoned te in his front.


    ¡°I¡¯m enjoying my meal¡± Xavier responded picking up his cutlery and taking a spoonful and putting it in his mouth.


    The ride may have been bumpy to reach where they were now but there is no denying, Jessica was a great cook and he could trust her with his meals.


    ¡°I would be having breakfast now, you can prepare mine too,¡± Xavier said for some reason she could not pinpoint.


    Did Jessica just create a breakthrough?

 Branch Twenty Six

    The words of Xavier indicated that he would be eating the meals she prepared from now on. It felt like running the ten-kilometer race and passing by the first kilometer. It seemed small and insignificant because she still had a long way to go before they both becamefortable enough to address each other as friends but she felt ted and happy at least now it showed he that he trusted her.


    ¡°And dinner too?¡± Jessica asked.


    If she made progress she could as well push her lick and try it.


    ¡°I usually get back veryte so I doubt we can have dinner together. I have a lot of work on my te¡± Xavier answered in a calm tone.


    ¡°Oh it¡¯s no worries,¡± Jessica said smiling. It was really a breakthrough he decided to have breakfast every day.


    The rest of dinner was silent andfortable. Since Jessica had been able to get to making money from his investment she left it at that. She had all she needed at this point.


    Somehow as she sat her mind drifted to her aunt who had non-stop called her since she got married. She knew what her aunt wanted and she did not want her to meet Xavier. She was going to give her aunt all she got from her paid leave and the house rent at the end of the month.


    She knew her aunt would be gone for a while until the money she received was finished and then some back for more. Her aunt was a gambling and drinking expert. All she ever spent her money on was trying to gamble and drink.


    After dinner, Jessica joined the house staff to clean up the table. Although they were very ufortable Jessica was even more ufortable with another person cleaning up after her in the house.


    ¡°Good night young master¡± Jessica heard Roselle¡¯s voice as she greeted Xavier who was going upstairs.


    Jessica poured herself a cup of coffee and added enough milk and sugar so she could still go to bed. She stood in the kitchen taking small sips of the coffee as she waited for the house staff to wash the dishes. She would only feel bad if she left them all alone to do them.


    After the dishes were done Jessica went upstairs. She pushed the door open. She could not still believe that she was sharing a room with the most eligible bachelor of Chiachester City.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    She entered the walk-in closet when she discovered that Xavier was not on the bed. The silence in the room was an indication that he was not inside.


    She was quite exhausted from both visiting Dawson and cooking a full spread, she took off get makeup and clothes, and got into her pajamas. She slid into bed and slept off almost immediately.


    Meanwhile, Xavier was inside the game room on the phone with hiswyer. He had chosen to use the game room in case Jessica stumbled in when he was talking with thewyer concerning the contract.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado, I don¡¯t think the terms you listed would be in your favor,¡± Mr. Marcus said.


    He had been the familywyer. He was the son of the owner of Gates and Sonsw firm at the moment and was in charge of the Delgado legal business.


    Anyone could say that the Gates and Sonsw firm is what it is today because of the Delgado family and other influential wealthy people of Chiachester City.


    ¡°Just put it that way¡± Xavier responded.


    He saw right through Jessica that she was neither interested nor moved by his money. He had tried to unt it all over her face since day one. He gave her an unlimited card to use for shopping but she only used barely two hundred bucks and she started paying back by trying to send the money to his phone. He had rejected each attempt.


    He clearly thought that since they were going to be divorced in a year¡¯s time she would ask forpensation she did not instead she asked for investment which she would pay back.


    He guessed all young women of the present generation were not necessarily after money contrary to what he had faced as time passed.


    He was a beauty to behold but girls only flocked around him when they knew his family was loaded. Even when he traveled abroad the girls who approached were always after the money he had. They always wanted him to spend and buy luxury items for them. He had always disagreed and left them to their fate.


    ¡°Okay then, I would process it that way sir,¡± Marcus said tiredly.


    For thest ten minutes, he had been going back and forth with Xavier trying to change his mind and giving him all reasons to do so but Xavier had made up his mind and was not changing it.


    His answer was the same with every reason that Marcus brought up.


    ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll expect you tomorrow morning so we can sign the contract,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Good night Mr. Delgado,¡± Marcus said before dropping the phone.


    Marcus shook his head to himself before taking a sip of the whiskey in his hands. His client was being stupid, he was sure of it. He knew Xavier you be a reasonable and calm person. He could not believe that he would make a decision that would put him at risk of global embarrassment and disdain.


    ¡°Who was that?¡± Gold asked.


    Gold was Marcus¡¯s girlfriend. She came closer to him and stood with him.


    ¡°It¡¯s a client and it¡¯s a secret¡± he replied with a smile.


    ¡°I know you¡¯ll say that¡± Gold responded.


    ¡°Juste to bed now¡± Gold replied leaving a kiss on his cheek.


    ¡°I¡¯ming¡± Marcus replied rolling his eyes with a smile on his face

 Branch Twenty Seven

    Since Jessica was excited to be sharing her meals with others her body clock made her stand up by five am. She was going to prepare a full sore as breakfast for her husband today.


    Although their circumstances were not normal Jessica was going to do her best to make lemonade out of unripe lemons that life had thrown her direction.


    The house staff was shocked to see here out to prepare breakfast.


    ¡°Good morning Roselle¡± Jessica greeted the middle-aged woman.


    Roselle had been all stern and annoying on Jessica about the way they address themselves. She insisted that Jessica called her on a first-name basis which Jessica was quite ufortable with and she still went ahead to address her as a youngdy. If only this woman knew that she and Xavier were nning to sign a contract that would make them go separate ways today.


    ¡°Good morning youngdy, can I help you with something?¡± Roselle asked when she saw Jessica in the kitchen.


    Roselle was still very skeptical about the sudden appearance of Jessica in the lives of the lonely Delgado men but she supported her not because she trusted her but because she knew this man and how closed off they had lived since their son and father died.


    Dawson lost his wife shortly before his son died. Since then he devoted his entire time to growing hispany and focusing all his energy on Xavier. Xavier only ever knew his parent¡¯s love and lost them while he was still young.


    The fact that he was an only child who was being homeschooled by his professor of a mother at that time only made things even worse for him as he had no friends to ssmates. Dawson only put him in a school because the therapist said it was the best shot they had at helping him navigate his life and heal. Although he did not fully heal he did get better. At least that was when he met Brian.


    ¡°I would be making breakfast for Mr. Delgado,¡± Jessica said to Roselle who seemed to want to know everything.


    ¡°The young master? Breakfast?¡± Roselle asked.


    Ever since Xavier was big enough to make his decisions he stopped eating breakfast when Dawson confronted him on the issue he said eating breakfast only reminded him of his mom¡¯s special pancakes and made him sad. So it was no surprise that Roselle was surprised that Xavier would be having breakfast.


    ¡°Yes, he asked me to take charge of his breakfast from now on,¡± Jessica responded pulling out the ingredients for pancakes.


    She decided to make a full breakfast of pancakes, sausages, bacon, homemade syrup, and eggs. Usually, Roselle would have kicked against allowing Jessica to prepare food all by herself again. The food that was eaten in the house was prepared by a famous chef who was barely able to do any work at home thanks to the arrival of Jessica, but if it meant that Xavier would be eating then Roselle was more than willing to allow Jessica to cook up a storm.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°I will assist you,¡± Roselle said picking up an apron and giving it to Jessica with a smile on her face.


    Roselle felt a little closer to Jessica. She promised herself that if Jessica could show care for the men of the Delgado family then she would support her wholeheartedly.


    Jessica was fast and efficient in the kitchen and for the first time since Roselle¡¯s eyes were not covered by prejudice, she could see what a darling of a person she was.


    Soon Jessica was done cooking the breakfast, she made extra for Roselle to have to thank her for the help. Roselle had a little of the meal left for her and she was content with the oue. Roselle never tasted what the young master¡¯s mother¡¯s pancakes tasted like but she could say that Jessica made a good feast.


    Jessica nced at the walk clock on her way out of the kitchen and noticed it was almost eight am. She was going to have her birth and thene back down to wait for Xavier so they could have breakfast before the signing of their contract.


    Jessica pushed the door knob and entered the room. She noticed an empty bed and heard the shower on. She sighed because she missed her opportunity to have her bath immediately since she was all sweaty and felt disgusted with herself.


    She sat on the bed waiting for him to be done, after a few minutes she heard the shower turn off and the door open. She has expected he woulde out in a bathrobe and Xavier did not expect her to be sitting waiting on the bed.


    When he decided to have his bath she was not in the room hence his confidence toe out with only his towel strapped almost loosely around his waist. He stopped at the door of the bathroom as Jessica stared at his chiseled chest.


    She confessed internally that the shirts that Xavier wore did him no justice at all. His abs and chest looked very beautiful to behold. No girl on the would be interested in his beautiful chest.


    Xavier felt self-conscious as Jessica could not pull her eyes away from his chest. He would probably not believe her if she told him that she was trying her best to look away but the glory of his chest was not letting him do so. Xavier put his hands over his chest as if to cover it from the peering eyes of Jessica. Jessica felt her cheeks get hot and then she looked away.


    ¡°I did not hear youe in,¡± Xavier said.


    He could feel that Jessica was embarrassed and he did not want to make her feel bad.


    ¡°Emmm, yeah I just finished preparing breakfast and I thought to take a shower,¡± Jessica said trying her best to look everywhere except at him.


    Xavier entered the closet and as soon as he was no longer in eye range, Jessica stood up and bolted to the bathroom while using her hand to fan herself.


    She stood in front of the mirror and murmured to herself.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±

 Branch Twenty Eight

    Jessica wanted to take a warm shower but resorted to a cold shower to wake herself up from the dreams she was having.


    Was she just fawning over the body of Xavier? She thought she would never get over Burke. As she thought about Burke her chest tighten. Her mind was flooded with fond memories between her and her high school sweetheart.


    Her mind traveled to the day of the wedding which was barely two weeks ago. How he dumped her right before they could tie themselves in holy matrimony.


    She remembers how she waited for hours at the front of the courthouse before she called Burke to confirm where he was. He then proceeded to call off the wedding and even the rtionship.


    She told herself that she would have understood if he developed cold feet but what he did made no sense to her. He admitted his infidelity to her and showed no remorse.


    ¡°Jessica, are you almost done? I would bete for work¡± Xavier¡¯s voice pulled Jessica out of her train of thought.


    ¡°Oh yes I am done,¡± Jessica saiding out of the shower and wrapping herself in a towel.


    She wanted to go out of the bathroom but she was unsure if Xavier was still out there. She did not want to feel embarrassed in his presence bying out only strapped in a towel.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado? Are you still there?¡± she asked.


    She was met with silence so she thought of it as a good sign that he had left her to dress up and left him downstairs.


    Today they were going to eat breakfast together and sign the contract and in the afternoon she was going to visit Dawson as she had promised.


    She quickly put on a T-shirt and skinny jeans. The pair of clothes was her go-to every time. She put on some lotion and some lip gloss and made her way downstairs.


    She entered the kitchen and met only one of the kitchen staff there. Roselle was supposed to be there. She thought they were hitting off today at their breakfast preparation.


    ¡°Where is Roselle?¡± Jessica asked the kitchen staff who stood up to acknowledge her presence as she entered.


    ¡°She went to see the Chairman at the hospital¡± the girl answered.


    ¡°Oh okay then. Can you help me bring the dishes to the table for breakfast?¡± Jessica asked.


    The girl thought in her mind that Jessica was kind and lovely. Even if Jessica did not ask her Roselle had instructed that she help her with setting and clearing the table.


    ¡°By the way what is your name?¡± Jessica asked the lovely young girl.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    This was the same girl who had brought oats for herte at night and was the same one who woke her upst night.


    ¡°Angel,¡± the girl said looking down.


    ¡°Am I scary?¡± Jessica asked


    ¡°No not at all¡± the girl answered in a rush.


    She did not want herdy to have a misconception about her staying here. All of the house staff took a liking to Jessica. She was warm and cool-headed, unlike the young master.


    Some of the staff noticed that the young master had not hounded them since Jessica came to stay there. No one knew what happens behind closed doors but they all suspected that Jessica was doing a great job of changing the young master. Little did they know that they had a huge pillow wall between them.


    ¡°Then stop dropping your head when I¡¯m around,¡± Jessica said.


    The young girl raised her head and smiled warmly at Jessica to which Jessica returned.


    Angel helped Jessica to set the table. Jessica entered the living room where she had fallen asleep the other day to meet Xavier a man who looked around the same age as him.


    ¡°Hello, Mrs. Delgado, I am Marcus Gates and the familywyer,¡± the strange man said as his gazended on the woman.


    ¡°Hello Mr. Marcus,¡± Jessica said taking the hand of the man.


    Marcus scanned Jessica. She was in casual wear and had no makeup on. She was different from all the youngdies of the city. Most youngdies who married into big families were almost extravagant and dressed too exquisitely even when they had to stay at home all day.


    Despite the simplicity of Jessica¡¯s dress and makeup, she surpassed most of the Chiachester Citydies in beauty. The best part about Marcus was that she wore a smile since she got there. Marcus was enchanted immediately.


    He knew that his parents would fight tooth and nail if he ever decided to marry someone like Jessica but he wished that he found her before Xavier did. Maybe he would have been able to change the minds of his parents.


    Xavier saw the look on Marcus¡¯ face and it did not sit well with him. It was like Marcus was scanning the whole body of his wife.


    ¡°We were just about to have breakfast, would you like to join us?¡± Jessica suggested unaware of what Marcus was thinking and what Xavier was noticing.


    ¡°I would love to,¡± Marcus said.


    He had just had a very big breakfast courtesy of the five-star chef that lived in their house but he did not want to pass up the opportunity to see Jessica more.


    He knew that he would most likely have no other opportunity to see her after the signing of the contract until after the divorce. He was set to marry but suddenly thoughts of dying his wedding till Jessica was divorced flooded his mind.


    He could dy and then break up with Gold and then swoop in to have Jessica to himself. Suddenly the terms Xavier made to protect his wife made sense. She was a woman who should be protected at all costs.


    Three of them sat down at the table with a heap of pancakes, some sausages, bacon, and eggs. Her homemade syrup sat pretty in one bowl. Marcus sat facing Jessica while Xavier sat at the head of the table.


    The meal was quiet andfortable. Xavier forgetting the lustful eyes of hiswyer was consumed in the sweet taste of the pancakes before him. His mother used to make very delicious pancakes and he had not found anyone who made anything that came close, but the pancakes sitting in his presence made him relish the days his mother was still alive.


    ¡°Mr Delgado, your chef is doing amazingly¡± Marcusmented taking another bite of ten pancakes.


    Xavier nodded not saying anything. Jessica wanted to tell him that she was the chef but she decided against it. After all youngdies such as herself should not be caught doing menial house jobs.


    ¡°My father¡¯s fifty-four birthday ising up soon. I must have your chef cook for us¡± Marcus continued taking a bite of the well-seasoned bacon.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that would be impossible,¡± Xavier said. There was no way he was going to allow Jessica to cater for the birthday of the father of the man who almost stripped her just a minute ago.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Marcus asked. It was not a big deal to trade chefs.


    ¡°Because my wife can¡¯t be going the cooking for any other person,¡± Xavier said.


    It took Marcus a while to understand what Xavier meant but then it suddenly clicked and he knew that Jessica was the reason behind the delicious meal spread.


    All the more reason to love this girl Marcus thought ad he nced at Jessica who was silently eating her meal.

 Branch Twenty Nine

    Marcus wanted to say a whole lot of things but kept them to himself. His new prayer would be that Xavier would need things up for Jessica so he could have her and he would hope that he would need to meet Jessica again soon.


    They finished the rest of the meal in silence. Both men moved to the living room while Jessica helped Angel to clear the table. She brought a cup of coffee each for them so they can sign the contract.


    Marcus and Xavier took the time to talk about some of the legal problems with thepany and how to resolve them. Jessica joined them shortly. Marcus gave Jessica a copy of the contract and another one to Xavier.


    Jessica only went direct to where she needed to append her signature and she asked for a pen.


    ¡°Can I have a pen?¡± she asked and both men looked at her.


    ¡°Are you not going to read it?¡± Xavier asked surprised.


    ¡°Oh I know you are going to be fair enough and to be honest I just happened to be in this situation do any terms you put in there could not be bad for me¡± Jessica responded before taking a sip of her coffee.


    Yes, the terms out in there were mainly in her favor. Although Xavier was not going to lose anything major expected from a couple of millions that he would pay for divorce concession.


    ¡°I think you should read it anyway,¡± Marcus said.


    He drafted the contract so he knew that there was no way she could be disadvantaged by the contract but it still seemed very strange that she would decide not to read something that could destroy her.


    ¡°I trust Mr. Delgado,¡± Jessica said.


    Although she said she trusted him was supposed to make him happy it did not because of the way she addressed him in the presence of Marcus.


    Marcus knew it was a marriage of convenience and that they would get a divorce in the end hence the contract Xavier did not find itforting that she was addressing him that way.


    ¡°I do not think he would do anything to my disadvantage,¡± Jessica said bearing a wider smile.


    She was not happy to be signing a contract but she did it either way. She was the poor one so she had to go along with the person of influence and money after all the world follows money.


    Marcus pulled out a pen and gave it to her. Jessica put down the paper on the table and signed it. She collected the copy from Xavier and signed it too. She stood up ready to leave before Marcus stopped her.


    ¡°Wait for Mr. Delgado to sign a copy and you can keep it,¡± Marcus said.


    She sat back and waited for Xavier to read over the contract before he signed it. She stood up with the contract in hand and her cup in the other.


    ¡°See you any other time Mr. Gates,¡± Jessica said addressing Marcus. He was tempted to tell her to call him by his first name.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado, I would be going to see Dawson today and I would see you when you get home¡± she added before leaving the room to them.


    Xavier felt weird that he was being addressed so formally as a stranger while his grandfather was getting a first-name basis with his wife.


    He swore to do something about it after the hectic day.


    ¡°Good morning chairman,¡± Roselle said pushing the door of the hospital room.


    The day before Dawson had called her to tell her to be there before Jessica came in. Dawson¡¯s n was simply to get Roselle to y a matchmaker. He was very worried about what would be of Xavier once he left Earth.


    The doctor¡¯s job every day was a simple reminder about how he was going to die soon and should probably live every day to the fullest. Dawson was sure that if he went today to be at peace with his ancestors Xavier might easily divorce Jessica and live alone for the rest of his life.


    Dawson knew that it was only over his dead body that the Delgado line would end would Xavier. Hence he had to call someone he knew would do a good job. Unknown to Dawson his grandson and granddaughter-inw just signed a contract binding them for a year before the amicable divorce.


    ¡°I never thought I would get to see your face before I die,¡± Dawson said in a tone that denoted a bit of dark humor.


    ¡°Why are you so extreme with your jokes?¡± Roselle askeding closer to him.


    When Dawson¡¯s wife Millie died Roselle was the hard rock behind Dawson who prevented him from going into depression and naturally Dawson developed a soft spot for her but quite the contrary, Roselle turned him down and continued to live as a live-in house manager.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s because my heart is void of love,¡± Dawson said smiling.


    Unconsciously Roselle began to wipe down the room¡¯s surface with a napkin she found on the coffee table in the middle of the room. She arranged things that looked scattered.


    ¡°I did not call you here to y house manager or to tidy up the ce. I called you here to ask you for a favor¡± Dawson said beckoning her to sit.


    She dropped the napkin with much reluctance and came to sit in the chair beside the bed.


    ¡°Much better¡± Dawson muttered just enough for her to hear.


    ¡°Force of habit from work,¡± Roselle said.


    She started at the old man in front of her. She thanked God silently in her heart she was able to help him when he was sinking into depression. It was a tough time. She was also close to Millie and she couldn¡¯t believe in living a life without her, but they both overcame the time.


    ¡°What is this favor that you have to make mee all the way here?¡± Roselle asked.


    Yes, she did also develop an interest and love for him but she decided not to act on it. She felt remorse for the chairwoman who died and decided that no matter how she loved Dawson she would not make the woman roll in her grace after dying an early death.


    ¡°It¡¯s only because you don¡¯te to see me again. Xavier is now your only priority¡± Dawson said in aining voice.


    He was not angry that Roselle was taking good care of his grandson. He could not ask for anything more.


    ¡°So what is this about?¡± Roselle asked again.


    She knew that Dawson was grateful to her as regards taking care of his grandson. She knew he was just taking the long route to get to his destination.


    ¡°I need you to y match maker¡±

 Branch Thirty

    ¡°Matchmaker? Do you finally want to get married?¡± Roselle asked.


    She felt a sting of disappointment. She thought that Dawson would stay single till he died as she did. She kind of understood that he was lonely in the hospital justying around all day and any other woman out there would be thrilled to marry into the Delgado family even if it meant marrying the old man.


    They would snag a few billion and live avish lifestyle. They would get to be called Lady Delgado and live in an exquisite mansion when he dies.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Xavier would be okay with the idea,¡± Roselle said voicing her concern and masking them as Xavier¡¯s.


    ¡°Why would I want to get married again? I had a beautiful first marriage and the person I would have loved to marry for the second time decided that I was not worthy enough¡± Dawson said giving her a knowing smile.


    ¡°Ohh¡± shemented feeling her cheeks getting hot.


    She was relieved that he was not getting married. She was not nning to ept his proposal but it was as if she needed the assurance that he stays single.


    ¡°Who am I ying matchmaker for?¡± she asked now that her fears had been dispelled.


    ¡°Xavier and Jessica,¡± Dawson said and Roselle looked at him puzzled.


    ¡°What do you mean? I should y matchmaker for a married couple?¡± Roselle asked.


    As far as she was concerned Xavier and Jessica were married and even shared a room which was enough for her. She was very ignorant of the fact that Xavier and Jessica. were in a marriage of convenience.


    Since she was a mind-your-business kind of woman and barely engaged in the staff gossip she did not notice the tension between the couple and the way they addressed each other.


    ¡°Just as I expected from you,¡± Dawson said very unsurprised that Roselle did not notice all he noticed even when he was not at home with them.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Roselle asked drawing up a nk face.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t obvious that those love birds in your eyes are strangers who just got married off the bat?¡± Dawson said emphasizing the words love birds.


    The clues then began to make sense. But then she thought back to the hearty huge breakfast that Jessica had made this morning. It would be weird if she was making such got a strange man she did not fancy.


    ¡°But the youngdy prepared quite a mighty spread for breakfast this morning,¡± Roselle said informing Dawson of the improvement.


    ¡°That¡¯s interesting, Xavier ate breakfast at home?¡± Dawson asked.


    Ever since Xavier enrolled in college and got in he stopped eating breakfast at home. Even while in high school, he skipped a couple of times. Almost everyone knew it was his way of grieving his mother. Now that he was having breakfast at home what did it mean?


    ¡°I need you to help me in pushing them into awkward situations where they have no choice but to rely on each other,¡± Dawson said.


    He was desperate for results and willing to do anything.


    ¡°Like what?¡± Roselle asked.


    ¡°They already stay in the same room and all¡± She added.


    She couldn¡¯t see what more they needed to do to push on each other¡­


    ¡°Convince him to take her on honeymoon. He listens to you but throws a tantrum at me every time¡± Dawson said.


    He was sure that by spending time away from every other person they would grow on each other.


    ¡°Okay, I would,¡± Roselle said agreeing with him. She did love Xavier and her heart softened towards Jessica so she was all in on the n.


    Roselle stayed for a few minutes and chatted with Dawson before she decided to leave. She left for the market and a few minutester Jessica came in with all smiles.


    Dawson was not going to be bored today at least. As they got talking Jessica suddenly asked a question.


    ¡°Do you want toe home for a while?¡± She asked him.


    He was confused. Ever since he was diagnosed he had been living on this hospital bed. Jessica on the other hand was worried he might be bored from not seeing others. She believes if he was home he would feel better seeing others around.


    ¡°Come home?¡± he asked.


    He liked that she called it home but he did not know if it was the right choice to go home. If he was going to die soon why did he have to be a nuisance before his death?


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll very much like waking up to see you every morning and bidding you good night every day,¡± Jessica said.


    She was being honest with him. To she grew up in an orphanage. A full house is the best kind.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be a nuisance?¡± he asked concerned.


    ¡°Why would you think that? Everyone at home would be pleased to have you there¡± Jessica said reassuring him.


    She knew that most sick people wanted to avoid inconveniencing others as much as possible.


    ¡°I would think about it if you do something for me as well,¡± Dawson said.


    He did not see it as something that needed to be done for himself. He saw it as a favor that Jessica wanted and that he would be back at the hospital in no time. She would eventually get tired of doing all the work that his caregiver does.


    ¡°What can I do?¡± She asked eager for him toe home.


    ¡°Go on honeymoon with your husband¡±


    Jessica was shocked by the strange request. She knew that there was no way she could bring it up with her husband. He may use her of being a good digger like before. She needed to be cautious.


    ¡°I am so sorry I would not be able to bring that up with Mr. Delgado,¡± Jessica said.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    She would never do that. Xavier would re up and she would be left in the remains of the ruins. After all, she was the one who was going to benefit least from the rtionship.


    ¡°Do not worry I am not asking you to bring it up with Mr. Delgado¡± Dawson said mocking her by repeating the way she addressed Xavier.


    Jessica understood what Dawson did there but she was morefortable addressing home formally. He had shown different shades of color and she was tired of peeling a newyer every single time.


    ¡°I still can not agree to go,¡± Jessica said.


    If Dawson brought it up to her husband and she agreed to go he might see it as a poly between the two parties. She was uninterested in being called something she was not. She has had enough of that tost a lifetime.


    ¡°If I or any other person can manage to convince Xavier would you go?¡± he asked.


    He already had his ns but he wanted to n with hers.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°You have to go,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°I¡¯m putting In all these efforts, so do me a favor and do when I set it up okay?¡± he added in a question.


    ¡°About you moving home?¡± Jessica asked trying to change the subject.


    ¡°I woulde back home when you are back from your honeymoon. No negotiations. No questions. Noint¡± Dawson said as a final word.


    He made his decision and was going to stand by it.


    Following the conversation, Jessica and Dawson continued chatting. They never ran out of things to talk about. Jessica found it hard to leave his side but finally did.


    She thought of getting an early lunch by herself in one of the restaurants nearby. She entered one that the driver rmended and was ushered into a VIP room because the manager recognized her.


    So these were the perks of being married to or being a billionaire?


    She was loving it but she was not sure if she should.

 Branch Thirty One

    Jessica had the food to her fill and then she left to the house. She entered the house and went straight upstairs since she already had a hearty dinner. As she pushed the door open she met Xavier sitting on the bed in casual wear. Her eyes went to the wristwatch on her wrist. It was barely past seven pm but Xavier was around.


    ¡°You are home early?¡± she asked entering the room and closing the door behind her.


    She dropped her bag on the table and went over to the can¡¯t table removing her earrings and putting them into her jewelry box.


    ¡°Yes, I thought we could have dinner together like you suggested,¡± Xavier said looking everywhere in the room apart from her.


    Jessica stared at Xavier through the mirror in her front. She could sense his difort when he said that. He took all the courage to ask her to dinner. If she said no or turned him down he might take it the wrong way.


    She would just have to suck it up and have two dinners. She could not possibly die from overeating. Or could she?


    ¡°Oh, I am sorry. If I had known that you wanted dinner together I would havee back to prepare something for you¡± Jessica said omitting the part where she had already eaten her dinner.


    ¡°I got off work early and decided toe home early for dinner¡± Xavier lied.


    Quite the contrary. Since he was the acting CEO he did not have a lot of jobs on his table but he decided to do all the work himself since he was a perfectionist. He had shared the responsibility of the day and Brian hadmended him for allowing him to go home early for the first time this year.


    Xavier had enjoyed to a fault the meal that Jessica took her time to prepare this morning. He had a meal from her before but it felt shabby. Her breakfast spread this morning was marvelous and tantalizing to the taste buds.


    He was sure his investment in herpany would not be a waste. He knew she would make good food. He wanted a taste of her meal again. His pride was in the way though because he couldn¡¯t bring himself to call her so he came home hoping to catch preparing something for herself then he would ask to join in.


    He was disappointed to see she had note back from visiting his grandfather.


    ¡°If you are feeling tired, I can just go out to grab a take-out meal for us¡± Xavier suggested.


    Although he was looking forward to eating her homemade meals, he thought it inconsiderate to ask her to cook. He was praying that she volunteered to do so on her own.


    ¡°Just say the word and I would whip up something quickly¡± Jessica counted.


    She loved preparing meals and finding someone to finally do that for was very heartwarming to her. Xavier felt an involuntary smilee up his face which he fought.


    ¡°Anything would do¡± he answered happy he was going to be eating her meals.


    Jessica got cooking and cooked something minimal. Since she did not have the time and she was slightly exhausted she only cooked spicy pasta with cream sauce.


    When Xavier say down to eat at the table he was somewhat disappointed with the light spread aspared to the morning. He did not take it to heart since she had short notice and she was also exhausted from the day¡¯s activity.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    He thought it thoughtful of her to prepare a meal for him regardless. He had always had an extremely hard time eating meals. He skipped breakfast because it reminded him of his mom. His lunch time was usually upied with lunch meetings which he would barely touch not to talk of eating.


    He usually had sd or any other light thing for dinner which was usually not enough. He was working so hard yet getting little meals.


    Something about Jessica¡¯s meals made him at peace when he ate them. He liked them but he was not going to admit it to her face.


    ¡°Would I be seeing you for dinner tomorrow Mr. Delgado?¡± Jessica asked ahead.


    She was currently forcing herself to eat with him so he doesn¡¯t feel lonely. She lived in an orphanage so she knew that it could be very lonely to eat alone when your mates refused to y with you. She suffered from such stigmatization from her peers.


    Xavier stared at her. Was she going to keep addressing him as Mr. Delgado while she addressed strange men by their first names?


    He loved being formal but if anyone hears it they could easily pick up on their act and it would be her fault. He just did not like the way she addressed him.


    Jessica picked up the look on her face and she knew he did not seem satisfied. She has barely said a handful of words but he was picking offense somewhere.


    ¡°Did I ask something wrong?¡± Jessica asked.


    She would be the bigger person and apologize if he said she was in the wrong. She wanted peace and fighting with him in his own house was not a good move for her.


    ¡°I apologize if I did¡± she added when he did not respond.


    ¡°I will be home for dinner tomorrow and every other day. When I can¡¯t make it I¡¯ll send a text saying so beforehand¡± Xavier said before stuffing his mouth with a spoonful of pasta.


    Xavier¡¯s work was so and so. Some foreign investors coulde for dinner and he would need to attend to them so they feel okay. So as long as that did not happen he would be home for dinner from now on.


    ¡°That would be fine,¡± she said with a smile and forced a spoonful down her throat.


    She had filled her te with half of what she usually ate, yet since she already had her fill she was still struggling with finishing the food.


    She looked up and saw that Xavier was done with the meal. He chugged a cup of sparkling water and stood up to leave. He was at the doorway to the dining area when he stopped and turned back.


    Jessica looked up at him. It was obvious he had a bucket load of things to say. It just seemed that he did not know the best way to go about saying them.


    ¡°Is there something you would like to discuss with me?¡± Jessica asked helping him.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said as a matter of fact.


    ¡°I am with you,¡± Jessica said dropping her cutlery on her te and paying rapt attention.


    ¡°Me. Delgado?¡± she said when she noticed he was absent-minded. He was probably thinking of a way to bring up the topic.


    ¡°That, that can you stop that?¡±

 Branch Thrity Two

    ¡°Stop what?¡± Jessica asked her eyebrow going up.


    He saw the expression on her face. As much as he wanted to be on a first name basis with her he was feeling kind of intimidated. It was a strange feeling for him and he did not know what to do with the feeling.


    ¡°That thing you do,¡± Xavier asked.


    Jessica was truly confused by his words. He had not made any sense. He told her to stop but omitted the important part of what she should stop doing.


    After she visited Dawson¡¯s hospital room today when concluded that if his grandfather was looking out for him so much there was no reason for her to frustrate him. She was not going to y the role of a dotting wife and neither was she going to throw herself at him hoping for a change in life. She was simply going to live in peace with him.


    What she truly understood by living in peace was being considerate of each other¡¯s emotions. She was not thinking about big emotions but just the tiny things like what exactly at this moment was making him ufortable. She knew that although they shared the same room space Xavier did not consider her his wife and therefore those big emotions could not be considered.


    ¡°Stop what?¡± Jessica asked with patience ignoring that he hadpletely ignored her the first time she asked. His answer was unreasonable and even wise men would have a hard time understanding what he meant.


    ¡°You arefortable around everyone but me¡± Xavier used her.


    Jessica had purposely built up her walls high because of how much of a jerk he was when they had the false news going around. She did not even notice when the news stopped trending and the people became interested in something else.


    ¡°I am not ufortable around you,¡± Jessica said jumping to defend herself.


    Xavier would not believe her. If she was asfortable as she ims then he would not be having this conversation with her. They were both walking on eggshells around each other. No one wanted to be the sorry master.


    ¡°You are,¡± Xavier said shortly like a child involved in an argument he was going to lose.


    So what if she was ufortable? He was the one that made it that way. They agreed to be friends but he was harsh and had a loose mouth. Jessica knew that above keeping the peace between herself and him her mental health and well-being were important to her.


    If he was in it to stress her out she was going to be ufortable around him and avoid situations that would put them together.


    ¡°You are,¡± he said again faintly.


    It was as if to reassure himself that he was right and she was wrong.


    ¡°Tell me how?¡± Jessica asked. She needed to know what she was doing wrong to change it and she voiced her thoughts. ¡°If you don¡¯t tell me how I would not know how to change it¡±


    ¡°You are way too formal around me. Why call me Mr. Delgado?¡± Xavier finally said.


    He felt embarrassed that Jessica could not pick up on what he meant at once but he still felt relief that he had said it and it was out there out of his chest.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Jessica repeated shocked that it bothered him.


    ¡°If it bothers you so much I could call you by your first name¡± Jessica offered.


    ¡°I would very much like that Jessica¡± Xavier, said and smiled smugly before exiting the dining from.


    Jessica pushed the remaining pasta down her throat before she cleared the table. She went upstairs and took a shower before retiring to bed. She hoped not to wake up with an upset stomach after eating way too much dinner.


    Before Jessica could fit herself properly into the rich cycle the first month wasing to an end. Eleven more months to go for her before she amicably divorces Xavier.


    The month had been uneventful. She visited Dawson at the hospital almost every day and he had asked her if she considered the honeymoon any time she brought up the matter of himing home.


    Jessica has sometimes overheard Roselle pester Xavier into taking her on honeymoon. She assumed that both Roselle and Dawson were in on the n. Xavier had evaded her sessfully putting her off.


    When Jessica woke up that morning she felt a little funny. She knew what wasing up was her menstrual cycle. She has for a month forgotten how serious her cramps could get.


    She hadnded in the hospital and even triggered a fever because of menstrual cramps before. Her eyes were open but she could not make it out of bed. She felt very weak as she felt her body losing blood.


    She forced herself up so she doesn¡¯t stain the bedspread. She put in a tampon and went back to lie down. She knew it would be impossible for her to make breakfast and dinner for Xavier for the next four to five days.


    After a while, Xavier woke up and was startled to see Jessica stillying on the bed. Ever since they got married and started sharing a room, Xavier had never woken up to still meet Jessica in bed.


    He knew that something was wrong but how was he going to get to the bottom of that? Xavier stood up quietly. Since Jessica¡¯s eyes were closed he assumed she was still sleeping.


    He tiptoed to the bathroom and had a long bath. Jessica suddenly felt like puking. She knew that it was impossible to suppress it so she dashed into the bathroom while Xavier was still in the shower.


    She bent in front of the water closet seat and puked the entire meal from the night before. She sat there head resting on her hand that was on the seat and her second hand clutching her stomach tightly.


    Xavier had been frightened by the sudden entrance of Jessica into the toilet. He noticed that she did not look at him but sat down there with her eyes closed. The expression on her face showed pain. Xavier wondered what could be wrong with her.


    He was now done showering but he waited for her to go out so he could also leave. Jessica sat there for a little more time. She felt weak in her legs and suspected that she could throw up again.


    Xavier pulled one of the towels off the rack and tired it around his waste. He picked a second one and draped it around his shoulder to cover his chest.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    He came out of the bathroom and went straight to the closet.


    ¡°That jerk would not even help me?¡± Jessica said asking herself the question.


    Even if Xavier was uninterested in her he could at least show sympathy since she was sitting on the bathroom floor first thing in the morning.


    ¡°This jerk went to get a short and pants so he could help you,¡± Xavier said entering the bathroom back. He overheard what she said and felt bad.


    ¡°Let me help you back to the bed and get a puking bucket for you,¡± Xavier said grabbing her hand and pulling her up.

 Branch Thirty Three

    As Xavier let go of her hand for a moment she felt her leg give way as she felt weak and then fell to the ground with a long thud. Xavier who was worried looked at her on the floor not moving or saying anything.


    He put his finger next to her nose to feel if she was still breathing. Her breathing was slow but it was still there. She was still alive. Xavier helped her back up and did not let go of her hand until he was able to put her back on the bed.


    ¡°Jessica what¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked worried.


    He had never had the chance to experience something as such. His hand grazes over her bare skin as he tried to drop her to the bed. He felt her fevering up. She was burning hotter than freshly brewed coffee.


    Jessica mumbled incoherent words to him. She did not know how to exin to him that it was just her menstrual cycle that was acting up and causing her to hang to life by a thread.


    ¡°Stay here, let me ask Roselle for help,¡± Xavier said going out of the room.


    Jessica¡¯s eyes opened slightly as she watched Xavier¡¯s retreating figure. She fetched her phone on the nightstand and checked the time. Her hands fell heavy that they dropped to her side.


    ¡°Where is Roselle?¡± Xavier asked the young girl who was wiping down the furniture as he got down.


    ¡°Young master in the kitchen,¡± she said bowing her head. She wondered what made him look for her in such a hurry. He had always been a gentle andposed gentleman.


    ¡°Roselle,¡± Xavier said entering the kitchen.


    The woman in question was instructing the chef to cook something since Jessica did note downstairs to cook anything for the young master.


    ¡°Young master¡± Roselle responded bowing which the three other people in the kitchen for the same.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± he said and turned on his heels.


    As they entered the room with Roselle on hid tail she was shocked to see Jessica¡¯s usually bright face be pale and her breathing very slowpared to normal circumstances. Roselle recall the event that happened justst night Roselle had told Jessica to demand a honeymoon from Xavier.


    They had bothughed it off knowing that he would throw a fit and be grumpy. Seeing her in such circumstances made her heartbreak into time bits. Over the month Jessica and Roselle had be best buds. Roselle no longer turned her nose at Jessica and Jessica was free to approach the middle-aged woman.


    ¡°What¡¯s a wrong Youngdy¡± Roselle rushed towards Jessica on the bed. She put her hand on Jessica¡¯s forehead and could feel the rising temperature.


    ¡°She is burning up, let¡¯s take her to the hospital,¡± Roselle said like amand.


    ¡°I would get the driver to start the car,¡± Xavier said and left the room.


    Jessica tried to protest against going to the hospital. It was just cramps after all. She thought she was saying something audible but her mouth was barely moving at all.


    ¡°Stay calm,¡± Roselle said.


    ¡°We will take you to the hospital and you would soon feel better,¡± she added.


    Xavier rushed back up and picked up Jessica in bridal style. He felt at that moment that she was light as a feather. He carried her and rushed down the stairs.


    ¡°Angel, we would be back soon,¡± Roselle told Angel who wasing out of the kitchen to see a rare sight of Xavier carrying a woman and Roselle rushing after him. It dawned on Angel that something could be wrong with the new youngdy of the house.


    Before Angel could process to respond, both parties were out of the house and far from hearing what she had to say. She moved back to the kitchen to resume her duties.


    Xavier was getting worried. How did this woman sleep on the same bed and he did not notice that she was sick up to this extent?


    ¡°Please drive faster,¡± Xavier told the driver. He felt like the driver was taking his time and that Jessica was slowly slipping from in between his fingers.


    ¡°He is well between the speed limits¡± Roselle answered from beside the driver.


    ¡°Do not fear it would not be long before we get there¡± Roselle added in a reassuring tone.


    Xavier pulled out his phone and called Dr. Ross who was the family doctor.


    ¡°I am on my way to the hospital with my wife,¡± he said as soon as the doctor picked up.


    The doctor who had done the night shift and was ready to go home and freshen up before he had to attend to his outpatient by noon sighed. He was probably not going to go home till evening.


    ¡°Bring her to the emergency room. I would be in the emergency room. waiting for you Mr. Delgado¡± Ross said and waited for the call to disconnect.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Ross sighed and put on the doctor¡¯s coat he had removed and started to the emergency room.


    ¡°Professor, are you no longer going home?¡± one nurse asked as she saw the doctor fully kitted and going towards the emergency room.


    ¡°I have an emergency VIP patient to attend to, I might not go home after all¡± Ross answered with a weary smile on his face. ¡°I was the one who signed up to be a doctor I have to go to the end with it¡±


    As Ross entered the emergency center, Xavier came in carrying his wife. To any married man, it was most likely normal for him to carry his wife but to Xavier, it was very strange.


    Doctor Ross who was one of the few who could tease him wanted to do so but the worried expression on his face made him pause and then think about teasing himter.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Ross asked facing Xavier. He should know since he brought her in and since the woman could barely move well.


    ¡°She suddenly puked and started running a fever¡± Xavier responded hovering over Jessica.


    ¡°Me Delgado why don¡¯t you go wait outside so I can treat the patient? ¡± Ross asked when it felt as if he was going to enter into Jessica.


    Xavier went out in angry mode. He knew the doctor was right so he went out and sat in one of the chairs.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me how you feel?¡± Ross asked the woman on the bed.


    ¡°Cramps,¡± she said faintly


    ¡°Oh Dysmenorrhea?¡± the doctor asked and stood up.


    He came back after a while with shots and sat again.


    ¡°I will administer some fever reducers, pain reliefs, and some IV fluids for you, you would be moved to a ward and kept under observation. If all things go well you can be discharged tomorrow¡± the doctor said.


    Although embarrassed that she could not stop Xavier from blowing it out of proportion she was d that for once she was getting quality treatment for menstrual cramps.

 Branch Thirty Four

    The doctor moved Jessica to a private VIP ward as directed by Xavier. She did not know how long she had been sleeping when she opened her eyes.


    She felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen as she looked around. She sat up gently and looked around she saw Xavier sitting on the sofa in the far corner of the room.


    ¡°Stay down,¡± he said walking up to her.


    ¡°What of work?¡± she asked blinking multiple times like an innocent child.


    ¡°I¡¯m the next Chairman,¡± Xavier said with so much pride dripping from each word.


    He already assumed the role of the chairman but since his grandfather was still alive everyone still address Dawson as the chairman. Jessica wondered bow she had already forgotten to who she got married.


    ¡°I said lie down, the doctor said you needed all the rest you could get,¡± Xavier said with the fear that was reflected in his eyes in the morning still lingering.


    ¡°How long have I slept for?¡± Jessica asked ignoring his order to sleep.


    ¡°It¡¯s past two pm so it¡¯s been about five hours now¡± Xavier answered.


    He put his hands on her shoulders and push her to the bed. She let herself go seeing that he was more concerned about her lying down than him answering her questions.


    ¡°I slept for an awful long time¡± Jessica responded.


    ¡°Your fever is gone, how is the pain?¡± Xavier asked.


    The doctor had exined the situation to him. Xavier had only known menstrual cramps as mild pains that usuallysted not too long. But today he had seen it in another dimension. The doctor assured him that there were cases of extreme painmon in some girls.


    ¡°Mild,¡± she said trying to ease his fears. She was still feeling the pain despite the pain relief injections given to her. She also saw the fear on her husband¡¯s face and knew that if she said she was still in pain then he might lose it.


    ¡°You gave me quite a scare this morning. You barged in while I was in the shower. You threw up and almost passed out on the floor.


    Jessica was in extreme pain but was aware of the entire situation. Suddenly as he began to speak and remind her of what she had done in the morning, she began to feel embarrassed and felt blood cluster on her cheek. Her cheeks tinted red and Xavier caught a glimpse of it.


    ¡°I am so sorry for the scare, I miscalcted and forgot to use the medicine I use for them beforehand,¡± Jessica said.


    Xavier wondered what it was she miscalcted but he did not ask. Jessica saw the lingering question on his face but decided not to embarrass herself any further.


    Jessica noticed the emptiness of the room. She wondered if she was in a private room like Dawson. Her eyes caught the logo of the hospital and knew it was the same one. Since she knew she was not going home tonight she would visit Dawson the next morning and keep himpany. She could use it too.


    ¡°Have these bananas¡± Xavier said pulling one of the bunch in his hands.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°The doctor said it was good for the situation¡± he added giving her.


    She collected it from him and peeled it before eating it silently. She needed to send him away but how could she do it nicely?


    As the sun began to set Jessica looked out through therge ss window that made everything in her eye line beautiful. The sunset was beautiful to behold. Jessica has been praying that the sun should set quickly so that Xavier could finally go home.


    It was obvious that he was trying to be of help but Jessica was getting ufortable with him around. He did not allow her to move an inch from the bed and served her all afternoon.


    It was such a sight. If Dawson had seen these he would have added his private assets to Xavier¡¯s name and even die a content man. Xavier was being helpful intentionally and it was scaring Jessica. The end of the month signified that they were already a month wedded but she still did not feelfortable around him.


    Jessica made both breakfast and dinner every day for him and not for once has he offered help. She did not even bother to ask for help because she could do it all herself and with the help of a little kitchen staff and she doubted he woulde to her aid. With his attitude all day it became a probability that he would have given her a helping hand.


    Jessica stared quietly at the sunset while murmuring how lovely it would be to watch the sunset overlooking a beach or even the ocean.


    A light knock is heard on the door before the person pushes it open.


    ¡°Hello Xavier,¡± Leslie said entering the room with Brian on her tail.


    Leslie was Brian¡¯s wife who used to be once after Xavier. She gave up when she noticed how closed off he was. She fell in love with his exterior but could not handle how small-hearted he was.


    Jessica¡¯s eye falls on Leslie as she walks in. She was beautiful to a fault. Her ck luxurious hair fell to her waist only held down by a hair band. Her face was small and cute which made her adorable. Her voice resonated as an angel in the ears of Jessica.


    Leslie¡¯s eyes fall on Jessica and she rushes to her and stands beside her.


    ¡°Nice to finally meet the man that married this pain in the ass,¡± Leslie said looking at Jessica. Her blue eyes shine as if they were lined with something glittery.


    ¡°I am Leslie, and you look exceptional even in that hospital gown¡± she added stretching forth her hand to Jessica.


    Jessica took her hand. Leslie held onto her hand and softly caressed the back of it. This was her first meeting with Jessica but she knew they would be absolute best friends.


    ¡°I thought your wife was a troll or even ugly which was why you were hiding her from me. I never knew she was such a goddess¡± Leslie said.


    Jessica had never been showered with so manypliments many times in a row she somehow felt ufortable.


    ¡°Brian, your wife,¡± Xavier said Browning slightly and going towards the sofa. He was feeling irritated that Leslie who was justing in has uttered more words than the two of thembined all-day


    ¡°I mean she is not wrong,¡± Brian said taking his wife¡¯s side. His wife can go overboard sometimes but she was very correct this time.


    Brian had been in charge of getting the fake wife that escaped and since Xavier tied the knot with Jessica he had notid eyes on her except from her pictures.


    ¡°You are beautiful,¡± Brian said addressing Jessica.


    Ufortably Jessica shifts in the bed and murmurs ¡°Thank you¡±


    ¡°By the way I am Brian and this is my wife Leslie. I work as Xavier¡¯s secretary and it¡¯s nice to meet you¡±


    ¡°I am Jessica and it¡¯s nice to meet you

 Branch Thirty Five

    ¡°I must say you are a beauty to behold,¡± Leslie says sitting g and pulling the chair closer to the bed. She puts her elbow on the bed and plops her head on her palm.


    If not that Leslie¡¯s eyes were twinkling and her sincerity was flowing through Jessica would just pass it off as ttery between the upper-ssdies.


    ¡°Let¡¯s be best of friends,¡± Leslie says again taking her hand.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Jessica responds.


    Leslie sounds too kind for her to turn down and she had no friends so finding one in the upper-ss cycle would even be the best solution for her.


    Since Leslie was willingly sincere and honest, she could take advantage of the opportunity in case she needed anything. She did not know what situation may arise that would make her need her but it¡¯s better to have a weapon and not use it than to need a weapon and not have it.


    ¡°As soon as you leave here we are going on some bonding exercises to ensure we stick together as glue,¡± Leslie said a squeal finishing her sentence.


    Since Leslie went after two men consecutively mostdies in the upper ss of Chiachester City began to avoid her whichter left her with no friends. Although Leslie always knew that those women were not her friends but at least in social events she never felt bored and fed on their gossip but ever since she tied the knot to Brian they all avoided her.


    Somehow Leslie was being selfish. She honestly likes Jessica but she knew that everydy would want to befriend thedy of the Delgado family. They may need some help in the future and every family thought that the easier way to make a deal was through thedy of the house.


    Leslie would somehow be able to ease back into society if she was on Jessica¡¯s side. She was not looking for friendships from them but she wanted to befortable at social events without having to be the topic of discussion.


    ¡°You would do that when she is out of the hospital¡± Xavier responded his facial muscles tensing up.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I said¡± Leslie replied with her guard high up.


    ¡°Thank you for stopping by you see Jessica. I think it is time for you to leave¡± Xavier said bluntly.


    Jessica felt quite embarrassed at the way he said it. He sure sounded rude.


    ¡°Brian you told me he had changed?¡± Leslie asked facing her husband.


    ¡°I thought he did, he became less rude, or I just got used to his rudeness,¡± Brian said signing and going to sit on the couch.


    ¡°I said you should leave but you are sitting on the couch?¡± Xavier asked.


    He was worried that they were disturbing Jessica from having rest. Jessica on the other hand was grateful for some conversation after a long day of peace and quiet. She was notfortable with it but it was better than the cricket she experienced since morning.


    ¡°Take your husband¡¯s credit card and we would go shopping, have our nails and hair done, go for spa treatments, and even take a short trip around the city,¡± Leslie said in excitement.


    ¡°I would love to¡± Jessica responded.


    If she was offering friendship she would take it.


    ¡°I would also teach you the ropes of how to handle the upper-ssdies. I was born as one so I know how it all works¡± Leslie added.


    For one thing, Jessica was grateful. She knew she might have to start attending events but she was clueless about what to do.


    ¡°I would much love that, thank you¡±


    ¡°I would go get coffee, Does anyone want a cup?¡± Brian asked standing up.


    ¡°Oat milk for me¡± Leslie responded.


    ¡°I am good, no coffee for me¡± Jessica responded.


    ¡°Strong ck for me,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°You¡¯reing with me¡± Brian responded pulling him to his feet.


    ¡°Must I go?¡± Xavier asked with a big frown drawing up on his face.


    He did not know the reason why Brian was forcing him to go get coffee at the end of the day but he did not want to go. Brian acted as if the cries and pleas made by his boss fell on deaf ears and pulled him out of the room and out the hallway.


    ¡°Why?¡± Xavier murmured.


    Brian was uninterested in cating his friend and stroking his ego. He continued to walk towards the elevator. Xavier got on with him.


    ¡°Why were you hiding your wife?¡± Brian asked closing the door.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    The reason for the escape was so he could ask his questions.


    ¡°Hiding her?¡± Xavier asked as if Brian was asking something stupid.


    ¡°Yes, like I¡¯m your best friend why do I have to meet her for the first time while she is hospitalized?¡± Brian asked again.


    He feels like there must be a reason why Xavier would not brag about his beautiful wife. It could do the business well. Most people tend topanies that have owners with happy and stable families.


    ¡°There was no asion that would put you two together¡± Xavier answered shrugging.


    He did not think that he was hiding his wife. Jessica hated the public light on her. She felt ufortable during the scandal and Xavier hardly attended social events so it was a win-win for both of them.


    ¡°Bring her out more often, you might shoot up the stock prices¡± Brian advised.


    He also wished that Jessica would be of great help to him and help him break off from the shell he had hidden in all his life.


    ¡°Let her out more,¡± Brian said finishing.


    He had done the best he could for his friend.


    After getting the coffee they both go back to the room where bothdies are having a small discussion. After a few minutes, Brian stands up and dusts off the imaginary dust off his trousers.


    ¡°I guess we better get going so you can have a nice rest,¡± Brian says.


    ¡°Can I ask a favor?¡± Jessica asked holding Leslie¡¯s hand.


    Leslie had not stopped touching her hand ever since they came in.


    ¡°Yes, you can¡± Leslie responds clutching to her hand and squeaking like a child that just received what he wanted so desperately under the Christmas tree.


    ¡°Take Xavier with you, he hasn¡¯t had anything to eat since morning,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Awwn so cute of you¡± Leslie reacted to the thought fullness of Jessica.


    ¡°And you had strong ck coffee?¡± Brian asked shaking his head at him.


    ¡°I am okay,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Please take him so he can have dinner,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°I won¡¯t go¡± Xavier responded like a stubborn young child.


    ¡°You have to do it,¡± Jessica said her words like amand.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back after the meal,¡± Xavier said standing up knowing he can not possibly win this battle at all.


    He would nibble on something quickly and return to keep an eye on her for the test of the night.


    ¡°The two of you are so cute. The Dream¡± Leslie murmured dreamily.


    ¡°Don¡¯te back tonight. Go rest at home¡± Jessica said in a moremanding tone.


    Xavier looked at her with a re and walked out. He nned to be back and there was no way she was telling him what to do.

 Branch Thirty Six

    Jessica watched as they got out and the room fell silent. Ever since Leslie got inside she had been going on and on nonstop about everything she found worth talking about. Now that she was alone she missed the chatter. She was only d she was able to sessfully uproot Xavier who had refused to leave the hospital room all day.


    She stretched to retrieve the remote from the cupboard and switched it on to a soap opera. She was not a fan of television but watching the soap opera would let her sleep faster.


    The door to the room opened and Angel popped her head inside and smiled. She has been worried about the youngdy since she was rushed out in the morning and she had volunteered with all her might to be the one who brought dinner for the youngdy.


    ¡°Hello Youngdy,¡± Angel said walking in with a lunch box and closing the door behind her.


    Jessica unconsciously uttered a sigh of relief. The silence was killing her and it was barely an hour. She has slept all afternoon and now even the moving pictures were not enough to put her to sleep again.


    ¡°Angel, Come sit here,¡± Jessica said gesturing to the chair beside the bedside.


    Angel skipped over and put the lunch box on the bedside table. She sat and smiled again at her. She was d that she looked well.


    ¡°I am so d that you are okay,¡± Angel said with a sigh of relief. ¡°I was really worried this morning¡± she added telling the older woman her struggles.


    ¡°Xavier only exaggerated the situation¡± Jessica responded with augh ending her statement.


    It was true she was not looking well but the way Xavier reacted was more than what she was going through.


    ¡°Roselle specially made you this meal¡± Angel stood up and opened the lunch box which contained a te of Chinese fried rice and some fried chicken. There was also a bowl of soup and some fruit too.


    ¡°Would you like to eat now youngdy?¡± Angel asked.


    She had been instructed to deliver the food, make sure she had something to eat, ande back home. The caregiver who was also taking care of Dawson would double her workload that night and check on Jessica also.


    Angel was slightly not interested in leaving Jessica. She wanted to be the one taking care of her all night but she would only wait till she fell asleep before slipping away in the night and going back to the Delgado mansion.


    ¡°Yeah sure,¡± Jessica said and Angel prepared the food and brought it up to her.


    ¡°Do you want me to feed you?¡± Angel asked holding up the spoon.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m quite well enough to feed myself¡± Jessica responded collecting the spoon from her hand.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Angel said turning to get a bottle of water from the mini fridge.


    ¡°Can I have warm water instead?¡± Jessica asked.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Angel said returning the bottle and turning to the electric kettle by the fridge. She poured one of the bottles of water on the counter into the kettle and heated it a little before turning it into a cup.


    ¡°Here you go¡±


    Meanwhile, Xavier, Brian, and Leslie are sitting down to dinner at the restaurant of a seven-star hotel.


    ¡°Why did you not have a big ceremony?¡± Leslie asked throwing some table chips into her mouth.


    ¡°Because I did not want to¡± Xavier answered. Although Xavier was with few words he had to always answer when it came to Leslie. She would push him to the extreme and force him to answer. That was her style.


    ¡°But it¡¯s every woman¡¯s dream to walk down the aisle and throw her bouquet while round to greet the guest,¡± Leslie said dreamily her mind going back to the day of her wedding.


    Xavier looks ufortable and picks up the menu. They had ordered their food and the chef was making it but her statements and questions were getting on his nerves already.


    ¡°Do not tell me that you did not ask for her opinion and it got married in the courthouse¡± Leslie said using her palm to cover her wide-opened mouth.


    ¡°Does she know?¡± Xavier asked directing the question at Brian.


    From her constant questions, he couldn¡¯t know if she knew the circumstances of the marriage. Brian looked away and began to count the number of chairs in the VIP lounge they were seated.


    Xavier knew that there was no way that Brian would keep a secret from his wife but he was hoping he would make an exception and keep this one.


    ¡°So you know how we got married. How can you ask us to have a ceremony since your husband has told you? Let me out this out there. We would get a divorce after a year of being together¡± Xavier said and took a sip of his water.


    ¡°You are such a jerk¡± Leslie screamed.


    The only two people who were dining turned to face them.


    ¡°Easy,¡± Brian said rubbing his wife¡¯s shoulders. He did not have this information before but hearing it now he agrees with his wife that Xavier was such a jerk.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know what she would suffer through in the hands of the press for just being your wife? Then you would make her suffer more by divorcing her?¡± Leslie asked.


    She thought that some screws must have gone loose in his head.


    ¡°You only care about your self and you are an ass¡± Leslie continued. She was fuming. If she did not like the woman Xavier married maybe she would not have minded if he divorced her, but she took an immense liking to Jessica and here this jerk was talking about a divorce a yearter.


    ¡°You remember what happened to her just a few weeks ago? Yet you think people who do not take your side and me her if anything goes wrong? You are covered and she would be in hell. Why did you marry her only to make her miserable?¡± Leslie added.


    She was pissed. She was furious. She couldn¡¯t imagine what this man she once had a thing for was saying at the moment.


    ¡°Brian hold your woman down,¡± Xavier said embarrassment getting the best of him.


    ¡°Every thing she said is correct. If that we already ordered I would have left you here¡± Brian said and turns to pacify his wife by slightly rubbing her shoulders.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a jerk¡±

 Branch Thirty Seven

    For the rest of the dinner, Leslie was fuming mad at Xavier. She could never have thought that he was such a cold-hearted jerk. She knew that he was stuck up and lost in his world all by himself but she never thought that he would be selfish.


    Leslie would get even angrier if she visited Jessica the next day and she said she had already signed the contract of divorce in a year with Xavier. She might have even more off her head if she knew that Jessica did not read a single line of the contract but appended her signature.


    ¡°Make him take a cab back to where ever he wants to go,¡± Leslie said and opens the door of the car and enters.


    Xavier had ridden with them in their car and they were supposed to drop him back at the hospital but with annoyance that she felt there was no way she would ride in the same car with him for a single minute more. Leslie closed the door and waited on her husband toe in and begin driving.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that Leslie is overreacting?¡± Xavier asked Brian who was standing before him.


    It made no sense to him that she would be mad that he was going for a divorce. He knew that there was no way they would make a good couple. Jessica was truly beautiful but she was not his type. Especially since he did not know what his type was.


    ¡°Overreacting?¡± Brian asked as if he did not hear his friend right.


    ¡°She is not overreacting. You would not understand what Jessica would go through once you separate within such a short period. She would go through much more than you think¡± Brian said patting his friend¡¯s shoulder.


    He walked over to the driver¡¯s seat of the car and opened the door before turning back to face Xavier.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I have to leave you here but Leslie is right ALWAYS,¡± Brian said emphasizing the always. There was no way Brian would get into an argument with his wife just to side with his friend. That would be a very foolish decision on his part.


    ¡°Good night buddy. Get an Uber. Don¡¯t stand outside for too long. The seasons are changing. You might catch a cold¡±


    Xavier was lost for words. He couldn¡¯t believe his friend a d secretary would leave him out there without any sure way of getting home.


    ¡°Why did you keep me waiting talking to that ass¡± Leslie said as her husband slipped into the car and lit on his seat belt.


    ¡°You know that he is quite special. He doesn¡¯t know what emotions are and he doesn¡¯t feel them. Let¡¯s not be too hard on him. He is a child in an adults body¡± Brian said pleading his case.


    In as much as he was avoiding conflict with his wife hr had to be there for his wife. Aside from Dawson only Brian knew him well enough to know that he was a young man who was detached from all his feeling.


    ¡°Just Drive¡± Leslie said plugging in her earpods.


    She did not like that Brian made sense.


    Xavier ordered a ride back to the hospital. He walks into the VIP ward. He enters the room to see the television ying with a sleeping Jessica on the bed and a strange figure sleeping soundly beside her.


    He be rmed but stayed calm because he did not want to startle Jessica awake. He moves closer and puts a hand over the strange figure:¡¯s shoulder and shakes her awake.


    Sleepy Angel raises her head and gets startled when she sees Xavier standing there. She stands to her feet with the speed of light and moves back before bowing her head to greet him.


    ¡°Young Master, Good evening,¡± Angel said.


    Since she was greeting him this way Xavier put two and two together and he knew she was a staff from the house.


    ¡°I brought dinner that Roselle prepared for the youngdy¡± Angel exined.


    Xavier barely knew and remembered the faces of the house staff.


    ¡°You¡¯re dismissed,¡± Xavier said turning and leaving the room.


    Angel had slept off while she waited for Jessica to finish eating. Jessica saw how soundly she slept after she had probably worked all day leaving her to sleep and went ahead to sleep too.


    Angel quickly packed up the lunch bag and did a quick wipe down of everything in her sight before hurrying off. She encountered Xaviering back with a nurse who had some extra nkets with her. She bowed and left in a hurry.


    Xavier entered the hospital room and the nurse put down the nkets spreading them while stealing nces at him. She was disappointed that Xavier was married else she would have taken the time to ask him out. If she could not have him she could rip him open with her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m done sir,¡± the nurse said standing upright and sizing him up and down.


    ¡°Dismissed¡± Xavier replied not looking up from his phone.


    She scurried out of there and stole nces at Xavier as she stepped out. Xavier sat down where the nurse had prepared for him.


    He nced at Jessica as she slept soundly on the bed. He scrolled through his phone silently as he read the news of the day. After a while, hey down on the prepared sofa and slept too.


    The morning rm in Jessica¡¯s body woke her up as early as she could. She sat up on the bed and looked around. Her eyes fell on Xavier who was sleeping soundly. The drip on her hand was already finished so she alerted the nurse¡¯s station with thendline on the bedside. The nurse removed the drip and left her.


    Jessica felt touched to her bones that Xavier stayed with her all night. She entered the rest room to wash up her face and brush her teeth. She was going to see Dawson today and hopefully get discharged.


    She heard a knock on the door and it opens slowly. She looked at the door frame and saw Xavier standing there with his hair messy and he was looking sexy. He rubbed his hand over his eyes and rest on the door frame.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why are you standing here?¡±

 Branch Thirty Eight

    Hearing Xavier¡¯s morning voice made Jessica weak in her knees. She put her hands on the sink in front of her to keep her from falling. If she fell again then Xavier would make a bigger issue than yesterday. He put on a tough front but it was obvious that he was a kind man at heart.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± He asked again his hand going into his hair to arrange it.


    ¡°I want to visit Dawson so I wanted to freshen up¡± Jessica responds turning to face the mirror. If she continued looking at him she might gawk at him continuously all day long.


    ¡°This early?¡± he asked.


    He could not believe that someone who was barely unable to walk in the day before was now the one looking to wander all around the hospital.


    ¡°Come here,¡± he said pulling her hands and taking her with him. He was not going to allow her to wander anywhere unless the doctor said she was fine after all series of tests to be done.


    Jessica liked the warmth of his big hands over her tiny hands. It was like a miracle. While she dated Burke she was very sensitive and barely held hands with him. Even when they held hands she barely felt a spark within her.


    ¡°Sit down here,¡± Xavier said pointing to the couch. Jessica says down like a dog that was properly trained.


    ¡°You are not to leave this room until after the doctor gets here and says you are good to go¡± he adds going back to the toilet.


    Jessica being lost in thoughts only processed what he said when he entered back into the toilet


    ¡°Wait, I¡¯m fine I don¡¯t need a doctor¡¯s approval to move around now,¡± She says going to the toilet.


    ¡°Do you want toe to use the toilet with me?¡± Xavier asks as he hears her footstep approaching.


    ¡°Oh my God, sorry¡± Jessica murmurs turning back to the couch she was put on.


    She waits for a few and hears the toilet flush. She stands and meets him at the door of the toilet. His thick ck eyes stared at her with so much intensity.


    ¡®it¡¯s only loneliness that is making me feel this way¡¯ Jessica thinks consoling herself. There is no way she could fall in love with this man.


    ¡°Do you want to say something?¡± He asked holding her hand and taking her back to the couch.


    ¡®Snap out of it¡¯ Jessica thinks again. She needs to take control of her emotions and be in charge.


    ¡°I need to see Dawson. I want to see him and I don¡¯t need a doctor¡¯s note¡± Jessica said ignoring the warm feeling that was traveling up and down her body.


    ¡°After the doctor gets here¡± Xavier answered not letting go of her hand.


    He was wondering how someone could have such tiny cold hands. These tiny hands were the magic hands that made good pancakes in the morning.


    ¡°I have gotten through situations like this before without the help of a doctor,¡± Jessica said.


    It was never a big deal to her so Xavier should not think too deeply about it. She was already better. The pain relief and fluids helped to get her up and running by the next day.


    ¡°You are now married into the richest family of the Chiachester city. You can¡¯t go around lot treating yourself properly¡±


    The sound of Xavier¡¯s sentence sent a funny feeling to her guts which made her finger curl up. He felt her fingers go up in a ball in his hand and he knew he was now wrong.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± Xavier said his hand leaving her hand.


    The way her fist went up in a clutch he knew that he had offended her. He did not know what exactly he did but he knew he was in the wrong at that moment.


    ¡°For what?¡± Jessica asked surprised that he was apologizing easily. She did not know how to respond to his easy apology.


    ¡°I am not sure but it seems like you don¡¯t like me to refer to you as the wife or daughter-inw of the Delgado family,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°It is not that I don¡¯t like it or that I like it. It is that you keep saying that I am your wife but you do not even think of me as your wife and I don¡¯t like that. It is obvious for both of us that we would leave each other in eleven months so let¡¯s just live like that and follow through the contract.¡± Jessica said in one breath.


    She did not know why his statement annoyed her but she was and Xavier did not know why her analysis did not sit well with him. He knew she was correct but did not appreciate her pointing it out to him.


    ¡°I would take note of that for the future¡± Xavier answered with gritted teeth.


    Jessica could sense he was now annoyed. Although why he would be a mystery to her. She wanted to put it out there.


    ¡°Let me go get the doctor,¡± he said standing up and looking everywhere around the room except at her. He felt anger and wanted to leave to go resolve it. It would be better for them both that way.


    If he stayed and expressed himself he would probably rile her up and both of them would be ovee with anger.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Jessica said and stood up to goy on the bed.From N?velDrama.Org.


    Xavier left the room and went first to see his grandfather. He pushed open the door and found his grandfather sittingfortably scrolling through his phone. He was probably reading the news.


    ¡°Your one and only grandson is here,¡± Xavier said trying to grab his grandfather¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Is thepany on fire?¡± Dawson said with surprise in his voice. He did not look up from his phone when asked.


    ¡°No it is not, Jessica was sick so I brought her here yesterday,¡± Xavier said.


    At the mention of Jessica¡¯s name, Dawson dropped his phone and turned to face his grandson.


    ¡°How is she doing now? Take me to see her¡± he said hurriedly.


    Xavier instantly knew that Jessica had somehow managed to disce him from his grandfather¡¯s heart. His grandfather was now more concerned about his wife than he was with him.


    ¡°I am also doing fine thanks for asking,¡± Xavier said sarcastically.


    ¡°I can see you standing healthy there, there is no need for me to ask you,¡± Dawson said pushing his legs down.


    ¡°Help me to the wheelchair¡± Dawson added in amanding tone.


    Xavier sighed he knew that there would be no stopping his grandfather from seeing Jessica. No wonder the two got along. They were both stubborn and did what they wanted.


    Xavier moved and helped his grandfather into the wheelchair.


    ¡°Wait for a second I would go call the doctor and then we can go together,¡± Xavier said leaving the room.

 Branch Thirty Nine

    Coming back in with Doctor Xavier pushes his grandfather on the wheelchair into the ward Jessica was staying in. Jessica turns when she heard the door open and sirs up straight


    Her eyes light up as she sets her eyes on Dawson in the wheelchair. Ever since she met him this was the first time she saw him outside of the ward. She was still nning on taking him home.


    ¡°How do you feel today Mrs. Delgado? ¡± the doctor asked rubbing the alcohol-based sanitizer before touching her.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Much better,¡± She said.


    ¡°Could you lie down for me I would like to check something¡± the doctor responded.


    Jessica nodded beforeying down on her back. Xavier moved Dawson in the chair away from the door and they both waited silently at the couch area.


    ¡°Your vitals are stable and I think you can be discharged this afternoon¡± he continued.


    ¡°Thank you, doctor,¡± Jessica said with a smile on her face.


    Usually, her crampssted three days before they finally die down, and then she would be able to do what she had to do. She has never had a reason to visit the hospital because of cramps but now that she did she was d she did.


    ¡°Are you sure she can go home now? Why don¡¯t you observe her tonight?¡± Xavier interjected.


    ¡°She is doing very well. I would just prescribe some follow-up medicine and supplements she can use. If she feels the pain she can use the medicine but the supplements should be used at bedtime to help her better¡± Ross said with a smile


    ¡°Take care of yourself and use the medicine when needed and you¡¯ll be fine unless you would give your husband a scare¡± he added.


    ¡°What do you mean by that doctor Ross?¡± Dawson asked his interest now piqued.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado made so much of a fuss over his wife when they came in yesterday¡± Ross answered.


    Ross had been worried and checked in multiple times with the doctor even when he was told that there was nothing to be worried about.


    ¡°Oh really?¡± Dawson answers a question with a sly smile climbing on his face.


    ¡°Papa drops that sly smile,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I did not do anything¡± Dawson answer quickly and defensively.


    ¡°Yeah, you did not¡± Xavier answered sarcastically.


    He did not know what his grandfather was thinking but it was obvious that he was plotting something that would not sit well with them both.


    ¡°Doctor thank you so much and I have a question,¡± Jessica said sitting upright.


    Ross moved back and nodded for her to continue her question.


    ¡°Can Dawson go home? I feel like he had been cooped up in here for too long. If he can go out I know that he would be better. He cane back inter. I want him toe home¡± Jessica said in one breath.


    Ross was finally happy that someone had said this. He had told Dawson multiple times that it was okay for him to go home ande back when he felt sick. At least that way he would not be alone and bored in the room all day but Dawson had gone on and on about how he doesn¡¯t want to be a burden to his family.


    ¡°Of course he can¡± Ross answered eagerly.


    Going home could mean that he could even improve better so Ross was all for it.


    ¡°Jessica, stop,¡± Xavier said with gritted teeth.


    By the time she met his gaze, she could tell he was not pleased with what she had just done. Oh Shit!


    ¡°I would leave you now,¡± Ross said.


    He knew it was his cue to leave hearing the anger in Xavier¡¯s voice. Everyone knew that he had quite a temper and no one was interested in cutting limes with him. Ross silently leaves the room.


    ¡°What did I do so wrong this time?¡± Jessica asked resting her back to the bed frame and rolling her eyes.


    She was only looking out for Dawson she wondered why Xavier would be angry toe home and meet an empty house while his grandfather stays in boredom at the hospital.


    If he was at home she would keep himpany before she starts her business and take him on nice dates, cook for him, and keep himpany throughout the day.


    ¡°He is my grandfather and I would be the one to make decisions concerning him,¡± Xavier said his teeth gritted.


    He already felt abandoned by his grandfather preferring Jessica over him. Now Jessica wants to keep her nose in their business.


    ¡°I thought I was a part of the Delgado family?¡± Jessica asked throwing back to what he had said earlier.


    She felt her blood surge through her veins like someone was pumping them faster than usual. Xavier looked stunned to hear her question. She did not want to be addressed as such if she was going to have a divorce soon.


    He opened his mouth to speak and then stopped himself in case he told his secret in front of his unusually silent grandfather. Under normal circumstances, Dawson would have said a lot on the subject matter. His being quiet made Xavier rush to him in concern.


    ¡°Are you okay papa?¡± he asked moving and touching his legs and hands to ensure there was still reflection in them.


    ¡°Looming at you two argue. I am convinced you would make a very cute couple despite the contract you signed¡± Dawson said.


    Xavier stood upright and red at his grandfather before focusing his re on Jessica.


    ¡°I told you not to tell him but you still went ahead to b. Are you that untrustworthy?¡± Xavier asked.


    He sounded angry but his voice was still very calm. Jessica felt her blood get hotter. She could not believe that this same guy she was just thinking was hot and probably deserved a chance at love was so closed-minded.


    She opened her mouth to say something but Dawson beat her to it.


    ¡°How can you be so small-minded?¡± Dawson asked. Xavier recoiled in shock.


    ¡°Yes so close-minded. Why do you think I would not know what is going on with you? I have eyes everywhere and Jessica did not tell me anything¡± Dawson jumped to her defense.


    Xavier stopped and stared intensely at his grandfather. For a moment he forgot how influential his grandfather was because he was stuck in the hospital.


    ¡°I am sorry¡± Xavier muttered turning to face Jessica when he realized his mistake.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t care. I was looking out for Dawson but you decided to treat me like an outsider. Do whatever you want to do and I would mind my business¡± Jessica saidying back down in annoyance.


    ¡°You are very foolish,¡± Dawson said rolling his chair to the bedside.

 Branch Forty

    Xavier left in a hurry because he could not stand the judging eyes of his grandfather. He told the driver to be the one to bring Jessica back home as he went back to work.


    Jessica had made it clear she did not want to be called a part of the family if they were going to go through with the divorce and there was no turning back for him as he had his mind set on the divorce.


    Dawson who was uninterested before going home decided to go home after seeing the way Xavier reacted to Jessica today. Maybe if he were home he could monitor more things than putting Roselle in charge. She has promised she would get them together on a honeymoon but had failed the whole first month of their wedding.


    ¡°I am d you decided toe home with me,¡± Jessica said.


    If Dawson had insisted that he was not going to go back home with her she would have looked like a fool in the eyes of Xavier and she would have felt terrible. If she had somewhere else to go she would have gone to hide there. Since Xavier knew that Dawson knew she would ask for her room.


    There was no reason for them to stay together when they were not getting along. Eleven months would pass by as she worked and spent time with Leslie.


    She wheeled Dawson out of the wheelchair and took him to the car. While she was in the car and the driver was driving she sent a message to Leslie to let her know that she had been discharged and they could start hanging out as soon as possible. Instead of her to focus on what she would not be getting out of the marriage she has decided to focus on all the connections she could make.


    She was going to ask Xavier about the progress concerning her business the earlier she opened it up the better for her. As they arrived at the mansion all the staff came out to greet Dawson.


    ¡°I never thought I would see this house again,¡± Dawson said with augh at the end of his sentence.


    He had gone to the hospital because he did not want to be a nuisance and it was only Jessica who had assured him that everyone at home wanted him and that he would be well taken care of.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that¡± Jessica said wheeling him inside.


    ¡°I am just saying. Thank you for bringing me back home¡± Dawson said his appreciation showing through.


    He wanted his family but did not want to be a burden to them.


    ¡°Anytime you need something. I¡¯m here for you¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°So what do you want for dinner?¡± Jessica added a question.


    Since it was his first night at home since she got there she was going to give him a treat of whatever he wanted and Xavier could have the leftover of what they had.


    She was going to tell him to sort his meals from the next day. After all, they weren¡¯t Family.


    Dawson had no special request so Jessica made a pan pizza and they both had it over light conversation. Dawson was exhausted from the move and change of environment so he went to bed early.


    Jessica waited up for Xavier because she had a lot to discuss with him. She was going to iron out all the details of her remaining time in the house. Her business, sleeping arrangement, and his meals.


    She had been d to share her cooking with him but he had been too rigid to ept her. He had proven that he was just as closed off as chose to be and she was not putting herself up for heartbreak.


    If she continued to see him in good light she might end up falling for him and she would be hurting once again by the time she had to leave the Delgado house. She was only Delgado by paper and name. She has no rtionship with them.


    Xavier came in as Jessica was cleaning up the table. He had beening in early these days to eat dinner with Jessica. Seeing her clean the table sent a shock down his spine.From N?velDrama.Org.


    Had she eaten without him? It was a first. Was he perhaps still angry at the interaction in the morning? Was she being petty because of his actions and words or was she just cleaning the table?


    ¡°Hello,¡± he said carefully.


    He was unaware of the type of mood she was in and it was better safe than sorry. Jessica had only blown up in anger once and that was it. She forgot about it immediately after and continued living her life.


    ¡°Wee,¡± Jessica said looking up and napkin in her hand.


    ¡°Do I have dinner?¡± he asked.


    He had been famished from eating nothing but bread the previous day and nothing at all day.


    ¡°Yes of course,¡± Jessica said.


    She had prepared two pan pizzas. She and Dawson were only able to finish one and Xavier would have the whole pan all to himself. If he was able to finish it she would refrigerate it and have it as lunch the next day.


    ¡°Sit down let me get it,¡± Jessica said entering the kitchen.


    She set the table and Xavier sat down to eat. He had to truthful admit that Jessica was a fantastic cook. He was d to be having her meals now.


    ¡°I have something I would like to speak about,¡± Jessica said when Xavier stopped eating.


    She had finished doing the dishes and then sat by the table to wait for him. She scrolled through her phone while waiting for him and now that she noticed he was done she could talk.


    ¡°What is that?¡± Xavier asked.


    He felt more at ease since it seemed as if she was not holding a grudge against him. He had spoken very rudely and had left them at the hospital without apologizing. She was at fault. If she did not jump to do things no one asked her they would still be on good terms.


    ¡°About the business¡±

 Branch Forty One

    When Xavier heard that she wanted to talk about the business he felt relieved. Although the was calm, she might have been still very pissed at him.


    ¡°Yes about that, I had been waiting for a new month. I would ask the realtor toe over this week and show you some properties. Choose a high-end one in a good neighborhood¡± Xavier said.


    The sigh of relief could be heard from afar. He had been vindicated. He was not in trouble at all.


    ¡°Okay, I think that is fine. I would handle the interior decoration and staff hiring myself then¡± Jessica responded.


    ¡°Let me know if you need any money or help. You can use the card I gave you for purchases¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I will¡± Jessica responded.


    Since she was seeing it as an investment that she would pay back she did not find it difficult to collect his money she would give the business her all and pay him back within the year.


    ¡°Another thing I want to discuss is our sleeping arrangement,¡± Jessica said.


    She was going to settle them all that night without carrying anything over to the next day.


    ¡°What about it?¡± Xavier asked.


    Although in the beginning, he had been ufortable sleeping and sharing the same bed with a strange but now she was more than a stranger and he was getting used to the arrangement.


    ¡°We stayed together because we wanted to convince Dawson about our rtionship, but now that the cat is out of the bag we might as well stay separately. After all, we aren¡¯t family¡± Jessica said with a sharp tone at the end of the sentence.


    Xavier felt the sharpness of her tone. He knew that he was not going to go Scott free. Why did he think she had forgotten about it?Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Is there a reason you need to leave?¡± Xavier asked.


    In his eyes, she was being unnecessarily cruel. How could she just drop that bomb on him after a hearty meal?


    ¡°I see no reason for us to stay together¡± Jessica retorted.


    She nned to get what she wanted and she was going to go all the way to the end. In this mansion surely there would be a spare room for her to sleep. When Xavier saw the determination in her eyes he knew there was no stalling or going back for her. He knew he had to cave in.


    ¡°I would ask the house decorator toe over and prepare one of the rooms for you tomorrow,¡± Xavier said giving up.


    Since they were not nning on being intimate with one another there was no reason for them to stay in the same room after all. She could go for all he cares.


    ¡°Thank you so much. Onest thing¡± Jessica said.


    At this point, Xavier knew he would have to let her have her way. It was obvious she was still mad at him and was not going to let it end just like that.


    ¡°And what is that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about the meals¡±


    Xavier had never known what it meant to be yed before but he felt like he was experiencing it right hand. It felt like a betrayal. He could not believe that the first meal he seemed to enjoy she was going to take away from her.


    ¡°If this concerns me shouting at you at the hospital. I already said I¡¯m sorry¡± Xavier said sulking.


    It was the first time that Jessica saw Xavier disy another emotion apart from aloofness and natural anger.


    ¡°When?¡± she asked confused.


    From all she could remember she couldn¡¯t remember Xavier saying as much as a simple sorry.


    ¡°You never said you were sorry¡± she defended.


    ¡°I did not?¡± Xavier asked his face flushed.


    ¡°Yes, you did not¡± Jessica responded.


    Maybe if she was not as angry as she was she would have not suggested having different rooms or even to scrap her making dinner for him. She loved with all her might cooking for others.


    ¡°I barely apologize,¡± Xavier said murmuring.


    ¡°Very obvious,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°You heard me?¡± Xavier asked shocked.


    ¡°Yes genius¡± Jessica replied him.


    ¡°If you have nothing else to say, I you suggest you ask the chef to resume making your meals back from tomorrow¡± She added standing up.


    ¡°Wait Jessica,¡± He said stopping her. ¡°Sit back down¡± he added.


    She sat down and crossed her hands across her chest. Why was an apology so hard for someone who had offended?


    ¡°I was very rude and inconsiderate this morning¡± he started his voice trailing off at the end of his statement.


    ¡°Those words are an understatement to how I feel,¡± Jessica said with a snarkyment.


    ¡°I know and that is why I am trying my best to apologize right now¡± Xavier responds feeling suppressed anger.


    For any reason, he was not willing to miss out on the meals that allowed his appetite to open back up. The Doctor had warned him against his bad eating habit saying he was tending to a disorder of not stopped immediately.


    ¡°I am sorry. I was inconsiderate, and rude and let my anger get the best of me and I am sure I hurt your feeling. So let me apologize for my actions and words¡± Xavier added.


    Jessica stared at his man a little. He looked lonely and sad. She wanted to hold him and let him know she was by his side even though he probably did not trust her. She wanted to help him get out of the situation even though she might not get to stay in his life.


    If she helped him he might eventually fall in love with someone else but she was willing to take the risk and help him get out of his shell.


    ¡°I forgive you¡± she breathed out.


    ¡°And?¡± he asked like a little child expecting a gift.


    ¡°I will continue to make your meals¡± She added.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Xavier said smiling.


    That was the first time that she was seeing his smile and she could see his beauty. Why did he not smile?

 Branch Forty Two

    Since it has to be the next day before the decorator coulde to decorate one of the rooms Jessica still had to sleep in the same room as Xavier. Xavier felt the temptation to ask her to reconsider changing her room. After all, they had settled their differences now.


    Xaviery down waiting for Jessica to join him as she was freshening up. Jessica came out holding a towel to dry out her hair.


    ¡°Ms. Gates is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony and we have both been invited,¡± Xavier said as soon as he got a sight of her.


    ¡°Ms Gates?¡± Jessica asked confused.


    ¡°The CEO of Couture Corner,¡± Xavier said like it wasmon knowledge.From N?velDrama.Org.


    She was a girl after all and it was the dream of every young girl of Chiachester City to own one of the pieces from the Couture Corner. Jessica has no idea who she was and tried to hide her embarrassment.


    ¡°Anyways so Ms. Gates is doing a groundbreaking ceremony the day after tomorrow for one of their new stores and she has asked that youe along,¡± Xavier said beforeying down.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Jessica said unsure.


    She was going to ask Leslie about it tomorrow. Leslie had promised that she would take her out for coffee and advise her on some matters.


    Jessicay in bed and before she could tell she was already in a dreand fast asleep. Jessica was jerked back to reality by a loud knock on the door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Jessica said putting on her night coat. Her eyes nced at the wall clock and it was just a few minutes to three am.


    Jessica opened up the door and met Roselle standing there.


    ¡°So sorry to disturb you but the attention of the young master is needed urgently,¡± Roselle said.


    It was obvious that sleep was still in her eyes and that she was just woken up. Jessica looked behind her to see Xavier sleeping soundly.


    ¡°Xavier is sleeping. Should I wake him up? What is the emergency?¡± Jessica asked.


    Looking at how soundly he slept she felt bad for waking him up. Seeing the look on Roselle¡¯s face she knew it would be wrong of her not to wake him up.


    ¡°What¡¯s the emergency?¡± she asked again walking over to where Xaviery. Roselle ignored her as she was unsure as to whether she should inform thedy of the news she had just received.


    ¡°Xavier¡± Jessica whispered shaking him slightly.


    She got the memo that Roselle did not want to tell her or that she was not in a position to tell her. Xavier stored in the bed and turned to face Jessica. His eyes flickered open and he stared at Jessica for a few minutes before his hands go up to touch her face.


    She took his hands and shook him back to reality. He stood up and she followed suit. He blinked multiple times to get himself back to his normal state.


    ¡°What is the matter? Why do you disturb my sleep?¡± he asked. Jessica was tempted tough at the way he spoke.


    ¡°Roselle is here seems like she has something important to tell you,¡± Jessica said turning back to her side of the bed.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xavier asked standing up and going to meet her.


    ¡°It is Lady Genevieve,¡± Roselle said.


    The name Xavier heard made him stop in his tracks. He looked around the room and sighed loudly.


    ¡®What was she doing here?¡¯


    ¡°What is she doing here?¡± Xavier asked voting out his thoughts.


    ¡°She did not say but she specifically asked for you,¡± Roselle said.


    When Jessica heard the name she was curious but she did not want to be seen as a gossip so sheid back down on the bed.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t she sleep the night and wait till the morning?¡± Xavier asked grumbling as he went down the stairs.


    ¡°Nephew¡± Genevieve said as her eyes fell on Xaviering down the stairs.


    Genevieve Sullivan was his mother¡¯s sister and she was the definition of the worst. When his mother was still alive she often showed up out of the blue to extort his mom and get money out of it.


    One of the things that Xavier vowed not to forget as regards his mother and father¡¯s death was how his aunt stormed in to get a share of the insurance iming to be the only family of his mother.


    Genevieve and his mother had shared the same womb for nine months yet they were nothing alike. Their parents had shared the family wealth between both girls. While his mom lived a conservative life and ended up as thedy of the Delgado family, Genevieve ended up in Las Vegas and spent all she had in casinos and hotels.


    A few monthster she was back and demanding from the Delgado family. She was family after all. Xavier was sure that she was back to ask for money.


    ¡°Are you not going to greet me warmly?¡± Genevieve said in a fake high-pitched voice.


    ¡°I am exhausted as it is, let¡¯s save it for the night and resume in the morning,¡± Xavier said sternly.


    ¡°Okay then sweetie pie,¡± Genevieve said turning to face the help standing by her side. ¡°Take me to my room¡± she added holding her bag.


    She was dressed in bright and high-end brands. Her bag was even one from the couture corner. Xavier hadn¡¯t seen her in about five years. The money that his grandfather had given her thest time must havested a long time.


    The help showed her to the already prepared guest room in case of impromptu guests like herself. She was the only one who would show up to the Delgado mansion unannounced.


    Jessica was worried because the expression on both Xavier¡¯s and Roselle¡¯s faces was not good. She stayedying in bed as she waited for him. She saw the door opening and quickly closed her eyes to give the illusion she was sleeping.


    She smiled when she felt the bed dip but it immediately turned to a frown when she heard the continuous sigh of Xavier.


    ¡°Is anything the matter¡± she heard her voice.


    His continuous sigh had pushed her to say before she could realize it herself.


    ¡°It¡¯s all fine, go to bed¡± Xavier responded.


    He was not ready to dry his dirty linen and family secrets in front of her. She would look down on the Delgado family if she knew they had such an embarrassing family member.


    ¡°Just have a good sleep. I¡¯m all good¡± he added once more.

 Branch Forty Three

    Jessica had slept soundly afterward forgetting that there was just a hugemotion outside. By six am her body clock woke her up to get ready to get breakfast. She felt more exhausted than usual and did not want to go out of bed.


    The only fact that made her stand up was that Xavier only begged her for forgiveness when he realized that she was going to cut his meal n off and also Dawson hadplimented her so very well.


    ¡®Get up Jessica Penelope¡­¡¯ her thoughts trailed off when she was going to call her name. Was she still to address herself with her maiden name or her husband¡¯s name?


    ¡®Get a grip now¡¯ She screamed internally at herself. Her eyes fell on the peaceful sleeping boy beside her. It was one of two things, either he did not care at all about his surrounding because how can he sleep after the distressing callsst night, or he was faking to be strong enough to sleep through the storm.


    ¡®Only Jesus did that¡¯ Jessica thought again as she entered her closet to change her nightgown to a pair of joggers and an old t-shirt. She would feel morefortable in them while she cooked. She made her way downstairs to see Roselle already waiting for her there.


    Since Roselle noticed that the young master was now eating all the meals prepared by Jessica she promised to help her with all meals.


    ¡°So sorry I waste, was feeling very exhausted¡± Jessica apologized when she entered and saw an idle Roselle waiting for her.


    ¡°No need to apologize. But if you are feeling exhausted why don¡¯t you take the day off? I am sure the chairman and young master would understand. You are justing back from the hospital after all¡± Roselle had indeed grown a soft spot for her.


    Roselle had rushed her to the hospital just two days ago so it should be natural that she worries about her.


    ¡°I am fine it was just the short break in my sleepst night,¡± Jessica said hoping to hear something or anything that made Xavier distressedst night.


    Since he apologized she had the urge to hold him and protect him from the world. She was someone who could barely protect herself. She knew that she would probably lose in any battle he had to do with. He was a nig shot so no way he was fighting small battles.


    Roselle¡¯s lip was tightly shut as she wouldn¡¯t say anything. Genevieve was not a secret or anything but she would not be the one to go bbing about it in front of the youngdy.


    ¡°What is Xavier¡¯s best breakfast?¡± Jessica asked moving towards the pantry.


    ¡°Pancakes¡± Roselle answered without thinking.


    Roselle noticed the sudden affection when Jessica called his name this morning. It was certainly something that was not there at all before now.


    ¡°Are you suggesting I make pancakes again this morning?¡± Jessica asked shouting her head from the pantry door.


    ¡°Even for Dawson too?¡± Jessica added.


    Roselle recoiled a little at Jessica¡¯s fondness for both men. It was a good thing Roselle told herself.


    ¡°I would make low-fat pancakes,¡± Jessica said before Roselle could answer.


    ¡°I knew I heard people in here¡± Genevieve purred slowly at them. Jessica¡¯s eye fell on the woman in front of her and confusion set in.


    ¡°You must be the wife, hi I¡¯m your aunt inw¡±


    Jessica blinked multiple times at the woman in her front iming to be somehow rted to the family. Was she the cause of themotionst night?


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how to talk? I clearly heard you speak just now¡± Genevieve said going to the kitchen ind to take a banana which she peeled to eat.


    Jessica was unsure of the protocol. She has been scolded for suggesting that Dawson came home. Was she supposed to treat this woman with joy or disdain? She did not know what to do. She searched Roselle¡¯s face for answers but they were nk as usual.


    ¡°Hello, good morning. I was not aware that someone joined usst night which was what made me startled¡± Jessica said immediately covering up herpses.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I had to make an impromptu trip down here from Las Vegas the most beautiful city in the world¡± Genevieve said giggling a little.


    ¡°Would you like to join us for breakfast?¡± Jessica asked.


    Since she was unsure of the protocol. She might as well do what she wanted to do because Xavier would react either way and she was not going to be walking on eggshells around him any longer.


    ¡°Were you not nning to make some for me?¡± Genevieve asked.


    Ever since she hade to the Delgado mansion she had always been treated like a queen. She always concluded that she was supposed to be the one to marry Jon. Jon was Xavier¡¯s father and Genevieve thought it unfair that her younger sister who was also her twin and whom she considered uglier than her was the one who snatched the heart of the billionaire heir.


    ¡°You might be uninterested in breakfast¡± Jessica responded swiftly. There was no way she was going to allow this stranger to guilt trip her. Her duty was to make breakfast for the Delgado family men.


    ¡°You can rest up. Breakfast would be ready soon¡± Jessica said turning when she received no response.


    She quickly whipped something up and before she knew it they were all sitting by the table ready to have breakfast. Dawson sat at the head with Xavier by his right hand. Genevieve hastily went to sit by Dawson¡¯s left.


    ¡°Only my children get to sit close to me¡± Dawson murmured as she sat down.


    Genevieve had been a pain to Dawson over the years. He could not me his daughter-inw for having an awful sister.


    ¡°I¡¯m rted to you,¡± Genevieve said.


    Ever since she got there her voice had been high-pitched and loudly annoying.


    ¡°No, you are not and you can never be. And keep your voice down. This is not a club or a casino. This is a house¡± Dawson said with a scowl.


    Jessica began to get a scope of what was going on. Just like her own Aunt who did not have the luxury of going to Las Vegas to fulfill her gambling spree, this one fed on the money of the Delgado family. Who knew they were alike in this manner?


    ¡°Jesus sit beside me instead¡± Dawson called out to Jessica who wanted to set her tent beside Xavier.


    ¡°Move¡± Dawson added with a huge frown over his face. Genevieve muttered something about being hated and moved into the next sit.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    They sat and ate breakfast in quietfortable silence before Genevieve looked up to speak. This time her voice was normally pitched and Jessica would finally get the tone of her voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m back to stay for good. Give me work to do¡±

 Branch Forty Four

    The whole table turns to fave Genevieve seeing that her fake ent and high-pitched voice were dropped it seemed that she seemed serious. There are no traces of a prank or joke from her end. She seemed genuine.


    ¡°You mean you aren¡¯t here to cough out money out of us?¡± Dawson asked.


    Jessica was now sure that Xavier got his smart mouth from his grandfather. Dawson was on my grown and knew when to use it and when not to. Xavier on the other hand used it as long as he spoke.


    ¡°I am sorry about the past. I¡¯m getting older and I realize that I need to have a stable ie and probably settle down with a family¡± Genevieve responds.


    ¡°Did someone agree to marry¡­.. You?¡± Dawson asked.


    Xavier was quietly savoring the meal and not even looking up to check if anything was going on. He knew his grandfather would take good care of it.


    ¡°No¡­ sir,¡± Genevieve said.


    The air is grace and ¡®I¡¯m-above-you¡¯ that she came with was suddenly like thin air as she was left looking like a person in actually serious needs.


    ¡°Do you want to prate the business to steal money since what we might be giving you is not enough?¡± Dawson sparked at her.


    By this time both parties exchanging words were no longer eating but Xavier was almost done with what was on his te and he was reaching out to get more.


    ¡°Not at all¡± She responded.


    Dawson noticed that she was calmer than usual and was not iming any rights as she usually did.


    ¡°So it will not matter the job we gave you?¡± Dawson asked taking a piece of the pancake and chewing slowly.


    He watched Genevieve to get any reaction. Instead, she nodded and turned to face him from beside Jessica.


    ¡°The job doesn¡¯t matter. Get me a job¡± she said also taking a bite of the food.


    ¡°Even a janitor or security would do?¡± Xavier finally spoke.


    ¡®These men think alike¡¯ Jessica thought within her. She had not been invited to talk so she was just going to quietly enjoy her meal all by herself.


    ¡°Get me that job,¡± Genevieve said.


    Xavier and his grandfather exchanged nces. They found it unusual that she was asking for a job. Her usual method was to cough out arge sum from them and then leave. Dawson had said that if he was alive by the time she returned he was going to lock her up in a holding cell for twenty fours before sending her away.


    It seemed that this time around she decided to be reasonable and earn money herself or that she has a scheme up her sleeves.


    ¡°Bring a CV to the office for the interview. If you are denied ess at the entrance call me¡± Xavier said standing up and ready to leave.


    ¡°Wait¡± Jessica finally said.


    Both men had probably forgotten that she was there.


    ¡°Oh, Jessica go on, Xavier sit and listen to what your wife has to say¡¯?¡± Dawson said encouraging her to speak.


    ¡°I think I should be able to take Aunt inw in as I am about to establish my business,¡± Jessica said.


    The expression on Xavier¡¯s face changed. To him, it seemed like Jessica was a master of jumping into unsafe situations and staying there as long as she could.


    ¡°A word,¡± Xavier said to her.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she said standing up.


    She followed him as he walked till he was out of earshot from them. He stopped and turned to face her.


    .¡±Why would you suggest that? She is a woman you barely know and all she does is cough our money from those around her¡±


    ¡°I know her kind all too well¡± Jessica sighed running her hand through her head.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Xavier asked concerned.


    He thought back to how manipting she had been all her life. He would be less than shocked if heter discovers that this was just one of her maniption schemes.


    ¡°My mom¡¯s sister was the one to take care of me after my mom died. She used up all the savings and insurance left by my mom and sent me to an orphanage¡± Jessica started


    Telling this story was one of her absolute worse but she was going to tell it either way. How then would she convince him that she was aware of what rtives like that were? She was opening up a part of herself to him. She also hoped that this would bring them a tad bit closer.


    ¡°After I graduated she would show up once in a while and try to get all I had on me. She would then disappear only to reappear when she wants. She has been pestering me with calls ever since I got here. She must have thought this ce to be a good ground to get as much as she wants¡± Jessica confessed.


    If she was going to be telling him her back story she might as well tell him the whole truth without hiding anything from him.


    Xavier was stunned to hear her short story. He now knew that she had suffered her own fair share of awful rtives.


    ¡°Why then do you think that her joining your business is the best way?¡± Xavier asked now concerned.


    Suffering such a thing once was bad enough to not talk of adding another person with the exact same characteristics.


    ¡°My business is just starting up. I don¡¯t even have a name for it¡± She said a littleugh at the end of her statement.


    ¡°And so?¡± Xavier asked not getting her point.


    ¡°So what I am trying to say is that she would not be able to get much out of me and I can out her to work. Even if you put her in the lowest position. These women have a knack for manipting people. She can easily manipte anyone she wants. With me she can barely get anything¡± Jessica said.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    All the words Jessica said were not enough to convince Xavier and she could tell so on his face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it this way then. She works with me until everything is set up. We test her out a little by putting her in situations that can make her want to steal and manipte and see what she does. She would not be able to hide out for too long¡± Jessica told him.


    Although her words were wise Xavier was not interested in putting Jessica in such an ufortable position.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine use me. That¡¯s the least I can do for the house and free food and even the doctor¡¯s appointment. It must have cost a lot¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°I never asked you to pay for all those things. You helped me secure my ce in thepany so take it as a thank you from me to you¡± Xavier responded.


    ¡°Then use me again,¡± Jessica said inly.


    ¡°What are you two love birds doing?¡± Genevieve¡¯s voice came across as she approached.


    ¡°Jessica, the chairman needs you,¡± Genevieve said.


    Xavier walked up to her and stood in her front.


    ¡°You would address my wife as thedy of the house,¡± he said to her.


    ¡°Stop it, Xavier. It makes me ufortable¡± Jessica walked up to them.


    ¡°See she said she doesn¡¯t like it,¡± Genevieve said. Xavier standing so close to her made her ufortable. But then she saw her sister¡¯s face in his and she wanted to touch it fondly but she could be thrown out for that so she cautioned herself.


    ¡°You would still address her as such¡± Xavier said in a firm tone before turning back to face Jessica.


    ¡°We will conclude in that matter when I get back. Don¡¯t make any rash decision¡± he said and turned to start walking away.


    He stopped halfway to the door and stared intently at Genevieve before speaking.


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you¡±

 Branch Forty Five

    ¡°I know it would be hard for anyone in this family to trust me,¡± Genevieve said.


    For some reason, the look in her eyes seemed to convince Jessica. People change right?


    ¡®People change when they are about to die¡¯ the thought crossed Jessica¡¯s mind. She has heard of people changing drastically when they were about to go to the great beyond and it was probably the case for this woman.


    ¡°Are you terminally ill? Or about to die?¡± Jessica voiced out.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± Genevieve responded immediately.


    She was not angry that Jessica thought that. Who wouldn¡¯t think that? She had been a nuisance to the family for years and she woke up one morning and chose to work. It sounded strange but she knew she had a good reason for doing it.


    ¡°I changed. People can change can¡¯t they?¡± she added.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure you aren¡¯t I¡¯ll?¡± Jessica asked concerned.


    ¡°I am very healthy¡± Genevieve assured her.


    ¡°Okay that is good, for now, Xavier and I have been unable to conclude where you would be working so just stay around in the meantime,¡± Jessica said to her.


    Genevieve nodded her head. She was even met with more hospitality than she expected after all she had been a pain in the *ss to the family.


    Jessica opened her mouth to say something when her phone rang in her pocket. She pulled out the phone and saw the caller id. It was Leslie. They were going out today.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk when I get back,¡± Jessica said walking away.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Jessica said putting the phone on her ears.


    ¡°I have been waiting for your call,¡± Leslie said in an using tone.


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry I have had a busy morning¡± she responded sparing her the details. She did not know if she was a friend acquaintance or foe yet so the less she knew the better for both parties.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. What are we doing today?¡± Leslie asked excitedly.


    ¡°I need a dress, so I¡¯m guessing we can start there¡± Jessica responded. She knew nothing about dresses so maybe the stylish woman in her ward the other day can be of great help to her in picking up a dress.


    ¡°Oh for what? The baby if your husband taking you on a date?¡± Leslie asked.


    She was not still in support of Xavier but if he was going to make an effort to make Jessica feel better then she was going to be all for it.


    ¡°NO,¡± Jessica said almost shouting. The thought of Xavier taking her on a date sent up warmth up her cheek and no doubt she was blushing crimson red.


    ¡°Well, no need to scream. Your husband taking you out on a date is very normal¡± Leslie said.


    ¡°I never said it was not normal. It¡¯s just that we aren¡¯t at that ce yet¡± Jessica said.


    She just assumed that since she was the wife of Brian who was Xavier¡¯s secretary she must have heard the situation surrounding the marriage.


    ¡°You can get there soon,¡± Leslie said in an assuring tone. ¡°What is the dress for then?¡± she added not forgetting the original topic of discussion.


    ¡°Xavier said that one Ms. Gates invited us to an event,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°You are already getting invited by Ms. Gates?¡± Leslie asked shock lining her voice.


    ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Jessica said confused.


    ¡°Get ready I¡¯ming to get you NOW¡±


    Leslie made such a fuss over the phone before allowing Jessica to go have her bath. Jessica put on a huge dress and strap sandals. She put on a little makeup thatprises her eye mascara and lip gloss before going down. She meets Dawson in the living room going through the television.


    ¡°I am going out now, I would be back right on time to make lunch for you,¡± Jessica said. Her n was simple. Pick up the first beautiful thing and pay for it.


    ¡°Where to?¡± Dawson asked.


    ¡°Shopping with Leslie,¡± She said sitting beside him. She has agreed to meet Leslie at the store and she was going to take her time.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be back in time for lunch then¡± Dawson answered with a smile on his face.


    He knew Leslie because she once went after his grandson and he was all in support of her. He sponsored her lifestyle even though she came from money herself. He wanted his grandson to settle down and it was obvious that Leslie loved him.


    After chasing him for two years with no positive response she settled down with Brian turns out she only had a massive crush on Xavier and proceeded to find love in his best friend and assistant.


    ¡°I would be back on time,¡± Jessica said.


    Dawson smiled a little because he knew it was impossible but he wanted her to feel like she was right so he nodded.


    ¡°There is nothing new on here,¡± Dawson said using the remote to point to the television.


    ¡°Do you want to go with me?¡± Jessica asked.


    Shopping was not one of the things that gave her joy or fulfillment like other girls. She was good with just about anything wearable.


    ¡°We can get lunch outside afterwards¡± Jessica added.


    If she could make Dawson tag along then there would be no reason for them to spend a lot of time in the store as they would have to consider the old man.


    ¡°And ruin your chance at making friends. I can¡¯t be your only friend I would be bored¡± Dawson said in a sarcastic tone.


    Jessica noticed his clever maneuver in avoiding going out.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± she asked again. She needed the excuse and he was not going to allow her to use it to her advantage.


    ¡°Yes I am going now,¡± Dawson said urging her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon. Do you want anything?¡±Jessica asked.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t¡± Dawson replied.


    ¡°I would be on my way now but if you remember anything you need do not hesitate to send me a message immediately,¡± Jessica said standing up.


    ¡°Get a cute dress¡± Dawson called after her as she walked away.


    Jessica popped her head back into the room and smiles. ¡°Are you sure you do not want toe watch me try them on?¡± Jessica asked.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°I am sure. Call Xavier he should be d seeing you in dresses¡± Dawson said.


    Jessica had a brief thought to call him but dismissed the idea immediately. She did not want to be seen as a disturbance. He must be working so she should not disturb him with useless requests.


    ¡°I am not sure he would want toe. See you when I get back¡± Jessica said before walking away.

 Branch Forty Six

    Leslie had somehow convinced Jessica not to shop at her usual thrift stores. They entered one of the Gates fashion brand stores to get a dress.


    ¡°You are not only getting a dress, but you are also getting multiple high-end clothes alongside shoes and bags,¡± Leslie said with a high-pitched squeal.


    ¡°I have to be home to make lunch for Dawson,¡± Jessica said putting a wet cloth over Leslie¡¯s excitement.


    Leslie shook off the feeling and hoped that Jessica woulde around after the shopping began.


    ¡°You¡¯ll make it in time,¡± Leslie said. She knew it was mission impossible but she was so going to polish up Jessica to the standard of a Delgado Ladry.


    Leslie was young when the former Lady Delgado died but she knew quite well how elegant and exotic she looked on the news and how she was a fashion icon. She was going to turn Jessica into a fashion icon and be by her side.


    ¡°Okay then, shall we begin?¡± Jessica asked.


    Leslie signaled to the girl who was waiting to wait on them and one of them came closer.


    ¡°Hello ma¡¯am I am Trinity and I would be serving you today what can I help you with?¡± the girl said politely.


    ¡°I am Leslie and this is Jessica Delgado¡± Leslie replied stressing the Delgado for the girl to hear.


    The girl gasped and smiled. She knew the wealth of the Delgado and everyone knew it. If she can make this woman spend money she might even be promoted to manager soon. If this woman even allows her to the serving her every time she had then hit the real jackpot.


    ¡°Oh, I thought as much. Only a Delgado can pull off such a look. You look stunning in that simple dress¡± Trinityplimented her. Even though she had thought that her dress was something to be burnt immediately.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jessica said her mind distracted. Jessica knew they were only mere words of ttery. She was not a Delgado by birth so she was going over the line.


    ¡°Show us everything new from thetest collection, we would take everything she looks good in,¡± Leslie said pulling Jessica¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Hurry along now,¡± Leslie said when she saw Jessica try to object.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a little too much?¡± Jessica asked tugging on her hand.


    ¡°Barely enough¡± Leslie scoffed. ¡°We are going next door for more dresses and clothes. Enough of your faded jeans and top. Even though you want to look casual you have to wear those high-end brands. The whole city looks to you for fashion inspo now you can¡¯t disappoint them¡± Leslie said with a hint of happiness.


    She had never felt so happy. She gets to dress the wife of the richest corporation owner.


    ¡°Is it necessary?¡± Jessica asked. She was not convinced enough.


    ¡°Yes, it is,¡± Leslie said pulling her hand to one of the VIP dressing rooms.


    ¡°And for the event, you have to look stunning. Alicia Gates organizes one of the best parties in the city. It should be the Delgado family but Xavier is too busy with work.¡± Leslie said.


    ¡°Uhn uhn¡± Jessica replied absentmindedly.


    ¡°Oh my god I just got a great idea¡± Leslie screamed out and dropped the bottle of champagne she picked from the table.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Jessica asked facing her. She saw the glint in her eyes and her expression. She read into the meaning. ¡°Oh No,¡± Jessica echoed again and again. She knew what she was seeing in her eyes and there was no way she would be agreeing to it.


    ¡°It would be wonderful if you can start hosting parties of your own¡±


    ¡°No parties,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°How do you possibly want to assert your dominance?¡± Leslie asked her.


    She had be an outcast but she thought by making friends with Jessica she could easily make her way back into society. It felt like she was using Jessica but she honestly did like her and wanted to be friends with her either way. Her organizing parties would just be a plus for her.


    ¡°I do not want to exert dominance,¡± Jessica said picking a mini cupcake and eating it.


    ¡°It would be so much fun. You would get to meet celebrities. They would die to be invited to any party the Delgado family throws¡± Leslie said trying to convince her.


    Jessica did not feel convinced in the least bit. How does she exin to her friend she was going to get divorced in a little over eleven months? How does she exin that she would be left without almost nothing except an image that would make everyone point fingers at her?


    ¡°You need to make the most of this life before Xavier throws you out,¡± Leslie said and her hand immediately went up to her mouth.


    ¡°What did you just say now?¡± Jessica asked shocked.


    ¡®Did Xavier tell them? Was she allowed to talk about it?¡¯ she thought.


    ¡°I did not mean it like that I am sorry,¡± Leslie said immediately.


    ¡°Do not be sorry. How do you hear of this? Did Xavier tell you?¡± she asked confused.


    ¡°Yes he did and I told him off,¡± Leslie said ready to defend herself.


    ¡°There is no need to tell him off, I agreed to this and it¡¯s fine,¡± Jessica told her.


    ¡°Oh, my God! It is very impossible to talk to both of you¡± Leslie screamed.


    Trinity walked in with twodies behind her rolling in a moveable cloth rack with wheels.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°These are the most recent dresses and wears from the Gates fashion factory. They are yet to be opened up to the entire world and I am sure they would suit you. Ms. Gates would be d if you would be one of the first to model these dresses¡± Trinity said.


    The words felt like someone had dumped a huge responsibility on Jessica¡¯s shoulder. When she wanted to get married in haste, she was looking for an ordinary man who did not mind sharing his house with her for the time being. She never thought she would end up in the house of the richest man in the city.


    ¡°Get up,¡± Leslie said pulling Jessica¡¯s hand. ¡°Test them out,¡± Leslie said.


    Jessica stood up and tested them out.


    ¡°Can someone help me with the zip?¡± Jessica shouted from the changing room.


    ¡°I would do it,¡± Leslie said stopping Trinity before she could enter. Trinity stopped and gave a fake smile. She hated that Leslie was here, it was like she was hell-bent on stealing her thunder. This was an opportunity to boost herself and climb the ranks but it seemed like Leslie was just there to destroy her efforts.


    ¡°You look stunning¡± Lesliemented when she pushed the curtains and entered inside.


    ¡°Do I?¡± Jessica asked unsure. She always had thisplex that made her doubt herself.


    ¡°No single doubt about that,¡± Leslie said. She gently zipped up the dress and held Jessica¡¯s shoulders that showed a little from the dress¡¯s cold shoulder design.


    ¡°I know you might not want to but the only way you can protect yourself after you leave this rtionship is for you to leave a strong woman. Stronger than how you got in there¡± Leslie said rubbing her hand.


    ¡°Strong?¡±

 Branch Forty Seven

    ¡°What do you mean by strong?¡± Jessica asked blinking multiple times.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°There is no doubt that you walking from the marriage would leave you with scars. Naturally, people would take Xavier¡¯s side because of his power and how you are not powerful and rich. Also, there was that scandal about you¡±


    ¡°Since there was already a scandal before people would assume that it was true and then you would suffer the bacsh. It is a lie, right? The scandal I mean?¡± Leslie said.


    Jessica looked at her from the floor-length mirror. She wanted to desperately defend herself but if she could doubt that she was innocent then who was going to believe her ever?


    ¡°Why do I even ask? It¡¯s obvious you are innocent¡± Leslie said quickly upon seeing the expression on Jessica¡¯s face.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you do not believe me. I would also criticize the person if I did not wear the shoe.¡± Jessica confessed.


    ¡°Of course, I do believe you, Jessica,¡± Leslie said defending herself. She only asked because you can never know with rumors. Jessica did not look like someone who would do such a thing. Leslie noticed the change in her friends countenance so she went to stand in front of her between herself and the mirror.


    ¡°What I am trying to say is that you need a way to protect yourself. If the society views you as a strong woman and not just the Delgado familydy then you would have those who would support you and thereby lessen the impact.¡± Leslie said.


    She knew what society could do to those considered weak. She knew how we¡¯ll and best they could better someone with words and actions. Jessica only got the top of the iceberg. Her husband dealt with it quietly and fast. If they were to be separated he would have no responsibility to her again.


    ¡°How can I do that? I can not live a repeat of the torture I went through all over again¡± Jessica voiced out.


    She could not live with her phone blowing up and her name is mentioned in every ce on the inte she turned.


    ¡°You need to be the typical bossdy,¡± Leslie said. The Sound of that statement made Jessca want to chuckle but maybe there is some sense in what she was saying.


    ¡°Teach me how,¡± Jessica said taking a deep breath.


    She promised herself right there in that changing room that she was going to try her best not to get bullied again and especially not online. If she was going to leave the Delgado family she would make it seem as of it was Xavier that lost even if she was the one at a loss.


    She was going to faithfully open up her restaurant and use her husband¡¯s power to turn it into a hub for all business people to visit. She was going to be the real bossdy now.


    ¡°I would be your real tutor. Agreed?¡± Leslie asked happily.


    ¡°Agreed¡±


    ¡°I was going toe out and pose for you but you have seen the dress already,¡± Jessica said to Leslie.


    Leslie smiled and said. ¡°I would go out and act surprised so you can have your moment,¡± Leslie said turning and leaving the room.


    ¡°Oh well thank you¡± Jessica murmured as she left.


    She pushed open the curtain and stood like a model. Her little talk with Leslie had boosted her mood. If she acted the part well she would be treated as the real woman and Lady of the Delgado family. She was going to act the part properly.


    ¡°Oh my Lady Delgado, you look stunning,¡± Trinity said.


    ¡°Do I?¡± Jessica saiding to look at herself in the mirror.


    ¡°Oh my goodness I think I would have to leave my husband and get married to you. You look beautiful¡± Leslie said pping. True to her word she hyped and acted surprise at Jessica as she came out.


    Jessica blushed a great deal. She barely had the opportunity to beplimented not to talk of this much and by two women who were not previously in her life. Leslie stood up and went to stand beside Jessica. She held her phone in one hand and Jessica¡¯s phone in the other.


    ¡°First step is to use the inte in your favor,¡± Leslie said handing her the phone.


    ¡°Is it okay if we take pictures in this dress? She is going to buy it anyway¡± Leslie said turning to Trinity.


    Trinity could not think of any other best way to advertise their products. It was not like they had issues with sales but anything rmended by a popr person sells put like fast not to talk of thedy Delgado. Thedy Delgado had always been recognized as a fashion icon and it seemed like thisdy was ready to take it up a notch.


    ¡°Of Course¡± Trinity answered excitedly but trying her all to hide her excitement.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take stunning images and upload them and then tag the Gates fashion house,¡± Leslie said turning back to her friend.


    ¡°What kind of pictures?¡± Jessica asked.


    She only has social media because she liked scrolling through them to pass the time.


    ¡°Beautiful and sexy kind of pictures. I would show you how to pose¡± Leslie said taking the phone and showing her different poses.


    A few painful moments for Jessicater and Leslie was down taking about a hundred plus pictures and now she was seated screening them out.


    ¡°Go check out the other dresses. I would be in charge of posting these until you learn¡± Leslie said shooing her away.


    Jessica tried on many other dresses and the body type she had made her look near perfect in most of them. In a few moments, Jessica¡¯s post was blowing up and people were asking when they could buy the dress too.


    Although the society would still have a few who hate for no reason the people who loved andplimented her overshadowed those who threw hate at her.


    Reluctantly Jessica swiped the card that Xavier gave her. She knew he said she could use it for whatever she wanted she still felt bad using it to pay for such extravagant dresses.


    ¡®You need these items to be stronger than you are now¡¯ her subconscious mind told her.


    ¡°I would get strong,¡± she said before giving the cashier grinning from ear to ear her card.


    ¡°Shall we shop some more?¡± Leslie asked but pulled Jessica before she answer out the door and to the next store where the shopping goes on.

 Branch Forty Eight

    Xavier was in a board meeting with the head of departments and they were discussing how to improve their business model for the second half of the year when his phone chimed with a message.


    He ignored the message as he hated to be disturbed by messages while working. Brian pushed open the door to the board room and walks to his boss.


    ¡°There is an emergency¡± he whispered into Xavier¡¯s ear.


    The whole boardroom went silent.


    ¡°I am in the middle of a meeting¡± Xavier echoed loud so Brian gets the message and hold up whatever was going on.


    ¡°It¡¯s about your wife,¡± Brian said trying to make it sound urgent.


    ¡°How many more items do we have to discuss?¡± Xavier ignored Brian and asked the person heading the meeting.


    ¡°Two more sir,¡± he responded calmly. ¡°But if it is an emergency we can pick up from where we stopped at ater date preferred by you¡± he added.


    He would not want to get on the bad side of the person who pays him monthly. If Brian could interrupt the meeting then it might be very urgent.


    ¡°I would see you after the two agendas on the list are finished,¡± Xavier said dismissing Brian.


    Brian had seen the post that Jessica made and he could not decode if it was a good or bad thing. He needed Xavier to decide immediately so nothing goes out of hand. Brian also knew his boss would not be distracted by anything thrown his way before the end of his meeting but he was happy he tried his best. He bowed and left the room.


    At the entrance of the room, he dialed his wife¡¯s number. She informed her husband she was going to meet up with Jessica today. Maybe they were together, he could get a situation report from her.


    ¡°Hello darling,¡± he said as soon as she picked.


    ¡°Hello Boo,¡± she said back to him. They were one couple in love.


    ¡°Are you with Lady Delgado now?¡± Brian asked. Working for Xavier had thought him to respect those who deserved them no matter his rtionship with them. Jessica might not have gotten there because she wanted to but she was now thedy and she should and must be addressed as such.


    ¡°Jessica? Or yes we are together. She told me she needed help getting a dress for Gates events and I decided to help her pick a couple of things up too¡± Leslie told her husband.


    He sighed over the phone. He should have known that the image circting the whole inte would have only found its way there because of his wife. She was the only one that Jessica knew at the moment who could do that.


    ¡°Why did you take her out? Why did you encourage her to post such pictures?¡± Brian asked in a whispered shout as he began to walk away from the door.


    ¡°How do you know I did it?¡± Leslie asked ready to defend herself.


    ¡°You ask me that?¡± Brian asked with a long sigh at the end of his statement.


    ¡°Okay I did it but only because I wanted her to be strong and not fall out when she leaves that douche you call a friend,¡± Leslie said spelling it out.


    ¡°I guess you are right¡± Brian agreed. Apart from the fact he was against the divorce, it was foolish to argue with Leslie. He signed again.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°Is there anything you would like to say to her?¡± Leslie asked.


    ¡°No, you just have fun,¡± Brian said.


    ¡°I love you,¡± Leslie said to him.


    ¡°I love you ten thousand,¡± Brian said before cutting the call.


    He sighed. He should have known the capability of his wife to do things like this. He supported her though.


    ¡°What could be so important about MY WIFE that you had to interrupt my meeting?¡± Xavier asked as he went to his table.


    The meeting came to an end shortly after and Xavier came back to his office where Brian was waiting for him. Brain allowed him to take off his suit jacket and hang as he does before sitting down.


    ¡°This,¡± Brian said slipping the iPad that had the image of Jessica on the screen.


    ¡°Your wife posted this. It is a new dress from the gates line and the inte is going crazy¡± Brian added.


    ¡°And the reason why this is an emergency?¡± Xavier asked unable to see the reason why his meeting was disturbed.


    It was just a woman in a dress. He did not understand what was going on.


    ¡°Well, is this good for you two? With the way you might end up,¡± Brian asked.


    He was concerned about his boss but even more concerned about Jessica. Xavier was born into money and fame. He was used to the public eye being on him, he would survive it if they were to divorce. He would probably get out of it unharmed. He could not say the same about Jessica. She would probably be the most hurt.


    The girls who go around having crushes on Xavier would victimize her both physically and online. She would be bullied big time.


    ¡°Let her do whatever she wants to do. I gave her an unlimited card. Let her shop and do what she wants to do. I am buying her time¡± Xavier said ncing at the image on screen.


    He was barely interested in women but he must confess Jessica did have a charm. He had had the opportunity to see women of ss and even celebrities but for some reason, she shone brightly.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Brian asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Xavier answers giving the iPad back to him.


    ¡°Can I tag along to the Gates event?¡± Brian asked. His wife was interested in the event and Xavier could be their free ticket to getting in the event.


    ¡°Sure¡± Xavier responded without looking up from the folder he opened.


    ¡°And Leslie too?¡± Brian said.


    ¡°Really?¡± Xavier said looking up at him.


    ¡°Do you think I want to attend the event?¡± Brian asked with a tone that said guess the answer.


    ¡°I do not know. Maybe you suddenly developed an interest in big events and parties¡± Xavier said looking back down at his work.


    ¡°Leslie wants toe,¡± Brian said point nk. He had learned in years of working with Xavier that he was a peculiar being.


    ¡°I do not think so,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I am so very sure she would be goodpany to Jessica while you are a jerk all night,¡± Brian said.


    When Brian spoke to his friend he did not hold back on his words. He went all in with it. Xavier did not mind being called a jerk. He was used to being segregated by his mates because of his wealth.


    ¡°If it is for Jessica then I guess it is a good idea¡±

 Branch Forty Nine

    ¡°Do you like Jessica?¡± Brian asked staring at his friend. Xavier did not care for anyone and he did not try to care for them. Seeing he was willing to allow his wife toe for the event because it would be good for Jessica was a new level of discovery for Brian.


    ¡°Like? Jessica?¡± Xavier asked looking up at his friend. That was the weirdest thing he had heard all day.


    ¡°I do not,¡± He said but he was not convincing even himself. His voice was usually firm. When he spoke it was usually difficult to argue with him. ¡®Only Jessica has sessfully argued with me and gotten away with it¡¯ Xavier thought.


    ¡°You do not?¡± Brian said and repeated the statement two more times. Xavier nodded his head like a child. Since his voice hade out shaky as he tried to defend himself he could not take any chances and speak.


    ¡°Then why do you care if my wife would make herfortable?¡± Brian asked.


    Xavier raised his head and blinked multiple times. He felt like he was deer caught in the headlights. He had no response to the question and no snarkyment either. He felt trapped.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have duties to attend to?¡± He asked deflecting the question.


    ¡°I do and I would attend to themselves as soon as possible,¡± Brian said a smile on his face.


    Xavier might not like Jessica yet but it was obvious there was a soft spot there. He was interested in making her feelfortable. It was an improvement from the narcissistic jerk he used to be.


    Bria turned on his heels and left the room. He entered next door and sat on his couch. He brought out his phone and sent a text to his wife. She hated being disturbed when she was busy shopping. He had called her once today it would be foolish of him to call her again. He would leave a text and at home, they could talk over how to help push the two together.


    Brian believed that Xavier deserved love. He had watched his friend over the years suppress pain and live in istion. He had not for once cried on the remembrance ceremony of his parents. Always kept a straight face even when others rolled in tears.


    Xavier stood up from his table and went to the ss wall behind him. He stared out into space as thoughts flooded his mind.


    Why couldn¡¯t he deny it when Brian used him of liking Jessica? Was the idea of liking her not supposed to be repulsive to him? Does he like her?


    ¡°No, it¡¯s impossible. I can not like anyone¡± he said out loud before pressing the inte on his desk to alert Brian.


    ¡°Yes sir?¡± Brian asked answering it.


    ¡°Let Linda get me a coffee,¡± Xavier said before sitting back down.


    He had no time to waste thinking about whether he liked Jessica or not. He was sure he did not like her. He had a lot of work to do. She was going to be gone from his life soon and he should try not to get attached.


    He was sure he could do it after all since his parents left her and had tried not to get attached to any other person again. She would not be an exception. Never!


    Xavier consumed himself with work while Jessica and Leslie spent a great deal of money. When Jessica finally sat down at a coffee shop to calcte and gather energy before going home she was amazed at how easily Leslie spent money without calcting. This was the day-to-day life of some people. Was she to live carelessly as such now?


    ¡°I am so exhausted,¡± Leslie said sighing. She unlocked her phone to see a message from her husband. He was making an assumption that Xavier was probably growing a soft spot for Jessica.


    Leslie smiles broadly. She was going to do all in her power to match them up together and make them stay together. They look good together too. They would make the ultimate power couple.


    ¡°Are you going to show Xavier the dresses you got?¡± Leslie said dropping her phone to the table and taking a sip of her ice drink.


    Jessica¡¯s eyes got wide and she almost choked on the ice drink she was busy sipping.


    ¡°Obviously not,¡± she said in a long voice.


    ¡°You like him,¡± Leslie said.


    ¡°Like him? No, I do not¡± Jessica said almost screaming.


    ¡°You do,¡± Leslie said. although Leslie was not sure if Jessica liked him she figured she would get a reaction out of him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a crime to like your husband. It¡¯s moremon than you think¡± Leslie said.


    ¡°You know the situation with Xavier and I? It¡¯s for convenience and whatever either of us can get out of it¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Both of you are so frustrating. I can not even exin myself enough¡± Leslie said sighing.


    ¡°Well, it is not as if I hate it. He seems lonely like he needs a friend and it is very sad. I wish we could be friends¡±


    ¡®The ray of light and hope I need¡¯ Leslie thought inwardly. She had a small consideration and likeness for Xavier. She might not recognize it as something that would lead to love but it is obvious that if the right circumstances present themselves she would be in love with him. Jessica nced at her watch before gasping and getting up.


    ¡°I promised Dawson I would make lunch for him. I¡¯m sote¡± Jessica said standing up.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Are they making you cook? I never thought Dawson would be that kind of person¡± Leslie said resting her back and crossing her arms over her chest.


    ¡°No, he¡¯s not that kind of person. I want to cook for them. I like cooking for them¡± Jessica replied picking up her mini bag from the table and her phone.


    ¡®Another glimmer of hope¡¯ Leslie thought. Getting both of them together might even be easier than she thought. Just a little push and they would be head over heels for each other.


    ¡°Do you need a ride home? You cane with us¡± Jessica offered. Leslie had taken a cab there.


    ¡°Why not? Maybe we should visit the grocery store so you can get something to make an extra special dinner¡± Leslie said standing up and getting her things together.


    ¡°There are always groceries at home. We never run out¡± Jessica said in amusement.


    ¡°Cook something special then¡±


    ¡®After all, they say you can capture a man¡¯s heart through goof food¡¯ Leslie thought.

 Branch Fifty

    Jessica had her driver drop off Leslie at her house. Both girls said goodbye to each other before Jessica went back home. Jessica waste for lunch preparation so she would just make dinner.


    The driver delivered the bags of clothes they had purchased to Angel who moved the clothes to the room.


    ¡°Where is Dawson?¡± Jessica asked as she entered the kitchen with Roselle on her tail.


    ¡°He is having a nap¡± Roselle responded.


    Dawson was going to wait for Jessica to make a meal for him but seeing that Jessica was noting on time he had lunch made by one of the kitchen staff and then went to bed.


    ¡°What of Lady Genevieve?¡± Jessica followed up when thedy who appeared out of nowhere dropped in her mind.


    ¡°She left since morning and is yet to return¡± Roselle answered.


    ¡°Okay Thank you,¡± Jessica said turning to go freshen up. She would make dinner but she would have to change her clothes and freshen up first.


    ¡°What is Dawson and Xavier¡¯s favorite food?¡± Jessica said stopping as she was going out of the kitchen.


    ¡°Anything they can eat. Although the young master does like mac and cheese asionally¡± Roselle answered.


    ¡°Okay then, can you prep for mac and cheese and chicken?¡± Jessica asked softly.


    ¡°Yes, youngdy,¡± Roselle said bowing a little.


    Jessica entered the room. She dropped her bag on the vanity table before sitting on the bed to think. ¡®All the money she spent today was it really worth making her rich? Was she going to spend more? Was she going to spend more than money?¡¯


    Her phone rang and she stood up to get the phone out of her bag. It was Burke. Since the scandal, she had not heard from him. She has even started to forget about him.


    She stared at her phone. She was unsure of what emotions she felt at that moment. What was the reason this man was calling her now? Was he about to cause another round of trouble for her? She watched the phone ring and the call cut off before it entered into voice mail.


    ¡°Hello, Jessica. Errm¡­.. I don¡¯t know what to say but can you give me a call once you get this? I must speak to you immediately. Ermmm¡­ bye. Please call me¡± He said before the line beeped.


    Jessica went back to sit down. What could be so important that he needed her to call him back? Was this him wanting her back? For some reason, she liked the idea that was brewing in her mind. Could it be that he had finallye back to his senses after a month?


    She so badly wanted to call him but could not find her hand to do so. The phone started vibrating in her hand and it startled her. She smiled when she saw it was Burke. She could use this as an excuse. She did not call him. He called her back and she was only going to hear what he had to say.


    ¡°Hello Jessica¡±


    Burke¡¯s voice was just how she remembered it. Deep and smooth. It made her stomach feel like something whizzing through a bottomless pit.


    ¡°Hello Burke,¡± she said trying to keep her voice steady.


    ¡°I have been trying all day to reach you,¡± he said.


    She felt like shouting that she would divorce Xavier ande back if he would ept her. Xavier did not love her anyways. She would spare herself the heartbreak of the future by taking a walk now.


    ¡°Oh okay, for what?¡± Jessica responded feeling nervous. She felt her hands slip off her phone as swear lubricated them.


    She stood up and went to look at herself in the mirror. She tried to steady her breathing. She was not sure what he wanted to ask her but she was going to say yes to him in a heartbeat. This would prove to Leslie that she did not like Xavier.


    ¡°I went to the Real estate office today¡± he began.


    Jessica felt her stomach sink. It was obvious that Burke was not calling for a good cause. He was calling to feed his selfishness and ego.


    ¡°And?¡± She asked as she felt her voice rising. This was going to ruin her entire day and week. She hated this boy but she still loved him. They were together for the longest time. How could she just forget about him so easily?


    ¡°She told me you remove my name from your lease. How could you be so selfish?¡± he asked.


    His smooth and deep voice suddenly sounded like a nuisance in Jessica¡¯s ears. She could not believe the words he was saying.


    ¡°Selfish how?¡± Jessica asked.


    For some reason, her blood was still calm and her senses were still with her. She did not want to start screaming in case she did not understand what he said.


    ¡°We agreed to share the proceeds from the rent or your apartment,¡± he said. ¡°The realtor said you have removed my name from getting the rent¡± he added.


    It was as if somebody suddenly started boiling Jessica¡¯s blood. She wondered how she did not see that he had a disorder. It was as if he thought that the world revolved around him.


    ¡°Burke¡± Jessica breathed his name out gently.


    She still had some respect for him so she did not want to scream at him. She would try to reason with him like a normal human but if he refused to be reasonable she would act as an animal.


    ¡°You do not own that building. I saved up and bought it with my money. We agreed to use the proceeds from the rent to run our family when we get married but you dumped me on our wedding day. How do you then think that you would still be a beneficiary of the rent?¡± Jessica asked.


    Shemended herself for being so calm.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I said you are so selfish. Because I left you, you now have the opportunity to meet and marry the richest man in the city, and yet you can¡¯t leave that small house for me?¡± he asked.


    ¡°WHAT MANNER OF ENTITLEMENT?¡±

 Branch Fifty One

    ¡°I gave you the advice to buy your property at the same time I was buying mine but you decided against it because you are proud and narcissistic,¡± Jessica said.


    She rarely loses her cool but when she did she always found it hard to control herself. How dare he demand money from her when she had the true right and ownership of the building?


    She was d she was yet to put the building in his name. She has said she would do so after the wedding but he had shamelessly left her at the altar and cheated on her with her friend.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you are so selfish. You are living in a mansion and you can¡¯t leave an ordinary two-bedroom apartment for me?¡± Burke asked.


    Jessica had not noticed until this moment how narcissistic he was. And to think he was also trying to gaslight her into giving him the building.


    Jessica opened her mouth to speak before the phone was yanked from her hand. She turned startled because she thought she was alone in the room.


    It was Xavier there who collected the phone. She wondered how much of the conversation he had heard. Judging by the look on his face he was not pleased with what he heard.


    ¡°This would be myst warning to you. Stay away from my wife or I would have you arrested for Stalking and threatening¡± Xavier said smoothly.


    It was like he had rehearsed the line ready to give it out at any time. Jessica blinked multiple times.


    ¡°Your wife is hoarding the house that belongs to me and her¡± Burke replied.


    Xavier felt irritation climbing up his throat. ¡°Who owns and bought the house?¡± Xavier said. He felt like he was indulging in this man. It was foolish of him but he needed to do all he can to ensure that this man stays out of his business henceforth.


    ¡°She did but we promised to rent out the house and use as an upkeep when we eventually got married. She was supposed to add my name to the lease but to my surprise, she did not¡± Burke said.


    Xavier has had not to deal with irresponsible and foolish men as such before. They would have been screened out by many people before they could get to him so therefore his shock in the words that this man kept saying..


    ¡°I believe that you broke of your agreement first and therefore she is at liberty to break off her side of the agreement¡± Xavier said.


    Burke was about to say something before he was cut of by Xavier.


    ¡°I am very sure that you are calling her now because you can not pay your bills or you are in need of money but I can assure you that you would get nothing out of her. If you all her again I would report you for stalking and have you arrested for sharing false information about a person¡± Xavier said his voice strong so that this man knows he is not just talking to brag.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Burke did feel afraid. He knew that he was not supposed to receive any money from Jessica but he remembers her as a soft woman who would bring to any will so far she was pressured. He did not expect to run into her husband while her was going to extort money from her.


    He heard the phone beep and then go off. This n to get money was not going to work for him. He needed money. Emma was now pressuring him to get married because she was with a child. He could not say no to her because he knew her.


    She wanted avish and extravagant wedding and he had no funds. She was clinging like a gum.


    Suddenly his lost rtionship with Jessica felt like silver and diamond he traded for stones.


    ¡°Why were you on the phone with your ex? Were you thinking of going back to him?¡± Xavier asked pointing the phone back to Jessica.


    Jessica felt like she was caught red-handed while trying to steal something valuable. Why was she on the phone with him? Did it make sense that she was still moved by his mere name on the call?


    She was now open to the fact that he was a gas-lighting narcissistic person but did it make sense that she still wanted him to ask her toe back?


    ¡°He called and I thought maybe I might have what he wanted. I thought we could work out our differences and move past all the arguments and be friends again¡± Jessica said.


    What she said was half a lie. To be honest she did not want to be friends again she wanted to be lovers. She wanted to go back to the days when they could stay up all night talking about their future together.


    ¡°I thought girls blocked the number of their exes?¡± Xavier asked.


    He was antisocial but he still picked up one or two things asionally and it just happened to be one of those things he picked on naturally.


    ¡°I had it blocked but I¡­.¡± Jessica begins to trail off at the end.


    She too feels a sense of shame for what she did. It did not make sense for her to be wanting a rtionship when she was married already. Even though she was not in the rtionship because she wanted to be she should respect the rtionship either way.


    ¡°Just block it,¡± Xavier said.


    He could see the sad expression on her face. It was like she had been expecting a new big gift butter got something she was uninterested in. He knew that he should be careful with the way he handled the matter.


    He felt very embarrassed and angry that he was standing with his woman and she would be thinking about another guy. He knew he was the one against physical rtions between the two of them but it made no single sense that she did not see him as a man.


    ¡°I will after I¡­.¡± the look on Xavier¡¯s face said it all so she decided not toplete the sentence and just block him immediately.


    Her husband had taken care of the situation and she was sure that Burke would not be calling her anytime soon. He was all bark with no bite.


    He knows that the words of a billionaire would mean a whole lot. There would be no way that Xavier would bluff. Even if he was doing it to assert his dominance he could still lock up Burke in the police cell for days.


    ¡°Blocked,¡± Jessica said after tapping away on her phone for a few seconds. She turned the screen to face Xavier.


    He nodded his head and then turned to go into the closet to change his clothes.


    ¡°I better get dinner started,¡± Jessica said loudly to herself before leaving the room.


    Xavier waited for her footsteps to be faint enough before he came back to the room.


    ¡°Am I that bad as a man?¡±

 Branch Fifty Two

    Emma walked into the room. She had gone for a medical check-up. She was shocked that she had gotten pregnant within the space of a month. She had been using protection but it seemed ineffective.


    ¡°Burke, have you gotten the money for the venue?¡± Emma said putting her bag down on the bed.


    Emma had told Burke that he had to marry her or she would get rid of the baby. Burke felt subjected to making Emma feelfortable and good about herself. When they both learned of Jessica¡¯s marriage to the billionaire Burke promised to work hard and give Emma her dream wedding.


    Emma told Burke that there was no way that she would have a baby without getting married. He was to propose and then n a wedding that would cost millions.


    ¡°Baby I told you that if we do not pay for the venue this week then we have to be put on a waitlist for two months,¡± Emma said going to hold his shoulders.


    She had chosen the ballroom of the Braxton Hotel. The hotel was the best one and it belonged to the Delgado family.


    ¡°I told you that it has been my dream to have my wedding in their ballroom ever since I set my eyes on it¡± She added gently massaging his shoulders.


    ¡°I would get on it. I have not forgotten about it. I would get the money somehow and give you a dream wedding¡± he said grabbing her hands.


    He stood up and turned to face her held her hand and led her to the bed.


    ¡°Rest now. Standing for too long might not be good for the baby¡± he said pulling out the nket so she cany down.


    ¡°I would go get you a ss of orange juice¡± he added walking away.


    Where was he to see three million before the end of the week? He thought he would be able to coax the house out of Jessica and sell it. That would have been enough to get his feet running till he looked for other alternatives.


    Thend where Jessica¡¯s house is located is a hot-selling ce. Many investors are interested in being just a piece ofnd from it. Jessica pulled her money together and bought the house while the area was still deemed a desert.


    Jessica¡¯s husband had sessfully ruined his n and now he was confused about where to start. Was he to borrow money to make her dreame true?


    ¡°Baby?¡± Emma screamed from inside. ¡°Aren¡¯t youing? Bring the juice please¡± she added from inside.


    ¡°I aming darling,¡± Burke said pulling open the door and pouring some of the juice into the ss in his hand.


    He enters the room and drops the ss on the bedside table.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Let me give you a leg massage,¡± Burke said picking her leg up and sitting down. He dropped her legs on his and began to gently massage it.


    ¡°Just make sure you get the money before it¡¯s toote¡±


    ¡°Oh Hello,¡± Genevieve said in a high-pitched voice as she enters the kitchen.


    ¡°I am so sorry. I tried to meet up to help you with dinner¡± she added when her eyes fell on the spread on the kitchen aisle.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you set the table,¡± she said moving to the drawer with the utensils and te.


    Jessica had her mind wandering around. Could it be that Burke was in dear need of money? Was that why he shamelessly called her to ask about the building? Was she selfish to not help him?


    The thoughts ravaged her mind as she stood in the kitchen. Genevieve looked at her and noticed she was not in her right mind. She moved closer to her and stood in her front.


    ¡°Hellllooooo,¡± she said dragging out the word. That was the best way she knew to get her attention.


    ¡°Oh Hello, good evening,¡± Jessica said startled to see her standing in front of her. ¡°When did you get here?¡± She added.


    When she came back she had asked of her and discovered she wasn¡¯t around and it was quite a shock that she came back. She was not expecting to see her tonight again.


    ¡°A penny for your thoughts?¡± Genevieve asked dropping the utensils in her hand to the aisle.


    Jessica opened her mouth and closed it back. Was she to be telling this woman she had barely known for twenty-four hours everything about her life? Was she to tell her that she wanted to give money to the man who left her at the point when they were to tie the knot?


    Genevieve blinked multiple times waiting for a response. She might have been a bad person and might not know how tofort someone or give solid advice but at least she could listen. A problem shared is half solved, isn¡¯t it?


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡± Jessica finally said. ¡°I am just tired from all I had to do today¡± she lied.


    She was tired quite alright bit not up to the extent that she would be unaware of her surroundings. Jessica¡¯s eyes went up to the clock on the wall. It was already a few minutes past seven and they should be getting ready to finish dinner by now.


    ¡°Help me set the table while I go get Dawson and Xavier,¡± Jessica said to Genevieve.


    ¡°Okay, I would¡± Genevieve replied mimicking a salute at her.


    ¡°I would help you out,¡± Angel said popping her head from the pantry behind them.


    ¡°Oh jolly,¡± Genevieve said. ¡°Go on you can leave us to it¡± She added.


    Jessica turned on her heels grateful that she had help. She climbed up the stairs and went to the room that she shared with Xavier. She pushed open the door only to find Xavier shirtless standing in the middle of the room with his phone in his ears


    She stopped in her tracks as she watched his abs glisten with probably water from the shower. The abs fall and raise as he spoke. She cautioned herself for waking at him but could not take her eyes off him.

 Branch Fifty Three

    Xavier lifted his eyes to see Jessica staring hard at him. He felt his face flush with embarrassment. How could she be openly staring at him like that?


    ¡°Can I give you a call after dinner?¡± Xavier said his voice firm and enticing.


    Jessica could not make out the words he said but she knew they drew her in. She looked at his well-chiseled body while hearing that voice did something funny to her tummy. Something she could not exin well.


    ¡°You give quite a stare,¡± Xavier said walking towards her.From N?velDrama.Org.


    Jessica only snapped out of the trance when she noticed his body was moving and it was moving towards her. She ufortably shifted her gaze and her eyes wandered the room.


    ¡°Errm, I came to call you for dinner,¡± she said in a loud tone which made him stop in his tracks.


    He looked at her long as she gulped hardly and used her hands as a fan to fight back the beads of sweat forming on her forehead.


    ¡°Be down soon¡± she said and turned back to go to Dawson¡¯s room without giving him a chance to respond.


    She walked a few steps always from their door and screamed internally. How could she? Wasn¡¯t she just swearing a few hours ago that she would go back to Burke if he asked? Has she be so shallow that she likes two guys at the same time?


    Worse of all it was two guys she could not have. One ex was a crazy narcissistic douche bag and the other was a crazy jerk who cared for only himself.


    She steadied her breathing before walking over to Dawson¡¯s room. She knocked before pushing the door open.


    ¡°I thought wasn¡¯t going to see you today,¡± Dawson said as he saw her step into the room.


    ¡°I am so so so sorry about lunch. I never knew it would take so much time and effort to get clothes¡± Jessica said with an ufortableugh at the end of her statement.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright I already knew you wouldn¡¯t make it,¡± Dawson said truthfully.


    He had once apanied Leslie on one of her shopping spree when she was stilltched on to Xavier and she spent the whole picking out outfits and trying them on.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I made you a very special meal,¡± Jessica said smiling and walking slowly toward him.


    ¡°Is the meal for me or your husband?¡± Dawson teased.


    Jessica felt ufortable. She was just openly staring at him some minutes ago.


    ¡°No, this meal is for you. It¡¯s like a wee home meal¡± Jessica said.


    She had made the meal because she wanted to thank both men. Even though Xavier rarely did well he was still considerate of her sometimes and she was grateful for that.


    ¡°Ohh I can¡¯t wait,¡± Dawson said rolling his chair to meet her halfway.


    ¡°Why are you sweating so much?¡± Dawson asked when he saw her her face was flushed like she had seen a ghost and her forehead glistened with sweat.


    ¡°Justing from the kitchen,¡± she said.


    Dawson knew the kitchen well. There was an air-conditioner in there and there was no way one would be so hot to that extent.


    What did she encounter or see that made her sweaty and flushed?


    Xavier went down for dinner. He met Genevieve setting the table. To his surprise, she was still around.


    ¡°Hello, Xavier,¡± she said happily.


    She was happy to see him. Why? She did not know but she was happy.


    ¡°Are you still lurking around?¡± Xavier said rudely.


    ¡°Ohhh sugar plum, I already told you I am here for a job. It doesn¡¯t matter what job, just get me something to do¡± she said sweetly.


    Xavier did not enjoy the way she spoke but there was nothing much he could do about it.


    Jessica wheeled Dawson down the ramp to the ground floor. Xavier and Genevieve were already seated and waiting for them.


    ¡°Genevieve you are still here. I thought you left since I did not see you all day¡± Dawson said as he set his eyes on her.


    ¡°Xavier is the exact replication of you¡± Genevieve answered in a high-pitched voice.


    Xavier had asked her the same question but in a much rude way. She had constantly been amused when she woulde for money. Both men usually gave her what she needed but both acted rudely in the same manner.


    Why did the bit resemble his grandfather so much? Was it because he grew up with him? Was it because he took all his genes from this Father¡¯s side?


    ¡°He is my grandson after all. The one and only¡± Dawson said.


    They sat down to the table and began to dig into the delicious macaroni and cheese with chicken prepared by Jessica.


    ¡°Your meals are really good. Fantastic¡± Genevieve said with a full mouth. For some reason Jessica reminded her of herte sister who was an excellent sister, a perfect mother and a wonderful cook.


    ¡°Manners¡± Xavier said quietly but audible enough for everyone on the table to hear.


    Jessica cleared her throat as she shifted in her chair. ¡°Thank you for the long words¡± she said.


    ¡°When do you n to have a baby?¡± Genevieve asked out of the blue.


    Jessica who had food in her mouth chocked which made her quickly reach for the ss of water in her front.


    ¡°Oh my, I am sorry did I say something wrong?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes you did,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong did I say? It is normal for a married couple to talk about having kids¡± Genevieve continued. ¡°Or are you guys not nning on having any kids?¡± She added.


    ¡°We are not having any children,¡± Xavier said like it was the final judgment.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Dawson said dropping the cutlery that was in his hand. ¡°You are supposed to give me an heir before I die¡± Dawson added. What was Xavier trying to pull on Dawson.


    ¡°An heir? That was not in the agreement¡± Xavier said cool and collected.


    Everyone could see that Dawson was losing his cool and was not okay with what Xavier was saying.


    ¡°The agreement was a wife and I provided that for you,¡± Xavier said pointing to Jessica. ¡°Now you expect me to father a child?¡±


    ¡°What did you think I asked you to marry for?

 Branch Fifty Four

    ¡°I already did what you asked me to do. You asked for a wife and I gave one to you. I would do nothing further¡± Xavier said.


    How could his grandfather suggest such a thing? Anger built in his mind towards Jessica and Genevieve. While Genevieve was the one who started the conversation, Jessica was quietly eating her meal. Was she also of the opinion that they should have a child?


    ¡°Jessica, do you agree with what he said?¡± Dawson asked angrily.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Jessica wished they would spare her from having to be a part of the conversation. What did they want her to say? Did she ept his terms? Yes, she did. Was she supposed to force him to give her a child?


    She was sure he was silently marking down his calendar preparing for the day their divorce would be finalized and he can live a free man.


    ¡°If you both refuse to try for a child then I would leave the Braxton Industries to a management specialist and kick you both out of the house,¡± Dawson said aggressively banging his hand to the table before wheeling himself away.


    Xavier stood up in an angry feat. His grandfather was ying a dirty game. The agreement had been that he got married for dull ownership of thepany. He should have processed the papers for ownership transfer immediately, now it seemed his negligence was going to be his enemy.


    Jessica silently went back to her meal. There was no reason to lose herself over the argument. She was going to leave the house eventually. What were some months earlier than scheduled?


    ¡°Are you not also angry?¡± Genevieve asked silently. She knew herment had made them fight when such a lovely meal spread was before them.


    ¡°What can I do? Xavier doesn¡¯t want a baby. I can¡¯t force him to have one¡± Jessica said putting her spoon to her mouth and chewing silently.


    Was she to exin to her that she and Xavier were going to be separated before the baby could be born into this world? If he was not going to take responsibility for the child why should she have him? She would then be ridiculed for a child she did not make all by herself.


    Earlier the thought of getting into the same bed with Xavier to have s*x repulsed her but now she could consider the probability but for what reason? He was not going to acknowledge her in any way.


    ¡°Angel¡± Jessica called lowly but loud enough for the girl waiting on them to hear.


    ¡°Yes youngdy,¡± Angel saiding close to stand beside her.


    ¡°I do not feel very well so I would be going in now to rest. Please clear the table and share the leftovers with the staff who are interested¡± Jessica said standing up.


    ¡°Are you leaving?¡± Genevieve asked. ¡°Because of me?¡± she added.


    Jessica had had a long day. She went from shopping to talking to her ex over the phone and then to making dinner. At the moment the conversation at the table earlier was not how she intended to end her day.


    ¡°No not you, I am exhausted. I better get some rest¡±


    Jessica entered the room to meet Xavier pacing the whole room floor. His eyes went up to meet hers as she entered. She lowered her head and entered the closet to change into her night dress.


    ¡°Is this a part of your n? Did Leslie advise you to do this?¡± Xavier said.


    Anger and frustration were evident in his voice. Jessica gulped hard to prevent herself from making any snarkyments back. It was obvious that he was pained. She would not be holding it against him in any way.


    ¡°Or did you and Papa talk about how to tie me down in this rtionship? Do you no longer want a divorce after you have had a taste of this life?¡± Xavier went on.


    Jessica bit down on her tongue. There was no way she was going to allow herself to lose control. She was exhausted and all she was going to do was just go to bed.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything¡± he added banging the door of the closet. He did not want to enter because he did not know what she was doing. She could be naked or changing and he was not ready to see her like that.


    Jessica held herself. It seemed like the devil was hell-bent on making her lose control that night.


    ¡°Did spending a whole lot of money on clothes and shoes make you want this life so badly? Was that the reason you made this plot?¡± Xavier continued.


    ¡°Are you that desperate to live a life that doesn¡¯t belong to¡­.¡± Xavier could barely finish the sentence when a p resounded on his face.


    Shocked he took two steps back. He had never been pped before. He felt his ears ringing a particr tone. Jessica could not hold herself any longer.


    ¡°I would pay you back what I spent today. I don¡¯t need your money nor do I need you. If I had known you were rich I would never have proposed marriage to you that day¡± Jessica said tears running down her face.


    ¡°Is a child a liability?¡± She screamed at him. ¡°I don¡¯t even want to have your baby either,¡± she said pulling her coat together. She picked up her phone from the bed stand and stormed out of the room.


    There was no way she would stand there and allow him to have all the words. She climbed down to see that some of the staff were still loitering around.


    ¡°Can I be of service to you youngdy?¡± one of the men asked bowing his head.


    ¡°I am fine. I just want to watch a little television before bed¡± Jessica responded sniffing.


    She did not want to make it obvious that she was crying but her stuffy nose and leaking eyes could not keep a secret.


    ¡°Okay, I would be on standby if you need anything,¡± the man said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me and go to bed as you would usually do¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that,¡± the man said.


    ¡°I insist. I would only be out here a few minutes and then go back inside¡± Jessica lied.


    She was going to sleep on the living room couch that night. When she saw his reluctance she added.


    ¡°I insist¡±

 Branch Fifty Five

    Jessica sessfully convinced the male staff to leave which he did. She sat on the longest couch in the living room. She switched on the television and switched off the sound. She watched the pictures move and tears fell from her eyes.


    How did ite to this? Why was she treated so badly? How did it be so bad for her? Was she too nice? Was she too open to ept anyone?


    All these thoughts flooded her mind as the tears fell rapidly. She has been embarrassed and gaslighted by her ex and her husband by thew did not in a single way respect her. Was she a bad guy in her previous life?


    Sheid down and fell her nose clog up. She started breathing with her mouth and did not know when sleep overwhelmed her.


    Meanwhile, Xavier was still stunned that Jessica had the guts to also him and then storm out. Was he wrong? Did she not n it? Seeing how she reacted it was most likely she was unaware of it.


    Did he sessfully offend her? Was he a human or just a robot designed to offend her as they lived together?


    He entered the closet and changed his clothes to his sleepwear andid on the bed. He left the light on and did not switch to the night light in case Jessica came back. Heid down and closed his eyes but sleep just did note.


    He tossed and turned in bed. He waited for the door to be pushed open and for her toe back to lie down but she did not.


    He sat up abruptly and stared at the wall clock. It was already past one am and she was not yet in bed. What could she be doing? Xavier stood up from the bed and walked out of the room.


    Maybe he would be able to sleep if he can apologize to her and then get back to bed. He enters the kitchen first and sees everywhere empty. No one was there so he checked her second favorite ce which was the living room.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    He entered to see the television ying without any sound and Jessica soundly sleeping on the couch. Was she able to sleep after she had caused him a sleepless night?


    He was going to wake her up but decided against it. She was in a bad mood and there was no person who enjoyed being woken up while they were sleeping. He climbed back to the second floor and took a nket out of the closet.


    He climbed back down and draped the nket to cover her from neck to feet. He stared at her for a moment before turning to go back to his room.


    He would probably not be able to have a good night¡¯s rest but she was having a good sleep.


    ¡°Maybe she was not in the wrong after all¡± he murmured as he climbed the staircase.


    ¡°She would be fine by morning¡±


    Jessica was startled awake by Roselle gently pushing her back and forth.


    ¡°Youngdy?¡± Roselle said when she saw that eyes shot open.¡±Did you sleep here?¡± Roselle asked.


    ¡°Yes I did,¡± Jessica said yawning as he stood up.


    Roselle did not expect Jessica to be very honest about the situation. She heard from Angel about the dining table situation yesterday. Everyone knew that their marriage was based on some sort of contract and not love so it was not a shock when they had so arguments.


    ¡°I think you need to leave the space as those in charge of cleaning the area are about to start,¡± Roselle said.


    ¡°Okay then¡± Jessica replied followed by a yawn. She must have not been able to sleep well seeing that her yawn would not stop. Roselle began to walk away when she saw that Jessica was now awake.


    ¡°Roselle¡± Jessica called as she walked away.


    ¡°Yes youngdy,¡± Roselle said stopping in her tracks and turning back to her.


    ¡°Did you put this nket over me yesterday or this morning?¡± Jessica asked pulling the nket from the lower part of her body.


    ¡°No, I did not¡± Roselle said. ¡°Would that be all?¡± she added in a question.


    ¡°I would be moving to another room so please can you ask them to clean it up for me while I get the essentials I would need,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡®Jessica had changed¡¯ Roselle thought if it was when she had juste she would ask that she be given supplies to clean it herself.


    ¡°Okay, I would get them on it. Do you have any room choice?¡± Roselle asked.


    ¡°Anyone would do¡± Jessica replied standing up and folding the nket.


    Roselle had learned while living a long time in this mansion that you do not question the orders you are given. Jessica wants to move to another room? Their job was to prepare it.


    Jessica went into Xavier¡¯s room. She needed to change after all or even have a shower. She was going to spend all afternoon decorating her new room. She wasn¡¯t going to do anything too serious. In the next eleven months, she would be bidding farewell to the whole mansion.


    Xavier was in front of the mirror arranging his hair when he saw her enter with the nket in her hand. Jessica usually greeted him but she decided against it and entered the closet to have a change of clothes.


    She was going to have her bathe after breakfast and then pack out her belongings. She has told Xavier before when they argued about Dawson leaving the hospital that she wanted her room. When they reconciled she felt no need to bring it up again.


    This time around she would leave the room without telling him. She had a change of clothes and left the room without any word.


    ¡°Let¡¯s prepare breakfast,¡± she said entering the kitchen.


    ¡°Tell the chef to fix a seven-star course meal for Xavier¡± she added sarcastically.


    There was no way she was going to allow that petty and annoying jerk to have a taste of her meals anymore.

 Branch Fifty Six

    Jessica had the meal ready in only three portions. The kitchen staff began to walk on eggshells around her. It was obvious she was angry with Xavier because she paid no attention to his meals.


    Jessica served the table with Dawson, Genevieve, and her breakfast and then went to get them. Three of them sat down and began to eat but no one asked about Xavier why he wasn¡¯t having breakfast with them.


    Xavier came downstairs and entered the dining table area to see that there was no meal for him.


    ¡°Come have a seat, the chef would soon be done preparing your meal,¡± Jessica said a snicker following her sentence.


    ¡°I would not be having any breakfast¡± Xavier announced loudly.


    ¡°Oops, what do we do? I already instructed him to make a healthy and full breakfast for you¡± she continued in her earlier tone.


    ¡°Someone else can have it,¡± he said now getting irritated.


    Not only did she leave him out of breakfast ns now she was trying to ridicule him in the presence of his family too.


    ¡°I remember someone who told me off for over-preparing a couple of meals. If you do not have it, every other person would be ufortable having it. Do you have to have it or else it would go to waste¡± she said before standing up.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the meal ready?¡± she asked putting her head through the head. ¡°Then serve the meal. He must keep his body nourished for today¡¯s work,¡± she added in spite.


    The chef quickly brought out the entire full-course breakfast andid it out on the table. Xavier sat and beckoned on the chef with his hands.


    ¡°I would not be having breakfast at home any longer. I would have to be going in for early morning meetings¡± Xavier said starting directly at Jessica. ¡°So you do not need to make my breakfast again¡± he added.


    ¡°That is utter nonsense,¡± Dawson said. ¡°Chef, do make his meals, he would join us for breakfast every morning and we would eat as a family TOGETHER¡± he added with emphasis on together.


    Jessica smiled in her seat. One of the things she was grateful for was that Dawson always supported her no matter what it was. She was d that this man who had a soft spot for his grandson had an even softer spot for her.


    ¡°You are dismissed,¡± Dawson said letting the chef go.


    Dawson had no exact details of what had gone on but he was sure that Xavier was in the wrong and Jessica was only suffering from his poor parenting on Xavier. He had spoilt the boy too much.


    ¡°Thank you¡± the chef replied before leaving the room for them to continue with their breakfast.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Now that the chef had sessfully served the meal he felt a sense of relief and he was to do this every day. How could he cope with serving him every day?


    ¡°Eat up,¡± Jessica said her voice portraying her spite.


    Feeling very ufortable Xavier rushed his food and stood up without a word. He could not believe that this woman whom he picked up when she was stranded at the front of the courthouse would turn his family away from him.


    Jessica was still sitting on the table downing her meal when her phone rang. She looked down at it and it was an unknown number. Afraid that it could be Burke again she let it ring and then she got a text from the number after the line got cut off.


    ¡®Hello, Mrs. Delgado I am James and I am the realtor. Me. Delgado said I should show you some houses. Would today work for you?¡¯


    Jessica froze for a moment as she read the text. She felt a kind of warm feeling in her heart. Was he still this considerate of her? After all the stunts he pulled thest night? He remembered his promise to help her find a ce for her business even after what he did.


    Was he being considerate or was he rubbing it in her face that she was poor? She stood up and excuses herself from the table. She stood in the hallway leading to the living room and then dialed Xavier¡¯s number. She needed to know the meaning of what he just did.


    Xavier picked up the call and did not say anything. His breathing was steady and he was waiting for her to talk first. He felt bad about what he had done yesternight. No matter how he felt he shouldn¡¯t have said the majority of the things he said. After all, he caught her still talking to her ex.


    She had shown time and time again that she was not interested in him and that she still wanted her ex. Maybe that bruised his ego. Maybe he was hurt and surprised that she did not have a slight affection for him.


    ¡®Why would that bother me?¡¯ he asked himself internally.


    Jessica took a deep breath after waiting a few minutes and he did not say anything.


    ¡°Hello Mr. Delgado¡± she said.


    ¡®Mr. Delgado? Was this her way of telling him that she was still angry at him?¡¯ he thought.


    ¡°Hello Ms. Joshua¡± he said. It takes two to tango and he was ready to do so even if it meant going on and on all day. She has been petty and even made him eat food she knew he did not fancy.


    He used Ms for her to remind her that on paper and in the eyes of thew she might seem married but she was not. Jessica calmed her anger. She might end up losing out if she red up at that time.


    ¡°I received a call from the realtor. What does this mean?¡± Jessica asked.


    She did not know what it meant. Although he had said he would link her up with one. He decided to do it now on a day that they had a fight. Could it be him gloating? Or could it be an apology?


    ¡°What do you think?¡±

 Branch Fifty Seven

    In Jessica¡¯s ears, his words sounded smug and like he was bragging. She was not ready to go back and forth with him.


    ¡°I have no idea and that is the reason I called you,¡± Jessica said gritting her teeth.


    Her n was to now live a quiet life at the mansion. She would avoid him at all costs. She was going to ignore his existence but he had somehow made her speak to him in less than twenty-four hours.


    ¡°It¡¯s my apology¡± Xavier confessed.


    He figured that there was no reason for him to make sarcasticments that might offend her. He was in the wrong and he should make it right.


    Xavier¡¯s direct answer threw Jessica off. Just less than two months ago he had had difficulty with speaking talk less of apologizing now. Was he finally growing up? Was it her influence? Was it that he was just maturing on his own?


    Jessica had expected a snarky and sarcasticment so she was prepared for a war but since she did not get it she was now confused on how next to proceed with the conversation.


    ¡°Jessica, are you there?¡± Xavier asked when he was met with silence.


    ¡°Erm yes,¡± she said confused.


    ¡°Why is that your apology?¡± she screamed into the phone. There was no way she would let him get was with fulfilling his promise and then calling it an apology..


    Apologies we¡¯re said with remorse. He was not going to wiggle his way of this with unting his money in her face. She did not care about his money and she would never care.


    ¡°We discussed that you would get a realtor for me so I can open up my store¡± Jessica added.


    ¡°Yes and that¡¯s why¡­..¡± Xavier started.


    ¡°You can¡¯t fulfill the promise you made and then call it an apology¡± Jessica said cutting him off.


    Xavier became speechless. This was not the reaction he was expecting. Jessica was not ready to let him walk over her.


    ¡°I would be speaking to the realtor because we already agreed that I would speak to him to help me find a ce fit the restaurant and not because you meant it to be an apology¡± Jessica said in one breath.


    ¡°Jessica¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado I do hope you enjoy the rest of your day¡± Jessica said and the cut off the call without waiting for his response.


    Jessica gave herself a mental pat before she responded to the realtors message. She was going to meet him and ensure she picked something out today. She needed expert eyes so she called Leslie to apany her.


    Xavier threw his phone onto the car seat beside him. His n to apologize and make it alright with Jessica just seemed to go down the drain.


    His phone began to ring again. He thought it was Jessica so he picked it and saw it was Brian calling him. He sighed and connected to the bluetooth speaker before answering the call.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado,¡± Brian said when Xavier picked up the call.


    ¡°Yes, how can I help you?¡± Xavier said his voice smug.


    ¡°Are you not happy to hear from me?¡± Brian teased.


    ¡°Why would I be happy to hear from you?¡± Xavier answered back. ¡°What do you want?¡± he added.


    ¡°Jason Jameson is in town¡± Brian announced.


    ¡°He is in town? He did not inform us about this trip¡± Xavier saidining.


    ¡°Apparently, he wanted to give you a surprise,¡± Brian said sighing out loud.


    ¡°Go pick him up at the airport then,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Well, he asked for you¡± Brian replied.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell, but where are you now? I would meet you halfway and we can go get him together¡± Brian said.


    ¡°I just got on the maind bridge¡± Xavier replied.


    ¡°Okay I would meet you at the coffee shop after the bridge,¡± Brian said.


    ¡°Bye, Mr. Delgado¡± Brian added before cutting off the call.


    Xavier was not happy that Jason was in town. Jason was the first son of the Jameson family and he was currently running the business, just like Xavier.


    The Delgado and Jameson family have been ruling their cities ever since the cities began to develop. Delgado for Chiachester City and Jameson for Crescent Bay.


    ¡°Why is he here unannounced? We have no business deals scheduled¡± Xavier murmured to himself.


    Jameson and the Delgado family had been in business together for a long time. That was how they could stay afloat in their business and dominate their cities.


    Xavier picked up Brian at the coffee shop and they drove to the airport.


    ¡°I did not know you were driving your convertible today,¡± Brian said as he entered the car.


    ¡°Not a good choice for picking up the rich boy right?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°Well we have to make do with what we have¡± Brian replied.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    He knew that Xavier¡¯s question was only so that he could escape having to go pick Jason up from the airport.


    ¡°Brian I have a question¡± Xavier started slowly


    ¡°A question for me? I feel honoured¡± Brian joked.


    ¡°Be serious¡± Xavier said calling him to order.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± Brian said.


    ¡°How can I apologize to a woman?¡± Xavier asked. ¡°In the right way,¡± he added before Brian could get any word out. Brian propped his head back and stroked his chin.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± he said as his eyes wandered around.


    ¡°Answer the question without any snarkyment¡± Xavier warned when his eyes caught the expression on the face of Brian.


    ¡°I recall you asking me this same question a few days after you got married. It¡¯s been more than a month now and you are still asking the same question¡± Brian said as he pushed his head to the front.


    ¡°And? Maybe if you had exined better in the first ce I would not be asking you this again¡± Xavier answered back.


    ¡°Then I guess if I answer it would still be useless¡±

 Branch Fifty Eight

    Jessica pulled up Leslie¡¯s number and the other woman dly picked up because she had been unconsciously waiting for her call.


    ¡°Hello,dy Delgado¡± Leslie teased as she picked up the call.


    ¡°If you have to address me like that then I might be ufortable with you,¡± Jessica said leaving downstairs to her room upstairs.


    ¡°It¡¯s a joke. Just a joke¡± Leslie responded clearly to the air. ¡°What did I do to deserve such a beautiful call from you this morning? Do you want to go shopping some more?¡± she added.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jessica said to the shock of Leslie.


    Leslie had concluded that there was no way that Jessica was a woman if she hated shopping that much. She was a good sport while shopping but one could see that she was not enjoying herself as one would think.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Seriously? Shopping? I would go get ready immediately and we could meet¡± Leslie said cutting off the phone before Jessica could rify that it was a business building shopping.


    Jessica pulled the phone away from her ears and then tried to call back but she was not picking up. Jessica then decided to freshen up and then pack up her clothes into her suitcase.


    She went back down before she had her bath to remind Roselle to clean up the room for her before she gets back.


    ¡°They are already on it as I speak youngdy¡± Roselle assured.


    Jessica did not and would not want to spend another minute with the jerk who hurt her feelings and wanted to get out of it in the easiest way ever.


    Jessica went back upstairs and arranged all her things into the suitcases she had. She had her bath and put on one of the dresses she got yesterday. If she was going to get power and be strong in truth then she must start now. There was no need for her to dy.


    She put on the barest minimum of makeup because that was all she knew how to do and then paired it work one of her shoes and bag that came in a set. She looked at herself in the mirror multiple times.


    She looked like a in Jane and she wondered if it would be possible for her to be a part of the elite society and even be the leader they might be expecting her to be. She was after all married to the richest family in the city.


    She put her suitcase beside the door so she could drag it out immediately after she came back. She walked out of the room to Dawson¡¯s room.


    ¡°Hey Dawson,¡± she said as she pushed the door open after a gentle knock.


    ¡°Going somewhere?¡± Dawson asked. He looked at her clothes they were something different from her usual jeans and T-shirt.


    ¡°Somewhere fancy?¡± He added.


    ¡°Am I overdressed? I am supposed to meet the realtor concerning the restaurant building.¡± Jessica said looking over her dress.


    ¡°No, you are not overdressed. You are very beautiful in this dress¡± Dawson responded.


    ¡°Thank you, I just don¡¯t want to stand out too much,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°You are now a Delgado. You are made to stand out¡± Dawson said.


    Was she really a Delgado? She was yet to change her name to Delgado and she was not sure if it would be a good thing to do considering that they would be getting divorced soon.


    ¡°I would keep that in mind from now on,¡± she said kissing his cheek as she walked to the door.


    ¡°Jessica¡± Dawson said stopping her as she was at the door.


    ¡°Pick the most expensive one¡±


    Jessica picked Leslie up at home and told her about the reason she was going shopping.


    ¡°So you mean to tell me that the reason I got all excited was because we were going to pick up a building?¡± Leslie asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jessica gets all excited.


    ¡°So dresses and shoes don¡¯t excite you but the thought of owning a building for business does?¡± Leslie asked again.


    ¡°Yeah, excuse me,¡± Jessica said pulling out her ringing phone from the bag and picking up the call.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Jessica said. It was the realtor. ¡°I am on my way already where should we meet?¡± she asked him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s meet at Light Avenue,¡± James said.


    ¡°Light Avenue?¡± Jessica said shocked. She did not expect that her business might be located in one of the busiest and biggest business districts of their town.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± James said. ¡°Or would you prefer somece else?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No it¡¯s fine¡± Jessica answered quickly.


    ¡°Okay then I would be in the Celeste agency building,¡± he said.


    ¡°Okay, Light Avenue¡± Jessica responded before she cut off the call.


    ¡°Ivan, can you please take us to Light Avenue?¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Okay, ma,¡± Ivan said as he drove. ¡°Where exactly?¡± he asked.


    ¡°The Celeste agency building¡± Jessica replied to which the driver nodded and drove.


    ¡°Light Avenue woo,¡± Leslie said as she eximed. ¡°I guess Mr. Delgado is going to spend some good money on you¡± she added.


    Jessica did not believe her ears either. There were no emptynds in the Light Avenue and that meant they were going to buy a building. How big of a building was she going to get?


    They were at the Celeste agency building and the car pulled up to the entrance. A youngnky-looking man ran up to the car as he saw Jessicae out of the building. He was able to recognize Jessica because of the rumors that went around her.


    ¡°Hello, Mrs. Delgado¡± the man replied taking a small bow.


    ¡°Just call me Jessica so I can befortable calling you James,¡± Jessica said honestly.


    The man faltered but decided to just don¡¯t when he saw her expression.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the first building. I used to also be a restaurant too¡± the man said.


    They entered the car and Leslie leaned in and whispered into the ears of her friend.


    ¡°Ensure you take the most expensive one,¡± Leslie said in a whisper.


    ¡°Dawson said that exact same thing¡± Jessica replied in a chuckle.


    ¡°It¡¯s Dawson¡¯s money too so if he tells you to spend it then I think you should do so,¡± Leslie said.


    ¡°If I think of spending Xavier¡¯s money then it makes me feel he deserves it but I do not want to do the same to Dawson,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Did you two fight?¡± Leslie asked taking her hand.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Jessica asked in exmation.


    ¡°Because when I fight with my husband I always want to spend his money,¡± Leslie said with augh.


    ¡°So it is normal?¡±

 Branch Fifty Nine

    Jessica, Leslie, and James were driven around by Ivan until they got a ce that Jessica both loved and thought that the rent was reasonable.


    ¡°Are you ready to sign the papers now or would you want to discuss with Mr. Delgado first?¡± James asked pulling out the document file from his bag.


    Leslie had countless times told Jessica that the price of the ce was a chicken changepared to the wealth of the family she was married to.


    ¡°I would sign it now,¡± Jessica said.


    She felt uneasy about signing such big documents but it was an investment. She would work ten times harder and pay him back before they went on with the divorce. There was no way she would free-load off him.


    ¡°Do you by any chance know a good decorator who also does construction? I would like to redecorate and do a little construction work with the ce¡± Jessica asked as she penned down her signature.


    Xavier was the one paying but her name was on the contract. She felt proud of this moment. A dream that seemed impossible because of her birth and family circumstances became possible because she was dumped on her wedding day.


    ¡°Yes, I do and I can rmend one to you. I would have her call you tomorrow so you can discuss¡± James said happily.


    ¡°Is she your wife by any means?¡± Leslie asked jokingly.


    ¡°Was I too obvious?¡± James asked putting his hand over his mouth to conceal his teeth that were in full disy.


    ¡°Yes you were,¡± Jessica said with a smile putting the cap of the pen back on and dropping it on the document.


    She felt good to see that love still lived and that a husband would readily rmend his wife. The money could be a driving factor but it was heartwarming to see.


    ¡°The money is not leaving the family now is it?¡± Leslie teased.


    ¡°Thank you ma¡¯ams,¡± James said blowing his head.


    ¡°You were really nice and helpful today. I would love to treat you to lunch if you don¡¯t mind.¡± Jessica suggested.


    ¡°I have another meeting with someone. I am sorry to decline¡± James announced.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I would have a very lovely lunch with Mrs. Delgado¡± Leslie said hooking her hand in Jessica¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± James said once again moving out.


    ¡°At least let us drop you off¡± Jessica called after him.


    ¡°No don¡¯t bother, I called a Uber already¡± James called from the door.


    ¡°It¡¯s a date with your wife isn¡¯t it?¡± Leslie called back.


    ¡°Yes, thank you,¡± James said as he left.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go have something to eat then,¡± Leslie said pulling Jessica out of the car.


    ¡°Take us to a new and popr spot for lunch,¡± Leslie told Ivan as they entered.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± he said as he started the car. The Jones family owned a series of big and small coffee shops and restaurants around Chiachester City.


    Ivan drove them to one of the best lunch ces owned by the Jones. It was a new ce and was bubbling with life. As soon as Jessica and Leslie entered the ce all eyes fell on them and then whispers began.


    ¡°Oh, my God! Mrs. Delgado¡± Alicia said.


    ¡°Alicia¡± Leslie whispered into her ears when she saw the confusion on Jessica¡¯s face.


    ¡°Oh nice to meet you¡±


    ¡°Baby, do you think we would get the money today?¡± Emma asked pulling on her jacket.


    She was going out for lunch with her friends. She was going to brag about her wedding to them and she needed to be sure they were going to be using the venue she chose. If she bragged and theyter did not use the venue it would be a shame for her.


    ¡°I can not promise but I would try to make sure I get it soon,¡± Burke said holding her hand.


    ¡°Soon? When is it soon? Do you want me to be embarrassed in front of my friends?¡± Emma asked.


    ¡°What do your friends have to do with this? I am the one who you are getting married to and I don¡¯t care where and how we do it. I just want to marry you¡± Burke said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t care about my friends or my reputation? What would they say about me? I settle for the crumbs of Jessica.¡± Emma said with spite.


    The reason she went after Burke was that she could not stand that Jessica was happy. She just hated her and wanted to keep her in check.


    ¡°You would get that money and I would have my dream wedding and my dream house,¡± Emma said removing her hands from him.


    She turned and picked up her bag and phone from the chair behind her.


    ¡°I would never settle for anything less. I don¡¯t care how you get the money. Even if it means you have to grovel at the feet of Jessica. I DON¡¯T CARE¡± She said and then stormed out.


    Burke sat down in one of the chains close by. Was she going to be okay if she went to grovel at the feet of his ex? What was he going to tell her?


    ¡®Hey, Jessica remember the girl I ditched you for? She is pregnant now and we have to do a wedding before she begins to show. She wants a dream wedding at the hall in the hotel your husband¡¯s family owns. Can I have the hall for free and also can I have a house in the same neighborhood as you live? My wife wants to live as a high w even though she can¡¯t afford it. Even though I can¡¯t afford it and may not be able to afford it ever¡¯


    Emma ordered an Uber to meet her friends at a new popr brunch cafe. As she entered the cafe she saw Ms. Alicia who was popr for her dresses and clothing line sitting with an unfamiliar face and Jessica.


    Emma felt her blood boil as she squeezed a portion of her jacket in her hands. Jessica looked too happy as sheughed at what Alicia had just said.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Did Emma¡¯s attempt at ruining Jessica¡¯s life even do any damage? Instead, she was pushed to be a dream woman. She has seen the post she made on Instagram regarding the clothing line a day back and now she was sitting in thepany of the high ss even though she was a lowlife.


    Emma did not know when her legs made her move fast toward the three women having the time of their life. She got to the table and within the blink of an eye emptied the content in arge cup onto thep of Jessica.

 Branch Sixty

    Jessica hurriedly stands to her feet with the coldness of the drink poured to herp dripping down her gown to her bare body.


    Jessica looks up to see the fuming face of Emma at her. Why would Emma do what she just did? They never had any major argument to say she was doing this for revenge.


    ¡°Oh my God Jessica,¡± Leslie said rushing to her skirt region with all the wipes she had gotten from her bag.


    ¡°Why would you do that?¡± Alicia said turning to the girl who had her face red and full of anger.


    Emma takes a step back when she realizes that no one here was going to take her side. She was a low life here and she should not have done that. She wondered why and how she did that. She did not know what came over her.


    ¡°Why?¡± Alicia said taking a step closer and holding her by the shoulder.


    Emma is dumbfounded. She does not know what to say. Should she say that Jessica stole her life? The life was never hers, to begin with.


    ¡°Er¡­. m.. mm¡± Emma murmurs and stammers as her finger goes up to her mouth.


    ¡°You were bold enough to pour the drink into herp but all of a sudden you have forgotten how to talk?¡± Alicia asked.


    ¡°Mrs. Delgado do you know her,¡± Alicia asked now slipping her hand to hold Emma¡¯s wrist.


    Who was she and how dare she do something like this? Not only did she ruin the beautiful and perfect dress she just embarrassed the number one family in the whole of Chiachester City.


    ¡°Someone call the police,¡± Leslie said out loud.


    Those who have been watching the scene scurry to their phones and begin to dial the emergency contacts. There was no single person in the restaurant who did not know and recognize the three women.


    Some murmured amongst themselves about how the strange woman could do such a thing. Jessica just stared at Emma, her mind unable toprehend why she would want to do something as cruel as that to her.


    The policee immediately when the names of Delgado and Gates we¡¯re mentioned. The four women were led to the police station and some women followed to stand as witnesses.


    ¡°Hello ma¡¯am¡± the police greeted as soon as they entered the station.


    ¡°They are saying hello to you,¡± Leslie said nudging Jessica when she saw she did not respond.


    ¡°Oh Hello¡± she responded.


    ¡°Hello¡± Leslie and Alicia said in unison.


    ¡°I am sorry about the inconvenience,¡± the police man said. He seemed to be the head as he spoke with authority although fear was still in his eyes as he spoke with them.


    ¡°Youngdy sit there,¡± one police said as he dragged Emma to one of the iron chairs around one table at a corner.


    ¡°Is this how the police treat society? Should a pregnant woman sit on such a cold iron chair?¡± Emma said as her voice suddenly became restored.


    Alicia walked slowly towards her and stopped in front of her before leaning towards her ears and whispering in them.


    ¡°Do not try to aggravate me or else you would regret it. So sit now¡±N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    The authority in Alicia¡¯s voice drove Emma to one of the chairs. She sat as a quiet cat in a corner as she watched the whole station fuss and shake at the sight of the three women.


    ¡°Mrs. Delgado if you don¡¯t mind could you give us a statement of what happened,¡± one of the men in uniform said leading her to one of the couches.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Jessica said following him.


    ¡°Okay I would ask a few questions,¡± the officer said again as she took her seat.


    ¡°And I would try to answer them properly to the best of my knowledge¡± Jessica replied.


    Emma scoffed in a corner. Jessica had always seemed uptight and proud to her. She seemed to fit well into the midst of thesedies of prestige and ss.


    ¡°Do you know the woman in question?¡± the officer asked.


    Jessica contemted how to answer. If she should admit how she knew the girl then does that mean she would spill out in the public how she met her husband?


    ¡°Yes I do, we used to be friends¡± Jessica replied.


    She could not lie so she would try to tell the truth without revealing anything that might have Xavier. She needed to be wise. She should be seen as a good wife by both him and the public.


    Why did she want to be seen as a good wife by him? The public was reasonable. The marriage was for the show after all and the show for the public. But why she wanted him to acknowledge her she was not sure.


    ¡°Friends?¡± the officer asked shocked. ¡°Do you have any idea as to why she would do this?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any idea why. I have not seen her since my ex-boyfriend cheated on me with her¡± Jessica said in only half-truths.


    ¡°Ohhhh,¡± the officer said ufortably. ¡°Thank you for your statement¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no worries,¡± Jessica said standing up to the waiting chair in the corner.


    Alicia and Leslie follow her and sit down.


    ¡°I am not an expert on police stations. What do I do now? Do I go?¡± Jessica asked in a whisper.


    ¡°You have to wait for them to get her testimony and for a guardian to pick you up,¡± Alicia said.


    ¡°Guardian?¡± Jessica asked and her heartbeat rose when she thought that Xavier coulde.


    She doubted that he would make it. Or even think toe but the thought put her heart in a strange state.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

 Branch Sixty One

    Jessica looked up to see Xavier standing there. His face was calm as if he went for a stroll and ended up there.


    ¡°What happened that you ended up here?¡± he asked again.


    Jessica lifted her eyes to the direction where the policemen clustered together.


    ¡°I had to call your guardians,¡± One of the men said when he saw her re.


    Was it that she did not want him to be aware?


    ¡°Stand up let¡¯s go home,¡± Xavier said sternly.


    He did not know how they got into the situation but it was something dishonorable for any Delgado to be in the police station.


    ¡°Are you not going to ask for a settlement?¡± Leslie asked.


    It was not as if the money to be paid was anything bigpared to the wealth of the family. Xavier did not see the need forpensation.


    ¡°We would go without it¡± Xavier announced.


    He did not care to know how or why they were there and why Leslie suggested the settlement money.


    ¡°Stand up,¡± Xavier said again sternly.


    Why did he have toe to the police station to pick her up despite his busy schedule? Jessica stands up slowly and gets up she has eye contact with Burke who entered the police station and has his eyes scan the whole ce.


    His eyes meet Jessica¡¯s own but he keeps looking until he sees Emma and then rushes to her.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked as he crouched down to her level.


    ¡°You should not be asking her, your girlfriend attacked and physically tried to abuse the Madam of the Delgado family. I think you should apologize¡± one officer says.


    Jessica felt her leg get heavy. She could not move. Her own husband hade in with an expression of do not disturb me while her ex hade in with such a caring attitude. It is kind of hard not to get jealous.


    Burke squeezes Emma¡¯s hand and thenes to stand in front of Jessica. Jessica looked at him and at his face. He looked tires but it was obvious he was happy.


    ¡°I would not settle¡± Jessica announced in annoyance.


    Why was he living well after cheating on? After he dumped? After gaslighting her? After making her look like a fool and even almost ckmailing her? He was looking okay and there she was struggling with living with Xavier. It was his fault she was living the current life she lived.


    Her announcement put Burke in a tight spot. He was pulling all the funds he had to give Emma a wedding but here she was doing something to drain the whole money he had.


    ¡°I wantpensation for the dress¡± Jessica said pointing to the huge dirt mark formed by the drink poured on her. ¡°I do not want to wear this cloth again so get a new one, same brand and same store. I cam give you details if need be.¡±


    Burke could feel the annoyance in her voice. He knew she was a good and nice person who would have let Emma off the hook but maybe she was triggered by him.


    ¡°I would also like to im for mental distress. Officer can you book something?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s talk for a moment,¡± Xavier said holding Jessica¡¯s hand.


    Why was she running a rampage for a few bucks? She did not pay for the dress he did and he could buy a few million dresses for her. He could ensure she never had to repeat any dress for the rest of the time they had together.


    He pulled her and stopped in front of the police station. He saw her eyes lined with tears. It must be that something was going on. Suddenly he felt sorry for her and squeezed her hand. Surprised by his action Jessica jerked and looked him in the eyes.


    ¡°Why are you asking for a settlement?¡± he asked gently.


    Jessica felt the teardrop to her cheek and she sniffed to get it back in. Why should have to cry because of those two people who made love difficult for her


    ¡°Can I know? ¡± he continued with a gentle tone.


    ¡°That is my ex-boyfriend and my friend who he cheated on me with,¡± Jessica said. ¡°I guess seeing them together triggered something in me¡± she continued.


    Xavier looked at her. Tear by tear kept falling down her face. She did not feel herself.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± she said sniffing and then throwing her head to the back before blinking multiple times.


    ¡°Do you want thepensation for real?¡± Xavier asked still holding her hand.


    ¡°I just want them to suffer pain, if it is possible,¡± Jessica said honestly.


    ¡°Pain,¡± Xavier said slowly. ¡°I would give them pain. Let¡¯s allow them to go and you can go back home¡±


    Something about the way Xavier said those words assured her that he would do what he promised.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she said slowly and nodded her head.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Xavier said as he turned to take her back inside the police station. Burke meets them at the entrance.


    ¡°Excuse us,¡± Xavier said with a stern expression.


    Without a word, Burke went down on his knees and bowed his head. He looked so small while kneeling. Jessica ever thought she would see the top of his head ever in her life and she never thought this would be the way she would see it.


    ¡°Jes¡­ Mrs. Delgado¡± he said as he corrected himself midway


    ¡°Is anything the matter?¡± Xavier answered instead.


    For some reason, Xavier felt the urge to strongly beat up this man. He could not understand why he put Jessica through that much stress.


    ¡°Please can you settle withoutpensation,¡± he said his voice low.


    ¡°Emma is pregnant and we are preparing for a wedding. I am using all the money I have to give her the wedding of her dreams. We would not have the money to pay thepensation¡± he added his head still down.


    Jessica had agreed to let it go and allow Xavier to handle it. She believed he had the power to do so so she was leaving it in his hands. But something about Burke giving Emma her dream wedding when she was made to settle with a court wedding burnt up her insides.


    She felt to annoyed that she climbed closer to Xavier and ignored the kneeling man.


    ¡°Baby can you take me home?¡± she asked pulling up a cute face.


    Confused at the recent change in her attitude and eyes Xavier could not help but find himself nodding to her.


    ¡°Okay¡±

 Branch Sixty Two

    Jessica¡¯s attitude did put Xavier off for a few seconds but he quickly recovered himself. Something about the way she spoke made him know that she was not in her right mind at the moment.


    Xavier entered back into the station with Jessica¡¯s hand firmly enclosed in his.


    ¡°Officers we have agreed to settle,¡± Xavier said when Jessica could not find herself to speak.


    She wanted to be the one who would say that but she could not trust herself one bit. If she said any words she felt like tears would drop down her face.


    ¡°Thank you very much,¡± Burke saiding to stand in front of the couple and blowing down multiple times as he repeated the sentence.


    ¡°Come on Emma,¡± Burke said going to her.


    ¡°To do what?¡± Emma asked. She already felt the embarrassment of being at the receiving end of every one.


    The crowd at the cafe had murmured until she was taken away. The police had treated her like trash and both high-ss women had treated her worse than trash and now her husband-to-be was bowing down to Jessica.


    ¡°To say thank you and apologize,¡± Burke said tugging on her hand.


    ¡°Why would I do that?¡± Emma screamed at him.


    Why should she be the one to apologize? Why was Jessica having a good life when she had tried all she could to make her miserable? Why was she living the dream of every middle and low ssdy in the city?


    She did not even have to work for it yet she was on top. Just always. Jessica has always been on top with no effort at all.


    ¡°We do not need your apology,¡± Xavier said picking up Jessica¡¯s bag from the chair.


    ¡°Are you leaving?¡± Alicia asked Xavier as he turned to leave.


    ¡°Yes, I need to get my wife home,¡± Xavier said with emphasis on my wife. He wanted to make sure that both the ex boyfriend and current girlfriend heard how happy they were.


    The words from Xavier sent Emma¡¯s stomach into a whirlwind. She hated that those words were directed at Jessica.


    ¡°Okay then, I believe that I would see you both at theunch?¡± Alicia asked.


    Xavier tugged on Jessica¡¯s hand and she nodded before adding ¡°Definitely¡±


    ¡°Let the driver take you home Leslie,¡± Xavier said and turned back to the door. With strides that could keep up with the pace of Jessica Xavier led her away from the station to where his car was packed.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Alicia turned and walked to Emma she bent her head and looked her straight in the eye.


    ¡°You are pretty lucky they said they want a settlement,¡± she said which made Emma shiver a bit.


    The sternness of her voice was strong enough to make anyone shiver.


    ¡°If I ever discover that you pull anything simr to this again. I would hunt you down regardless of what they want to do¡± Alicia said.


    Emma felt herself gulp hard. Maybe she should have ignored Jessica then she would not be sitting on this cold hard station chair.


    ¡°I hope I have made myself clear,¡± Alicia said.


    ¡°ANSWER ME¡±Jessica and Xavier sat in the car in the parking lot quietly. Jessica wanted to tell him not to worry and just drop her that she would find her way back home but her voice could barely leave her throat.


    Jessica suddenly felt a strong urge. It was like someone had taken a whip and whipped her continuously until she could not take it anymore. She felt tears drop down her face as she began to wail uncontrobly.


    Xavier was thrown off guard as he was not expecting her to cry. He did not know what to do. He was not experienced in what to do when you want to console another person.


    Jessica felt self-conscious and embarrassed that she was wailing her eyes out but she could not seem to control herself at all.


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± Xavier asked worriedly.


    Like a trigger, once the question left Xavier¡¯s mouth Jessica felt the urge to cry more. Why was she crying? She thought she had cried all thest drop of tears when they broke up.


    Was there anything more she could cry over? Was seeing both Burke and Emma together and happy something that should make her cry? Was the fact that the two of them were about to have a happy family the problem? Was it that Emma was now living her dream?


    She wanted so desperately to have the baby of Burke. Was the fact that she might not get to have her own baby so sad?


    ¡°You would get a headache if you keep wailing like this,¡± Xavier said again.


    He had no idea what to do to console her. He opened up the glovepartment and retrieved a box of tissues. He was d that he listened to Brian and put the box there. He shoved it in her hand.


    ¡°Thank you¡± she murmured as she pulled some pieces of the tissues and blew her nose in it.


    She felt her nose get stuffy but she could not control herself.


    ¡°Do you want to see the sea?¡± Xavier asked. ¡°I like to see the sea when I am sad and can not cheer myself up¡± he added when he got no response from her.


    He had just picked up their partner Jason who was from the Jameson family. He was supposed to be with him but he had dropped him off at his hotel room and rushed to the police station because of the report he got.


    Xavier started the car when he did not get a response from Jessica and drove towards the seaside. He did not know what she did when she was having a hard day but maybe what he did would cheer her up.


    As the drive started Jessica¡¯s high-pitched and loud wails turned into silent and muffled sniffs and asional coughs.


    She was still finding it difficult to stop the tears but the ails were gone and she was left with silent cries.


    If she knew a way to stop the embarrassment she was game but she could not

 Branch Sixty Three

    The car slowly came to a halt in front of the sandy beach. Xavier turned off the ignition and removed his seat belt slowly.


    The wails that had turned to silent sobs had now left the crying girl deep in sleep. Xavier put his head on the steering wheel with his hand as support as he stared at Jessica.


    She had been crying non-stop so her face was all swell and her mascara had smudged up. Seeing the ruined make up Xavier is reminded of the first day they met outside the courthouse.


    He was too worried about the situation before him to acknowledge her but looking back now he could not deny that even with her ruined face and red face she still looked good.


    Jessica stirred a little in her sleep and her eyes flew open. She looked at Xavier for a few minutes before pushing herself away from the seat and sitting upright.


    ¡°We are here,¡± Xavier said clearing his throat and raising his head from the steering wheel.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up when we got here?¡± Jessica asked feeling conscious of herself.


    ¡°You were sleeping too soundly, I did not want to wake you up,¡± Xavier said stretching his hand to the steering.


    Jessica cleared her throat. Those words came from his mouth but did not sound like something he would say. Why would he even say that?


    ¡°Like an angel¡± he added.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You were sleeping like an angel,¡± he said again and opened his door. He stepped out and threw his legs in the air. He had driven for over three hours just to bring her to the beach and make her happy.


    ¡°Clean up your face ande out,¡± he said bending to the car level before closing the door.


    What had he just done? He had to y it cool but it was not. How did he just address her as an angel? Was that normal? It was what he thought was a crime to say it. She was his wife and not some stranger after all.


    Jessica felt her cheek rush with blood. Did Xavier just unintentionallypliment her and say she looked like an angel?


    ¡®But why would he say such a thing¡¯ she thought to herself as she pulled down the mirror in front of her. She removed a couple of tissues from the box that he had given her. She wet it with a little water from the cup holder in front of her and wiped her face gently.


    Her concept for the day was a mellow young woman with a cool skin makeup tone. If she had gone for anything more she would have been looking like a masquerade already.


    She wiped her face and blew the snort out of her nose before opening the door and stepping out. Xavier was sitting on the bo of the car waiting for her she walked over to him and stood in his front.


    ¡°How nice,¡± she said closing her eyes and breathing in the fresh sea air.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice?¡± Xavier asked feeling a smile climb up his face. He did not know but the feeling of looking at her find peace while she was here was somehow healing to him.


    ¡°Yes, Thank you¡± Jessica replied opening her eyes. Her eyes met with Xavier¡¯s string ck ones. He was staring at her nkly and it made her ufortable.


    She shuffled ufortably looking everywhere except at his face.


    ¡°Shall we take a walk? I am sure it would help bring your mind off it¡± Xavier suggested referring to the happenings of earlier.


    ¡°I am sorry for earlier. I did not know what came over me. I¡¯m not usually such a mess¡± Jessica told him.


    ¡°Well I disagree,¡± Xavier said pushing himself off the car. ¡°Shall we?¡± he asked pointing his hands in the direction towards the sea.


    ¡°Why do you disagree and for what?¡± Jessica asked synchronizing her steps with his.


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Are you Mr. Xavier Delgado?¡± Jessica asked standing in front of him and making his steps stop.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she asked pulling a serious expression on her face.


    ¡°What do you mean who am I?¡± Xavier asked confused.


    ¡°The Xavier I know is not sweet, does notpliment, and most importantly does not make jokes,¡± Jessica said her hands on her waist.


    ¡°Oh oh oh and he is never friendly¡± Jessica felt herself saying.


    She had never been afraid of him but since he was showing her a different side she would probe him further and see to it that she gets to the bottom of it.


    ¡°What?¡± Xavier asked shocked.


    Her words stung him a little. They were true but hearing someone else other than Burke highlight them made it seem such a big deal.


    ¡°Ha ha ha very funny¡± Xavier mocked as he bypassed her and kept walking ahead.


    ¡°Are youing?¡± he turned to ask when he saw that she was fixated on one spot and lot moving.


    Jessica walked and caught up with him. She had a lot on her mind and she wanted to let it out. She wanted someone to console her and tell her that she made the right decision in all she had done in recent times.


    ¡°Want to share your thoughts with me?¡± Xavier asked breaking the silence between them. Unlike other times when the silence needed a warrior¡¯s sword to break through this time, she had feltfortable.


    ¡°Share my thoughts?¡± Jessica asked amazed. She never excepted that he would be interested in what she would have to say. ¡°It¡¯s a whole lot and I don¡¯t know if we are close enough to share secrets with each other¡± Jessica added.


    ¡°We agreed to be friends,¡± Xavier said. ¡°Friends can share secrets and thoughts can¡¯t they?¡± he added in a question.


    ¡°When did we agree to be friends?¡± Jessica asked shocked.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    She could not recall a conversation with such elements. Since she moved into the mansion she barely had many conversations and so she knew a pretty big deal of all she spoke about in that house.


    ¡°Oh, so you don¡¯t remember?¡±

 Branch Sixty Four

    ¡°Remember what?¡± Jessica asked confused.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°You really do not remember?¡± Xavier asked studying her face. ¡°Now I am very hurt that you do not remember¡±


    ¡°Did I lose some memories?¡± Jessica asked looking into the nk space.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you have forgotten when you were the one who suggested it,¡± Xavier said.


    A wave of remembrance washed over her. She remembered how she wanted to be in afortable position with him and suggested that they be friends. His attitude did not make it easy for them.


    He had given her one hurdle after another every time she thought of being close to him. Was he ming her for them not being friends? He was the reason she could not be in the same space with him.


    She remembered the encounter yesterday and how he had handled it. She was supposed to be mad at him but seeing how well he handled the police case and brought her here to take her kind what was going on with her she decided not to bring it up. It would do the both of them no good.


    ¡°Okay, then my friend,¡± Jessica said with a smug. ¡°I have a lot of things going through my mind¡± she added.


    ¡°A penny for every line you say,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Are you serious and sure?¡± she asked and he nodded his head. ¡°I am afraid Mr. Delgado you might be going bankrupt soon¡± she added.


    ¡°Do you have so much bothering you?¡± Xavier said. His voice was filled withpassion that she could feel.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said sighing. ¡°My life had been difficult¡±


    They began to walk slowly. Ever since the both of them met by chance and got married they had had no chance to be together in the same space and even be as close as this.


    ¡°You know friends y games when theye to the sea?¡± Jessica asked with a serious expression.


    She was feeling better but she was not sure if it was the right time for her to be telling Xavier the tales of her life and how unfair it had been. Maybe if things change for the better for them and they befortable they could have a long talk one day before she leaves the house.


    ¡°Games?¡± Xavier could barely respond before Jessica began running down the beach.


    Xavier understood her silence to mean that she did not want to speak about it. He made a mental note to take special care of the ex-boyfriend and friend who were hell-bent on making her feel bad.


    He was the one who released the tabloids on her and now the friend went ahead to ruin a perfectly new dress. The money spent on the dress was never the issue. The issue was that they targeted his wife and he was going to show them who they were going up against.


    Xavier watched as Jessica ran into the water and out having fun all by herself. She looked especially good today as if she had put in extra effort. She turned to him and her eyes sparkled at him.


    ¡°Friend aren¡¯t youing?¡±


    The sun began to set and the both of them sat at the edge of the sea just starting at the sunset.


    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful out here¡± Jessicamented.


    Xavier looked at her. It was true it was beautiful and her being there made it all picture-perfect too.


    ¡®What are you thinking¡¯ he shouted inwardly at himself. Did he just think that his wife in this scene was beautiful and she was the reason everything was so bright and beautiful?


    He wanted to stand up but could not get himself to do so. He wanted to watch her again and not take his eyes off her. His phone suddenly rang in his pocket.


    The both of them were startled and they looked at each other. Xavier was lost in the trance and left the phone ringing while staring at her.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to get that?¡± Jessica asked whispering and touching his hand gently that was on the sand.


    ¡°Erm,¡± he said and jumped back to life. ¡°Oh yeah I am having a call¡±


    He pulled out his phone from his pant pocket and looked at the name. It was Brian. Xavier internally cussed at Brian for ruining the moment. He could have looked at her for a few more seconds.


    ¡°I need to take this it¡¯s about work,¡± Xavier said standing up.


    ¡°Oh yeah sure,¡± Jessica said.


    It was not as if they were doing or saying anything important. They just sat infortable silence and stared hard at the beach.


    When he stood up Jessica sighed. She has felt his face on her all the while and she had held her breath. Why was he looking at her as such? She would admit she did like his looks and that was almost all about it. He did have a rotten mouth after all.


    Her likeness for him went up about ten percent after her encounter today and the way he handled it. And looking at him in that dress shirt and trousers he did look sexy. He had taken off the suit and tie and rolled up the shirt. She used her hand to fan herself lightly before loudly saying to herself.


    ¡°What are you thinking Jessica Penelope Joshua?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Xavier saiding close to her.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± she hummed back.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Nothing she said immediately.


    ¡°I thought I heard you speak,¡± he said back.


    ¡°I was talking to myself,¡± she told him.


    ¡°I am sorry but I need to go back to the city. One of out top clients is waiting to see me¡± he exined hoping that she did not get the wrong idea.


    ¡°Oh yes,¡± she said standing up in haste.


    How could she be so clueless about these things? She pulled a busy man away from his entire day and made him babysit her and follow her around all day.


    ¡°I am sorry. I pulled you from your work all day¡± she told him.


    ¡°What are you sorry about? I am d to have been of help¡±


    The words she heard of him being d did something funny to her tummy.


    ¡®He was d to spend time with her¡¯ she squealed inwardly.

 Branch Sixty Five

    The ride back wasfortable and a flow from the earlier vibe felt by both parties. The radio was ying a slow song and both parties just sat while Xavier drove.


    The silence wasfortable enough that Jessica found herself sleeping already. Xavier noticed her sleeping when her head jerked as she slept. Xavier helped her move her head to afortable position so her neck doesn¡¯t ache.


    After driving for long he pulled up to the gate of the mansion. Everywhere was dark and gloom and he still needed to go out to meet Jason. He would throw a grown-man tantrum if he did note.


    Xavier parked his car in front of the main entrance. He did not want to wake Jessica up as it looked like she was sleeping soundly. He quietly switched off the car and opened the door. He went to the passenger side of the car. He opened up the door and gently removed the seatbelt from her body.


    In his arms, he carried her bridal style and instructed the staff standing close by to bring in her bag.


    Jessica stirred in her sleep. Her nose caught a whiff of Xavier¡¯s perfume. She knew what he smelt like but this was the first time she was smelling him so intimately. She did not want to open up her eyes because if she did they would both feel ufortable, so she pretended to still be asleep and allowed him to carry her up the stairs.


    Xavier opened the door of the room. The memory of her leaving to sleep downstairs flooded his mind. He was not going to allow her to sleep there again tonight so he put her to sleep in the bed.


    He dropped her and covered her up with the nket. She needed to change her clothes but he could not do that and he did not want to wake her up to do so because she was probably tired from the day¡¯s activities, the visit to the station, and then the long ride to and back from the beach.


    ¡°I guess she would wake upter¡± Xavier mumbled gently.


    He stared at her gently before standing to take his leave. He knew that he might not be back home untilter the next day because Jason had always been a big pain whenever he came to visit.


    He was around for a deal they needed to sign and he said he would stick around because he heard of Alicia¡¯sunch party and he had forever had a big crush on her.


    He had asked her out countless times but she had turned them down as she was interested in growing her family business instead of settling down in marriage.


    ¡°Roselle,¡± Xavier said as he got down.


    The woman left her work in the kitchen and came to stand in front of him.


    ¡°You called young master,¡± she said bowing her head a little.


    ¡°Jessica has had a very long and tiring day. Can you prepare something so she can eat whenever she wakes up?¡± he asked her


    ¡°Sure thing young master¡± she replied.


    Xavier nodded once and turned to leave the house.


    ¡°Oh the young master is falling in love¡±


    Jessica sat up straight when she knew Xavier would be far away from the house. She removed the nket from her and looked down at her dress. It was stained and she hoped she would be able to get the stain off it.


    She entered the closet only to discover that her clothes were no longer there. She entered back into the room and stared at her suitcase by the door.


    She nned to leave the room as soon as she had gotten home. Xavier¡¯s warmth today and consideration made her feel strange about leaving the room. If she did not leave it would mean she was fickle and did not have a mind of her own.


    If she left it would mean she did not consider him after all the help she got. She was confused. She was sure she needed an opinion that was not hers.From N?velDrama.Org.


    She looked at her bag on the chair that contained her phone. She pulled it out and stared at the screen. She has multiple missed calls from Leslie, Burke, and an unknown number, and then some text messages.


    She got to know that the unknown number was Alicia who got her number from Leslie. Both of them were worried and Burke was just apologizing for what Emma did.


    When did she unblock Burke¡¯s number and why did she do so? She quickly ignored the message and blocked his number again. She returned Alicia¡¯s call to make her know she was fine.


    ¡°I was so worried about you,¡± Alicia said as the call got connected.


    ¡°I did not know that my phone was on silent,¡± Jessica says.


    ¡°I hope you feel better now?¡± Alicia asked.


    If Alicia was left with Emma she would have done many things she would never forget to her but since the victim had agreed to settle she would just let it be and watch the girl closely.


    ¡°I am doing good¡± Jessica answered and it was the truth. Her mood had improved after the beach visit with Xavier. She felt better and energized.


    ¡°Would you and your husband being to the event tomorrow?¡± Alicia asked.


    Xavier and Jessica although they lived low and quiet lives were the couple of the city and the parties they attended and things they did would be considered the trend.


    ¡°I won¡¯t miss it for the world,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°See you tomorrow then,¡± Alicia said.


    ¡°Good night¡± Jessica replied.


    She called Leslie next. She needed to tell her she was fine and seek advice concerning her current situation. Was she to leave the room or stay?


    ¡°I called you a zillion times,¡± Leslie said when she picked up the phone. ¡°I even called the Delgado mansion to know if you had gotten home but then they said you hadn¡¯te. I was so worried¡± Leslie said all at once.


    She had left several calls for Jessica and she did not want to call Xavier because she did not like to have conversations as such with him so she called the mansion and they told her that she had not returned home since she left in the morning. Xavier clearly said he was taking her home but now she wasn¡¯t home.


    ¡°I have a question¡±

 Branch Sixty Six

    ¡°Hit me with your question,¡± Leslie said when she heard the distress in her friend¡¯s voice.


    ¡°You know how Xavier is?¡± Jessica asked. She wanted to justify her actions by telling herself that Xavier was at fault and she did nothing wrong. She only tried to avoid the situation but then it got worse because of his attitude.


    ¡°Oh boy who doesn¡¯t,¡± Leslie said rolling her eyes.


    ¡°So we argued yesterday and I decided to move out of the room we share¡­¡±


    ¡°You two share a room?¡± Leslie asked citing her off shocked.


    ¡°Yes, we do. Back to the main point¡± Jessica continued


    ¡°And none of you have made a move on the other?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes, that is correct. Can I ask my question?¡± she continued.


    ¡°Wow, I can¡¯t believe that. The two of you are attractive so it makes no sense¡± Leslie continued.


    ¡°Leslie, back to the main point,¡± Jessica said with a stern voice. It was not a matter of why they did not find each other attractive. It was a matter of what she needed to do at that point. Should she hold on to her pride and move out or act shameless and stay in the room?


    ¡°Yeah so the matter at hand,¡± Leslie said pulling her entire energy together to stop being distracted by the way the both of them act.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°I was going to move out but today Xavier acted all cute and sweet all day and I am confused about if I should still stay in the room or if I should pack out as I earlier nned,¡± she said and waited for a response.


    ¡°The staff already prepared a room for me and I had packed my suitcase too¡± she added when the silence became prolonged.


    ¡°I have no idea why you are calling me. You know what to do¡± Leslie said smiling to herself.


    ¡°I know what to do?¡± Jessica asked. She did not know what to do if not she would not be calling her.


    ¡°Of course you do. Unpack the suitcase and stay in that room until you both fall in love¡± Leslie said.


    ¡°We are not falling in love,¡± Jessica said jumping to defend herself.


    ¡°Yeah, but he was cute and sweet. Was he also good-looking and dreamy?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jessica said absentmindedly ¡°Wait no no no,¡± she said connecting herself when she thought about her answer.


    ¡°You think the is cute, handsome, dreamy, and handsome. Isn¡¯t that love?¡± Leslie asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not love. We decided to be friends¡± Jessica resounded.


    There was no way she loved him. She was still in love with Burke. She knew her heart and she knew what he said. The heart still beat for Burke and there was nothing she could do about it.


    Xavier was sweet today and she had to admit it but it did not mean her heart shifted from Burke who she had loved all this while.


    ¡°Just unpack for now. If you think you made the wrong decision then move outter¡± Leslie said finally. ¡°Friends don¡¯t find each other dreamy¡± she whispered.


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°Nothing¡±


    ¡°Thank you Good night,¡± Jessica said pulling the phone from her ears.


    ¡°Good night¡±


    Jessica unpacked her suitcase and changed into somethingfortable for bed. She has a rather long shower to wash away the sickness from the drink that she wore all day. As she entered back into the room she met Roselle dropping a tray of food to the table.


    ¡°What is that?¡± Jessica asked startling the woman.


    ¡°Oh my God youngdy you startle me,¡± Roselle said her hand going to her chest.


    ¡°You startled me. I did not expect to see anyone in her when I came out of the bathroom¡± Jessica said back.


    ¡°The young master asked that I deliver a meal for you tonight,¡± Roselle said.


    Jessica felt her stomach feel funny when she heard the meal delivery was Xavier¡¯s idea. It was not the first time that he cared about her dinner before.


    If one could look past his excesses and impossible personality she was a gem underneath the rough surface.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jessica said as she felt a smile climb up her face. She walked to the table where the meal was ced. Roselle watched her and could not help but smile as she watched the girl smile too.


    ¡°Youngdy, the room you asked to be prepared has finally been cleaned by the staff,¡± Roselle said.


    She was going to skip telling her but she needed to tease her. She knew that both Xavier and Jessica could deny the feelings they feel because they don¡¯t want to get together. She would take it as her responsibility to ensure that she pushed them together.


    ¡°I would stay here for the meantime,¡± Jessica said.


    Roselle felt a smile creep up her face but she pressed it with a frown.


    ¡°Okay when would you be moving?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Not for a while¡± Jessica answered back.


    ¡°Okay then. Good night Young Lady¡± Roselle said, gave a small bow, and left the room.


    ¡°Finally something to eat. I thought I would sleep hungry because I had not had lunch and dinner¡± she said loudly to herself as she pulled out one of the chairs to the table.


    She took her phone and sent a thank you message to Xavier for the day and the meal.


    Roselle did not go back downstairs but instead went to Dawson¡¯s room. She was aware that Dawson was trying his best to put the two of them together and her newly found information would be of good use to him. The young master deserved love and a happy life too.


    ¡°Fancy youing to say Hello,¡± Dawson said as Roselle strolled into his room.


    ¡°Chairman, I have good news for you,¡± Roselle said ignoring hisment.


    ¡°Well hello to you too,¡± Dawson said back.


    ¡°Do you want to hear my good news?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Of course, I do want to, but don¡¯t you think you are being too hard on me?¡± Dawson asked.


    ¡°How?¡± Roselle asked confused.


    ¡°We live in the same house but you find it hard to say Hello,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°I am sorry about that Chairman. How do you do? How is your health?¡± Roselle asked.


    ¡°You are insincere,¡± Dawson said. ¡°What¡¯s the good news?¡± he said. Roselle rolled her eyes at him before proceeding to say.


    ¡°This is the right time to send the couple away on their honeymoon¡±

 Branch Sixty Seven

    A huge smile climbed up Dawson¡¯s face. Ever since he left the hospital this was the first of its kind news.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Dawson asked.


    It would be wrong for him to jump to a conclusion without knowing what it was about.


    ¡°It seemed like something went wrong when they went out today but the young master came home carrying the youngdy in his arms. Her dress was stained ad if something poured on it¡± Roselle said.


    She was happy to be the one to bear and deliver such great news. She would be ted if the young master finally finds someone who he can love.


    ¡°What about that scene tells you it¡¯s a great time to send them both away? They need to be closer before we can send them away. Xavier was probably just extending a helping hand to her¡± Dawson said disappointedly.


    ¡°That¡¯s not all,¡± Roselle said. ¡± When Xavier was leaving I saw hearts shooting out of his eyes as he spoke about the youngdy. He was gentle andpassionate too¡± Roselle said.


    ¡°Hmm!¡± Dawson said ad he signed deep. Was it possible that Xavier was already falling for Jessica?


    ¡°And Jessica had a blush on her face all the while I attended to her tonight. I don¡¯t know what happened but something happened¡± Roselle said.


    ¡°Then we need to know what happened,¡± Dawson said with a smile.


    ¡°How do we do that?¡±


    ¡°We have to and those who were there. Get me the driver who took her out today¡± Dawson said.


    Roselle nodded and turned on her feet to the stairs. She went outside to the staff lounge to get the driver who had been in charge of driving the youngdy around.


    James tried to remember all he had done in time past. Why was he being called into the chairman¡¯s room? What grave sin did hemit that Roselle could not handle on her own that she needed to have the chairman involved?


    ¡°What happened today?¡± Dawson asked as James entered the room.


    ¡°To¡­ ood.. ayyy,¡± James said stammering.


    ¡°Yeah, today what happened?¡± Dawson asked again peering at the young boy¡¯s face.


    ¡°I took the youngdy to see some houses and after that, I took her to a ce for brunch. After a few moments, the police came and took them away to the station¡± James responded trembling.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Police? Station? What happened?¡± Roselle asked all at once.


    ¡°Why did that happen?¡± Dawson asked keeping his cool.


    ¡°I did not get to know because I was not allowed into the station. The young master cameter and took the youngdy away¡± James said.


    ¡°We need to get to the bottom of this,¡± Roselle said turning on her feet.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Dawson said stopping her. ¡°Was Leslie with her?¡± he added.


    ¡°Yes chairman¡± James answered.


    ¡°You can go then,¡± Dawson said dismissing him.


    James bowed his head in relief and left the room.


    ¡°Call Leslie, let us know what we are dealing with,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Already on it,¡± Roselle said with the phone to her ears.


    ¡°Hello Roselle, I never thought u would hear from me again. You did not reach out when I stoppeding to the house¡± Leslie said as soon as she picked up the call.


    ¡°Hello Lady Leslie,¡± Roselle said pulling the phone from her ears and putting it on loudspeaker.


    ¡°I told you I am not ady I am just Leslie. Can¡¯t I be just Leslie to you?¡± Leslie asked with a cute voice.


    ¡°You are just Leslie that¡¯s for sure,¡± Dawson said with a chuckle in his voice.


    Hearing her voice rose his spirit in a kind of way. Her cheerful attitude was contagious even over the phone.


    ¡°Oh Dawson, the whole Delgado family abandoned me when I married Burke. Was it because I no longer loved Xavier?¡± Leslie asked.


    ¡°Of course not. I repent I would call you more often now¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Can we ask you questions about today?¡± Roselle asked the question cutting off the long talk.


    ¡°I am all ears,¡± Leslie asked.


    ¡°What happened at the cafe that made you go to the police station?¡± Dawson asked taking the lead.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even get me started¡± Leslie said feeling worked up. Remembering the events made her blood boil so badly that she wanted to throw things around.


    ¡°Someone who calls herself the best friend of Jessica came and made a scene by dumping the content of a drink into Jessica¡¯sp,¡± Leslie said and then took a deep breath because she felt her voice rising.


    ¡°The worst of it all was that she was the reason that Jessica broke up with her boyfriend before she met Xavier¡± she added.


    She hated the fact that she recounted the experience. She wishes to get back to that time so she could dump her drink over the girl too.


    ¡°And then what happens?¡± Dawson asked.


    He was angry at the moment but was careful to jump to the conclusion.


    ¡°Xavier came and asked that they settle without making a big issue out of the whole situation. He left with Jessica¡± Leslie said telling him everything she knew.


    ¡°Okay thank you, Leslie. I hope we get to invite you and Burke over for dinner soon. Maybe we can do something for Xavier¡¯s birthday¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s true. His birthday is next month¡± Leslie said. ¡°I would be expecting the invitation,¡± she told him and then waited for him to cut off the call.


    ¡°Get Mr. Gilbert to resume his duties back tomorrow¡± Dawson ordered.


    ¡°Yes chairman¡± Roselle answers.


    ¡°I would make them pay for this. No one can humiliate a Delgado and go away with it scot-free. I am so disappointed in Xavier¡± Dawson said balling his hand into a fist.


    ¡°Chairman?¡± Roselle called the man.


    She could understand his anger and frustration. It was such a thing that should not happen to people of their caliber. She knew that once Gilbert resumed back to work those who did these things would regret it immediately.


    ¡°Chairman, let us not forget the main issue. The honeymoon¡±

 Branch Sixty Eight

    ¡°Oh yes the honeymoon,¡± Dawson said calming down a bit.


    He was angry that a mere man dares to harass a member of the Delgado family but he could not deny that maybe that strange girl had helped put Xavier and Jessica together.


    ¡°What do we do Chairman?¡± Roselle asked.


    ¡°I think I need to send Xavier to Aurora Haven to meet Ethan Ramirez,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Who is the?¡± Roselle asked.


    ¡°Ethan Ramirez is one of our greatest investors and he is keen about family. He was the one who pushed my son into an early marriage. He only works with family men and women¡± Dawson replied a smile climbing his face.


    ¡°So if the young master wants to go see him, he has to take the youngdy along too?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes or else he would not invest in any of Xavier¡¯s future businesses,¡± Dawson says giving himself a mental back pat for thinking of such an idea.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s a fantastic idea, Chairman¡± Roselle said.


    ¡°Let Xavier see me immediately after he gets back,¡± Dawson tells her. ¡°The earlier we set the n in motion, the earlier I can rest easy¡± he added.


    ¡°I would like it is you do not make jokes like that¡± Roselle said rebuking him.


    That she rejected him multiple times did not mean she did not have a soft spot for him. She did and she did not want anything he couldn¡¯t deal with some to him. She remembered how many nights she soaked her pillow with tears when she heard how sick he was.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡± Dawson said with a salute. ¡°Help me to get to bed tonight¡± he added in a plea.


    ¡°Yes sir¡± Roselle said rolling the wheelchair to the bedside. She supported him to get on to the bed and then tucked him in.


    ¡°Tomorrow is the Gates businessunch. Are you going to be going there?¡± Roselle asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I am that young to still be going for parties¡± he answered.


    ¡°Okay then I would prepare a feast so you can have your own party here. Jessica and Xavier have been invited and they are going for it¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good for them. It¡¯s the first time they would be attending a public event together¡± Dawson tells her to which she nods.


    This could be good for them. A good opportunity for them to bond and even better to bond in the eyes of the public.


    ¡°Good night chairman,¡± Roselle said standing up straight before giving a bow.


    ¡°I wonder if I would ever hear my real name from your mouth before I die,¡± he said.


    ¡°Chairman, you shouldn¡¯t make statements as such¡± Roselle said back.


    ¡°Call me my name once and I would stop¡±


    ¡°How can that be your kind of request? So strange¡± she said.


    ¡°Just say it¡± he said with urgency. ¡°You are so stubborn¡± he added when he saw the adamant look on her face. She did not want to call him by his name and she did not want be forced either.


    ¡°Do we need to have this meeting at this time?¡± Jason was ticked off after being quiet for a long time.


    ¡°I thought you called me so we could have the meeting,¡± Xavier responded.


    Jason¡¯s call had pulled him away from spending more time with Jessica but Jason said it was because he wanted to go to a nightclub.


    ¡°I called you so you could take me to a nightclub to have a nice time but here you are pulling up numbers and statistics that I don¡¯t want to hear about now¡± Jason responded in a high voice.


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t know any clubs and I don¡¯t go to nightclubs so how could you call me for that?¡± Xavier asked annoyed.


    He hated that the time he spent with Jessica got cut short. The reason he felt angry he did not know but he wanted Jason to feel some kind of pain too.


    ¡°You should have called Brian or any of your female friends from yourst visit¡±N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°I broke up with them¡± Jason answered.


    ¡°All of them?¡± Xavier asked shocked.


    ¡°Yes all of them¡± He answered back.


    Xavier shook his head in disbelief there was no way Jason had no girl as arm candy.


    ¡°Ever since I met Alicia Gates I knew she was the one for me so I ended every rtionship that I know meant nothing to me,¡± Jason said dreamily.


    ¡°So why do you want to go to a club?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°I never said I was going there for the girls. I was going for a nice time. I could never betray love for Alicia¡± he responded.


    ¡°No night club, back to the briefing,¡± Xavier said cutting him before he goes on and on about the wonders of a club.


    ¡°Arggh¡± Jason eximed.


    ¡°You can call Brain maybe he would be willing to take you,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°No need to call me. I am right here at your service¡± Brian said pushing the door anding in with bags of food and drinks.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Jason asked excitedly.


    ¡°I know you might both be hungry so I broughtte dinner for you¡± Brian answered with a smile as he dropped the bags on the table.


    ¡°Thank you for being so considerate. Mr. Serious here brought nothing when he wasing and then brought me to this office to start work¡± Jason said in amusement. ¡°Can you imagine that?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I know what he is like and I am not proud to say I expected him to do so¡± Brian answered.


    Xavier felt his phone chime with a text message. Usually, he would not check his phone during meetings but he somehow wished it was from Jessica so he opened up his phone and saw the message was from Jessica. He felt his expression change to joy and a smile slowly climb up his face.


    ¡°I would take you to a¡­..¡± Brian began.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Jason said stopping Brian¡¯s sentence.


    ¡°Is Xavier smiling?¡±


    ¡°Dawson¡±

 Branch Sixty Nine

    Both Brian and Jason stared at Xavier as he looked at his phone with a huge smile on his face. It was such a rare and weird circumstance that they both did not know what to do.


    Xavier did not smile and even worse he hated taking messages and calls during meetings what changed that?


    Xavier looked at the message from Jessica and felt content. It read ¡®Thank you got your consideration today. I had fun. You were really of great help.¡¯


    That simple message was enough to fill him with so much warmth and bring a smile to his face.


    ¡°Xavier¡± Jason said tapping the table that separated them.


    Xavier snapped out of the trance and lifted his head to look at both men who were staring at him. He looked down at his phone. He needed to reply to show he wasn¡¯t rude and also liked the time they spent together.


    Not mind the heavy stares he was getting from both men he typed his reply to Jessica.


    ¡°I am really interested in what is making him smile,¡± Jason said to Brian who nodded in agreement.


    ¡°I have been working for him for so many years now but I can tell you I have never seen him smile so brightly. I have seen him smile a little when we close a deal but never so brightly¡± Brian said.


    ¡°I wanted to guess what is going on but I can not seem to ce a situation over this¡± Jason added.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get back to work,¡± Xavier said dropping the phone back to the table and clearing his throat.


    Jason cleared his throat and said. ¡°Who was that?¡±


    ¡°A major investor or who?¡± Burke added.


    Curiosity was eating both of them up and they could not take it. They wanted to know what was going on.


    ¡°Must I tell you that?¡± Xavier asked flipping thorough the document in front of him.


    ¡°Yes, you must¡± Jason answered with glee in his eyes.


    ¡°It was my wife,¡± Xavier said nonchntly.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Jason gasped and Brain nodded her head vigorously. To Brian, it made sense that Xavier would be smiling about his wife. Now that he thought of it he could smile.


    He had ran at the speed of lightning when he heard she was at the police station leaving him to sort everything out by himself. Leslie had exined everything that happened to him but he never thought he would see Xavier smile for that reason. It was logical but still seemed impossible.


    ¡°Your wife?¡± Jason says gasping again. ¡°You are married?¡± he said in a shouted whisper.


    ¡°Yes, he got married and has been for more than one month now¡± Brian answered on his behalf when Xavier ignored him.


    ¡°Why am I just hearing about this?¡± Jason asked shocked.


    ¡°It was on the news, didn¡¯t you see it?¡± Brian asked.


    ¡°No, I do not. If I did then I wouldn¡¯t have been shocked like this¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s been married and to the sweetest soul you¡¯ll ever need,¡± Brian said fawning over her.


    ¡°I need to meet the person who would marry this insane man¡±


    ¡°I would ensure to introduce you two at the party,¡± Brian said.


    If Jessica was capable of drawing a smile out of Xavier then she was worth meeting.


    ¡°Are you both having fun?¡± Xavier asked gritting his teeth. It showed that Jason and Brian were making fun of him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I have had such great news in a long while. Did the Mr. Stuck up find love?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°Love? Who is in love?¡± Brian asked. ¡°He just has a wife, it doesn¡¯t mean he is in love¡± he added to which Xavier nodded with so much vigor.


    ¡°Eei, if he smiles because of a text from her then it¡¯s love¡± Jason countered.


    ¡°What do you know about love?¡± Brian asked. ¡°You had your first love at twenty-six¡± he added teasing Jason.


    Jason was a typical bad boy and he went to clubs and had what he called a nice time with girls. During hisst visit to Chiachester City, he saw Alicia Gates for the first time since they left the university and he could not deny that she looked beautiful.


    More beautiful than he remembered. He recalled having a crush on her while they studied together abroad but he never had the courage to ask her out. They were friends and moved together but he kept his feelings to himself.


    To the best of his ability hr had ovee the crush but seeing her again after so many years reminded him of her beauty and he decided he was going to forsake his lifestyle and finally take the courage to build a rtionship with her.


    ¡°The only one of us three who can sessfully talk about rtionships is I¡± Brian dered.


    Among the three of them, he was the only one married to a woman he loved and cherished. Xavier was married because he needed his grandfather¡¯s property and Jason just realized that he loved a woman after about six years.


    ¡°Can we get back to work?¡± Xavier asked picking up the documents he dropped earlier.


    ¡°Can you stop talking about work for like twenty minutes?¡± Jason said with a groan.


    ¡°It¡¯s been more than twenty minutes since we stopped working¡± Xavier replied.


    Jason and Brian signed deeply as they thought about how clueless their friend was.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whatever you propose. I am going to sign it¡± Jason said in hopes to stop Xavier from bringing up work continuously.


    ¡°Even if I try to rob your family of all their wealth would you still append your signature on the document?¡± Xavier asked with a smirk.


    ¡°You? Commit fraud?¡± Brian asked almost bursting into a fits ofughter.


    They had known him the longest and they knew that he was almost incapable ofmitting fraud. He was one of the most uptight and highly principled men that they both knew.


    ¡°What? Does it seem impossible that a human canmit fraud?¡± Xavier asked not sure what to process with their action.


    ¡°Humans canmit fraud yes they can but you? You are not human.¡± Jason answered.


    ¡°Human feel but you don¡¯t feel¡±


    ¡°You are probably an alien¡±

 Branch Seventy

    After Xavier, Brian, and Jason finished their meeting it was already almost sunrise. Xavier drove Jason back to his hotel. They needed to rest up so they can be in time for the businessunch that evening.


    ¡°Young master, you are wee¡± one of the staff greeted when she saw Xavier walk in tiredly with his hair scattered.


    Jessica heard the conversation in the kitchen. She was tempted to go out to have a look at him. She wanted to see him and tell him thank you in person.


    ¡°Where is Jessica?¡± Jessica heard Xavier tell the staff.


    ¡°She is in the kitchen preparing breakfast¡± she responded.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Xavier said walking towards the kitchen.


    He had wanted to see her since he left home. Maybe he just wanted to know how she was doing. That is what it had to be.


    Jessica heard him walk toward the kitchen and she quickly tried to fix her hair and act as if she was busy even though she was waiting for the muffins she had put in the oven.


    ¡°Why are you up so early?¡± she heard his voice.


    She turned to see him standing and leaning on the door frame. His hair was now scattered. It was different from what he had left. She has seen him after work countless times but this was the first time she saw him with disheveled hair and she had to admit he looked hot.


    ¡°I had to prepare breakfast¡± she responded clearing her throat.


    ¡°You should allow the staff to handle it sometimes too,¡± Xavier said.


    His voice sounded rough and was like music to her ears.


    ¡°I like doing this and even cooking for you and your family,¡± she told him.


    ¡°Allow the staff to do it sometimes,¡± he said pushing himself off the frame of the door.


    He turned to leave. He had nothing to say to her. He was not going to ask her why she was crying over her ex. That was her personal business but seeing her was good enough for him.


    ¡°Wait¡± she called after him stopping his movement.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered feeling his face turn up to a smile. He cleared his throat and turned his face to normal and turned.


    ¡°Are you going to be joining us for breakfast?¡± she asked innocently.


    If she was asking that way he would want to join so he can see her but he was exhausted and could not take it anymore.


    ¡°No I won¡¯t I have to rest up before we go for the businessunch,¡± he said sadly.


    ¡°Okay then I would make something you can have for ate lunch,¡± she told him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother yourself. Have the staff make it and rest¡± he told her.


    ¡°I have to do it. ept it as my thanks for your help yesterday¡±


    ¡°Thanks?¡± he asked raising his eyebrows.


    ¡°Yeah, you helped me a lot yesterday. That being said thanks so much for yesterday¡± she told him.


    ¡°My pleasure,¡± he said faking a bow which made her smile. Seeing her smile made him smile unconsciously.


    ¡°I would have the meal ready for you whenever you want it¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said turning to leave.


    Jessica did all she had to do and then went to rest up in the room. When she entered she saw Xavier sleeping soundly on the bed. She sat on the bed and watched him silently.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she murmured to herself lowly.


    She stood up from the bed and went to the closet. She had a quick shower and changed her clothes. She came and climbed into the bed. She turned her back to Xavier because she could not understand why and how she was staring at him so fondly.


    She knew she had a soft spot for him. He seemed lonely and she wanted to make his lifefortable. What was this she was feeling all of a sudden? Was he not in love with Burke?


    He was the one she loved how can suddenly think that Xavier was sexy? She did not want to stare at him any longer. Maybe it was because he did something that was out of the ordinary. Maybe if he did something like he usually did he would fade away from her mind.


    Her thoughts consumed her until she drifted into sleep.


    Xavier stood up to see Jessicaying there with her hair scattered on the pillow and her mouth slightly open. She was cute he could not lie. He had always thought she was cute.


    He checked the time and it was almost time for theunch and he did not want to bete. He went down because he was hungry and he remembered that Jessica said she would prepare a meal for him.


    ¡°Roselle, do I have a meal?¡± Xavier asked as he entered the dining area to see her wiping down the table.


    ¡°Hello young master, the youngdy prepared lunch for you and I would heat it quickly for you¡± she responded after she gave a quick bow.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± Xavier said pulling out one of the chairs and sitting in it.


    ¡°Roselle,¡± he said stopping her.


    ¡°Yes young master,¡± she said turning back to face him.


    ¡°Can you get someone to go wake up Jessica? It is almost time for the event¡± he said acting nonchntly as he scrolled on his phone.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Yes young master,¡± she said and left.


    After a few moments, Angel passed by him. She bowed slightly and went to help Jessica get ready for the event.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even think I am your grandfather anymore¡± Xavier heard Dawson¡¯s voice behind him.


    He turned to see his grandfather being wheeled in by Mr. Gilbert.


    Xavier remembered Mr. Gilbert. He was as close as family to them both. He had stopped working for Dawson when he was admitted to the hospital a few months back.


    ¡°I did not know Mr. Gilbert resumed back to work already,¡± Xavier said standing to greet him.


    ¡°Hello young master,¡± Gilbert said. ¡°I resumed back today¡± he added.


    ¡°He muste back to work if I am going toe back¡± Dawson answered.


    ¡°You areing back to work?¡± Xavier asked.


    Dawson nodded his head with the sweetest smile on his face.


    ¡°Why?¡±

 Branch Seventy One

    ¡°Why would youe back to work? You are sick¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°And you are eyeing my position because I am doing very well now,¡± Dawson said.


    Xavier was not angry at his grandfather¡¯s statement. It was just that he had to leave work because of his health and now he was saying he would resume back.


    ¡°Papa I would never eye your position,¡± Xavier said. ¡°But how do you expect me to allow you to get back to work when you can barely walk around on your own¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to work to get the work done,¡± Dawson said countering his standpoint.


    ¡°Gilbert, book a flight to Aurora Haven,¡± Dawson said addressing the man pushing him.


    ¡°Mr. Gilbert did not take a step from that spot,¡± Xavier said his voice firm.


    ¡°Gilbert you work for me and not for Xavier here,¡± Dawson told him. ¡°Hurry along¡±


    ¡°Papa tell Gilbert to wait and not go please,¡± Xavier said in a sad voice.


    His grandfather wanted to go on a trip to Aurora Haven when he was not even in the right state to move from room to room.


    Dawson raises his hand to stop Gilbert and he goes to stand in a corner. If Gilbert was being honest he had missed his job and the trivialities of Xavier and Dawson.


    ¡°Why are you going to Aurora Haven? You aren¡¯t well enough to make the trip¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to renew our investment status with Ethan Ramirez. I need to go have a meeting with him¡± Dawson exins.


    ¡°I can go for that why don¡¯t you send me?¡± Xavier asked.


    He felt bad that his grandfather had not yet had enough faith in him to trust him with such an important task. What was it that he could not handle?


    ¡°I can go, you don¡¯t have to stress yourself on a flight for over six hours just to get an investment¡± Xavier added.


    ¡°If you go he would not sign the contract with you,¡± Dawson said bowing his head.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t he sign with me? I represent the whole Delgado family¡± Xavier said.


    Why would he turn him back if he was their biggest and longest standing investor? Dawson¡¯s words did not make sense to his grandson.


    ¡°Well Ethan is a family man and only signs contracts with those who have families and are married¡±


    ¡°I am married¡± Xavier was quick to say.


    Dawson almost felt the smile he felt creep up his face. He had to control himself. Xavier admitting that Jessica was his wife was a good one. He had to push on just so he could the boy to go over and have a well deserved honeymoon.


    ¡°You are not married. You already made it clear that she was not your wife¡± Dawson says.


    ¡°I never made anything clear as to that regard.


    Since I am married then I believe I can you can send me to get the investment¡±


    ¡°If you are going to be going there then you need to make him know that you really have a wife,¡± Dawson said feeling his schemee together.


    ¡°What do you want me to do then?¡± Xavier asked.


    If Ethan was so important that his grandfather wanted to go there by himself then he must get that contract by all means.


    ¡°You have to take your wife with you¡±


    ¡°Jessica?¡± Xavier spat her name like it was some poison.


    Why did she need toe up when they were discussing work matters?


    ¡°Yes, Jessica. If I go there then Ethan would have no problem giving me the contract because he knows that I am married and my wife died early but then in your case, he does not know you or if you are married¡± Dawson said wheeling himself closer to Xavier.


    ¡°Why do I need to take her? I am just telling him that I am married with evidence¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°He would not sign until he sees you are a happy young couple¡±


    ¡°Do I really need to take her?¡± Xavier continued in questioning.


    He hated mixing pleasure and business. He looked up from his grandfather and his eyes locked with Jessica standing there with her hair nearly packed. She cleared her throat when their eyes jammed.


    ¡°I did not mean to eavesdrop,¡± she said making Dawson turn and Gilbert turn his head. He had heard of the woman who married the spoilt little grandson of the Delgado family but he had not seen her physically. She was beautiful and he had to give it to her.


    ¡°What do you mean eavesdrop?¡± Dawson said. ¡°Come on in, this matter concerns you too¡±


    ¡°Concerns me?¡± she asked taking gentle short and calcted steps.


    She hated the look in Xavier¡¯s eyes it was as if she was taking a lot from him and he was not liking it one bit. She hated that he looked at her like that. From what she had overheard she had to travel on a business trip with Xavier.


    To be honest she did not want to do that. She was trying to thoroughly purge her system of him and her nostrils of his scent and here Dawson was trying to put them together. She could see the tactics in his n.


    ¡°You have to go with Xavier to Aurora Haven to sign a contract with our biggest investor but he thinks it¡¯s a bad idea¡± Dawson exined enclosing her hands in his.


    ¡°I also think it is a bad idea,¡± Jessica said immediately.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I know nothing about business and I think I would only be a nuisance to him and his work. He can go alone and I am sure he would do good work¡±


    Jessica lifted her head to slightly meet his eyes. In his eyes, relief danced. It was as if he did not want her around. She did not want him around either.


    Why did she unpack when she was supposed to move out? After the event of the night she had to make sure she moved to another room. Even a blind man could see his reactions and tell his indifference towards her.


    ¡°Gilbert pay for the tickets. I guess I have to go myself¡± Dawson said. He was hoping they would just take pity on him and go. He did not want to go by himself but if they refused to go then he had to just to prove a point.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I will leave in three days¡± Dawson murmured rolling his chair away.


    Gilbert hurried after him and pushed him.


    ¡°Are we to allow him to go on such a long flight?¡± Jessica asked concerned.


    ¡°No,¡± Xavier said with a sigh.

 Branch Seventy Two

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to get the wrong idea. I have no interest in going with you to Aurora Haven. I even have to stay back to set up my restaurant so¡­.¡± Jessica trailed off when she saw his expression.


    She did not want him assuming as he had done before that she was plotting with Dawson for any reason he thought. She hated traveling probably because she did not have the chance to travel but she would not want to go especially since she had seen his reaction earlier.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go convince him that we would go,¡± Xavier said ignoring her first statement.


    He did not want her to go but if that was what it took for Dawson to rest back then he would have to do it.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you listening to me?¡± Jessica said stopping him in his tracks.


    ¡°Does what we want matter now? Are we going to allow him to travel six hours across because of us?¡± Xavier asked his voice almost in a shout.


    Jessica then remembered the reason why she should not like this man in front of her. Why did she even think that they would be friends? He could never stop being who he was. He was such a big jerk.


    ¡°I just want you not to misunderstand what I mean,¡± Jessica said not moving.


    ¡°I have gotten what you said can we go now?¡± Xavier said walking ahead.


    Jessica swallowed her pride to follow him. She has no choice at the moment but to go on that trip.


    ¡°Papa, we would go,¡± Xavier said stopping Dawson before he could go on the ramp leading to the next floor.


    Dawson smiled and then pulled the smile off his face.


    ¡°Take me back down,¡± Dawson said to Gilbert.


    ¡°Okay, you need to be there in three days. Gilbert call Ethan and tell him my grandson and wife would being instead of me¡±


    ¡°So no more talks of resuming back to work again,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Yes sir¡± Dawson responded with a salute.


    ¡°Hurry along now. I don¡¯t want you to bete for your event¡± Dawson added before signaling Gilbert to push him out of the ce.


    Jessica waited for Dawson to be up the stairs before she turned around to leave. She entered the room and paced around. Why did she have expectations of Xavier? Why was she disappointed at his reaction?


    Wasn¡¯t it normal that he would not want her to tag along? Why did it hurt her more than she thought it would?


    ¡®Let¡¯s get ready. You already told Alicia that you would be there so there is no reason that you should disappoint¡¯ she whispered to herself and went into the closet.


    She put on one of the morous dresses she had gotten from the Gates fashion store. She came out of the closet hoping to catch Angel so she could help her with her zipper.


    Xavier was standing there with his shirt button undone.


    ¡°Are you done with the room?¡± Xavier said pointing to the closet door and avoiding eye contact.


    He hated that she saw his reaction and felt guilty. How could he dare look her in the eye?


    ¡°Errm I am but I need help. Where is Angel?¡± she asked making sure her back did not go exposed to him.


    ¡°What is it I might be able to help you¡±


    ¡°My zipper. I need it done¡± she said.


    Xavier shifted ufortably on his feet. He needed to do something nice to redeem himself. They were getting along. He just had to ruin it.


    ¡°I would help you with that, ¡± he said moving slowly towards her.


    Having him help out with her zipper was strange to both of them. Jessica stood stiff like a monument that was put in ce.


    ¡°All done,¡± Xavier said as he took some steps backward.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said awkwardly and moved a step forward before turning to him.


    ¡°I would quickly take a shower and change up and then we can go,¡± Xavier told her.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she nodded in agreement. She did not have anything against it. If not she had promised Alicia maybe she would have escaped the whole scene and stayed home all dayying down.


    ¡°I would go downstairs and ensure that a meal is prepared for Dawson¡¯s dinner¡± she called after him.


    She went downstairs and entered the kitchen. Angel¡¯s eyes fell on her and she whistled unconsciously.


    ¡°How rude of you¡± Roselle chastised her.


    ¡°What did she do that was so rude, that you had to scold her so much?¡± Jessica asked.


    She liked that at least someone in the house had appreciated her beauty even though Xavier was the first to see her in that dress all dolled up he still did not bother to offer her apliment.


    ¡°How dare she whistles at thedy of the house. It is uneptable¡± Roselle exined.


    ¡°At least she thought I looked good and wanted to express it. Ensure that she doesn¡¯t get a punishment whatever it might be concerning this matter¡± Jessica replied.


    ¡°Yes youngdy¡± Roselle responded.


    ¡°Help me prepare a meal for Dawson,¡± Jessica said entering the kitchen.


    Angel and Roselle rushed to stand in front of her.


    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked looking at them confused.


    ¡°We can not allow you inside with your makeup and dress, please go wait in the living room,¡± Roselle said to which Angel nodded her head.


    ¡°But Dawson needs to eat,¡± Jessica said protesting.


    ¡°I would handle it. He already told me to prepare an borate dinner for him because he would not be able to go to the event¡± Roselle exined.


    ¡°I can help out,¡± she said trying to maneuver her way through them. They shifted together in time to stop her.


    ¡°No way youngdy. If you cook with all that makeup then you would ruin it¡± Angel said making an x sign with her hand.


    Jessica sighed she knew there was no way she was winning that argument. She has to just do what they want. She turned on her heels and left.


    ¡°Leslie?¡± Jessica says when she saw a figure approaching her. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she added in a question.


    ¡°I came to help you out but I see you are all dressed with minimalist makeup,¡± Leslie said painting behind her to see a train of girls entering.


    Jessica¡¯s eyes widen as she saw the makeup artist and her apprentice. ¡°What is this?¡±Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°My poly to make you stronger and the most beautiful woman at that party¡± Leslie exined pulling her hand to the living room.


    ¡°I think I like my makeup this way, ¡°Jessica told her.


    ¡°Trust me it would be better if we touch it up¡±

 Branch Seventy Three

    The makeup was done with a lot ofints from Jessica. She found the style of the artist a bit too much than she could handle.


    ¡°I don¡¯t intend to steal the show,¡± Jessica said when Leslie tried to convince her to have heavy makeup.


    ¡°You are married to a Delgado, you would always stake the show even if you did not mean to,¡± Leslie told her.


    ¡°Oh I see you are preparing for an event,¡± Genevieve said as she entered inside.


    ¡°Oh, my God. Lady Genevieve¡± Leslie said when she saw her walk in.


    Since she knew Xavier quite well she also knew of his family issues too. She knew what Genevieve did and why she did them. She has not seen her in a long while.


    She liked the woman for some very weird reason which seemed only appropriate to her.


    ¡°Oh my Leslie,¡± Genevieve said going in for a hug.


    ¡°I have missed you and all the fun things you do,¡± Leslie said tightening the hug.


    ¡°I never thought I would see you again when Xavier refused you and you got married,¡± Genevieve said touching her face lightly.


    ¡°Well I made a new friend and it would be wrong for me not to help her¡± Leslie replies winking at Jessica.


    ¡°What kind of makeup do you like?¡±


    ¡°None¡± Jessica stood up from the makeshift chair that had now dominated the whole living room alongside the tools and kit items that were sprawled across the room.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°You are a Delgado you have to always deliver and serve looks,¡± Genevieve said pushing her back down.


    ¡°Do something light and elegant¡± She added raising her head to face the artist waiting for further instructions.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the patience and time for this¡± Jessica sighed.


    ¡°Yes, you do,¡± Genevieve said pushing her back.


    The makeup artist was quick. Her brush moved over her face with such elegance. When she was shown her reflection in the mirror she could not deny that there was a bit of an uplift in her appearance.


    ¡°Perfect¡± Leslie eximed as she jammed her hands together.


    ¡°Good job¡± Genevieve gave the make-up artist a thumbs up as she essed her face.


    Xavier came down to meet the ce crowded with people to his surprise. When his eyes fell n Jessica he had to admit that she was radiating as if the light was on the insides of her.


    ¡°Since Leslie is here why don¡¯t youe along with her on the limo?¡± Xavier asked.


    He wanted to pretty muchpliment her but held himself back. It was a mystery to him how topliment her and even a greater mystery to him how she might reply.


    ¡°My husband is picking me up¡± Leslie lied picking up the bag she had thrown down to one of the couches when she came earlier.


    ¡°She cane with you then¡± Xavier suggested.


    ¡°No she can not because we are going to make out in the car and I don¡¯t want her to feel like a third wheel¡±


    Leslie turned to the makeup artist to signal her to start going out. She nodded and gathered her things and then took her leave.


    ¡°I will take my leave now. Have a nice time in the limo your husband prepared¡± Leslie said with a wink as she walked out.


    Genevieve had left the room because of the tension. She could not take the deep stares going on between both parties. She decided Tobago Roselle out in the kitchen to prepare the meal for dinner.


    Jessica stood looking at Xavier hoping he would say something to ease the tension she currently felt. She felt her stomach knot together and found it hard to control her rapid breathing.


    Xavier stares at her deeply and intently. He wanted topliment her but it was hard for him seeing that he had never had a reason to do so to a woman before.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said shortly after he saw her shuffle on her feet.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she said trying her best to steady her voice.


    She knew she looked beautiful. Leslie and Genevieve had told her how beautiful she looked. She has seen that the makeup artist did a fantastic job in making her shine.


    But how was it that he could not say a single word about how she looked? It was not like she was seeking his validation or any sort of thing like that. A simplepliment from him would send the right signals to her. It would show he was not holding a grudge because they were sent away together.


    Both of them walked out to the front porch. Jessica watched as a white limo pulled up in front of them. Whoever thought that she would ever have the opportunity to enter into such a car in her lifetime?


    The Limo stopped in front of them and the chauffeur quickly opened the food for them. The door stayed open. Xavier turned to her and gestured for her to go in first.


    ¡°Ladies first¡± he murmured as he watched her face turn ufortably.


    She had overheard his vehement refusal for her to go on the trip and she had made it very clear that she was displeased with his methods and that she had no hand in whatever plot Dawson was going on about.


    She entered and sat down in the opposite chair. Xavier entered and sat far across from her. The door to the car closed slowly and the engine hummed to life.


    The car ride was ufortable and the silence was deafening. Jessica wishes she had insisted to go with Leslie. It would be better if she was a third wheel. She would at least not feel awkward because she was sure that both parties would try their best to make sure that she wasfortable.


    The car ride seemed longer than Jessica had thought. Although she did not know the exact location of where they were headed she prayed to get there faster than a man could say jack.


    If she happened to get to the party before she could find the time to lose her mind she would avoid him for the whole night and make herself drunk enough that she would not be able to feel the awkwardness.

 Branch Seventy Four

    As the Limo came to a half and the chauffeur opened the door Jessica climbed out immediately. She has been inplete silence it was ufortable.


    Was he the same one whoforted less than forty eight hours ago? Was it just pity from his end? She hated herself for thinking of giving him a chance. She thought that maybe if she became close to him they could keep in touch after the divorce.


    Now she had to go on a trip she did not know how long with him. How was she going to survive being with him?


    ¡°Jessica wait¡± She heard him call her. She wanted to turn back immediately.


    ¡®But what if it¡¯s my subconscious mind that is ying tricks on me¡¯ she thought. She did not hesitate to keep walking ahead. Taking gentle and calcted steps because of the heels she wore.


    She felt his hand on her shoulders and although there was a thin separating her shoulder des from his hands she felt a jolt of cold current pass through her shoulders all over her body.


    ¡°Wait¡± he whispered close to her ears. She moved forward a bit to shake his hands off her. Why did he touch her? Why was he causing her confusion? Wasn¡¯t it obvious she was trying to avoid him?From N?velDrama.Org.


    She turned to face him and he stared deeply at her that she felt he was reading her soul.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said trying to voice irritation that was nonexistent. She wanted to be super mad at him but it was as if she was just barking up a tree. It felt like he had not done anything wrong that deserved such treatment from her. When in fact he had done worse more to her.


    ¡°Since we came together. It would be strange if we go in separately¡± he told her.


    He knew he had offended but he wanted to make sure she wasn¡¯t disrespected at the party. He knew the people of Chiachester and even more especially the upper ss since they were all he ever had to deal with.


    They were a bunch of low self esteemed people who would jump at any chance to put one and another down with their words.


    Since she still had ten and a half months roughly to go her impression would do so great that or good to his reputation and that of the Delgado name in general.


    ¡°Here,¡± he said putting his hand into an arc and asking her to link arms.


    ¡°I should link arms with you?¡± she asked with shock.


    She could not believe he did not apologize but this was the most of his concern.


    ¡°People are watching, smile¡± he whispered. She caught a whiff of his cologne as he leaned. She loves the smell and she hated herself. His cologne was her new favorite thing to smell she could not deny it.


    ¡°People are watching?¡± was that the most of his worries?


    She knew that appearing to be a perfect wife in the eye of the public was a part of her job description.


    Why was she mad that he did not acknowledge her as she might want? It was not a part of the description.


    ¡°Suck it up¡± she whispered to herself as she walked to stand beside him and link hands with him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡±


    Jessica found herself enjoying thepany of Xavier.


    ¡°We have to go around like this for a moment to greet the majority of the people here,¡± Xavier said in a whisper.


    ¡°Do I have to?¡± she asked.


    As much as she was enjoying thepany she was reminded of the tale of the toad in a pot of water that was set to boil. The frog did not know he was being boiled to death but enjoyed the warmth and subtle changes in the water temperature.


    ¡°This is your first official event since we got married. It¡¯s the least you could do¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do. It¡¯s a contract. It¡¯s just a contract¡± she whispered as they went.


    Xavier heard her but what could he say? Assure her that it was more than a contract at this point. Or should he tell her that the money she would get in the end was more than she needed to do?


    They entered inside and the first person they met was Marcus. Xavier had noticed the not-so-subtle nces he threw her way when they signed the contract. It was obvious he was interested in her.


    Xavier knew that Marcus was engaged to be marriedter that year.


    ¡°Me and Mrs Delgado,¡± Marcus said stretching his hand for a handshake. He shook Xavier¡¯s hand and then went in for a shake with Jessica too.


    He wanted to hug her if he could. She looked exceptional that night. He took her to his lips and nted a small and polite kiss on it. Jessica could not be offended because it was sweet.


    ¡°You look so beautiful tonight,¡± he saidplimenting her. He meant what he said and he could stand by his word. Jessica found his earlier gesture a little likable since it was followed by such ament. Something too hard for her husband to say.


    ¡®Did I just see him as my husband?¡¯ she thought to herself. She shook off the feeling and paid Marcus apliment too. Not because she wanted to return the favor but because he was looking not too bad himself. The tuxedo did him well too


    Xavier did not like the interaction but he could not say anything. He was beaming mad.


    ¡°Marcus¡± a high pitched voice called and his face turned sour. He quickly adjusted it because he was about to introduce her as his wife to be. He had no choice.


    As much as he wanted Jessica to be the one standing by his side he had no courage to break it off with Gold and Jessica was still with Xavier in the meantime. He had ten months to meticulously n out his strategy.


    Gold came andtched herself to Marcus her dripping from his shoulders. For some reason, Jessica felt that the amount of skinship she was getting with Xavier was not enough. She felt jealous of the girl standing there that she could be free with her partner as she wanted to be.


    ¡°This is Gold, my fiancee,¡± Marcus said introducing them.


    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Gold said with a broad smile.


    ¡°And I know you know Mr. Delgado, this is his wife, Jessica,¡± Marcus said pointing to Jessica while speaking to Gold.


    ¡°Why do you call my wife by her first name?¡±

 Branch Seventy Five

    ¡°What?¡± Marcus asked with a slight stammer that portrayed his confusion.


    Was there anything wrong in addressing her by her first name? He wanted to be a part of her life and he knew that calling her on a first name basis would make them seem close to each other.


    ¡°Why did you call my wife by her first name?¡± Xavier repeated.


    Jessica tugged at Xavier¡¯s hand. She has no problems with him addressing her with her first name. It was her name after all.


    Xavier saw into the tactics of Marcus. He saw interest in Jessica in his eyes and he knew that he could move in at any time. There was no way he would let him have Jessica.


    ¡°Is there anything wrong in addressing each other by first names?¡± Gold asked with a small chuckle at the end of her statement. She thought he was being silly for asking such a question with a serious expression.


    ¡°Yes, there is,¡± Xavier said. His gaze was strong and ufortable on both parties as they stood there.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± Jessica said in a whisper. Xavier ignored her and intensified his stare.


    ¡°Stop it. I don¡¯t mind being called by my first name¡± she added as she told him.


    ¡°I do mind,¡± Xavier said.


    Jessica wanted to have a go at him but she noticed the gaze is every other person on them. There was no need for her to cause a scene.


    ¡°I¡¯m good can we just drop it?¡± she asked. ¡°People are starting, there is no need to blow this out of proportion¡± she added in a hushed whisper.


    ¡°Jessica is your client and not your friend keep that in mind,¡± Xavier said in a warning tone as he pushed himself forward through their middle.


    They went ahead but Jessica stopped him in the middle where no eyes and ears could hear their whispers.


    ¡°Why did you do that to yourwyer?¡± Jessica said. They needed to talk in whispers or else it would be equivalent to washing their dirty linen in the public ce.


    ¡°He likes you and wants to make a move on you¡± Xavier responded.


    ¡°Why do you care?¡± Jessica asked after a long pause. She had tried to analyze the situation.


    ¡°You are married to me and rumors can still fly. I don¡¯t care whatever you do when we divorce but for now, I don¡¯t want any man approaching you or you doing the same¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry Mr. Delgado there would be nothing of such happening¡± she said with spite.


    He implied that she was making moves on a man meant he thought she was trying to reciprocate Marcus¡¯s feelings when she only chatted with him because he stopped to do so.


    ¡°Xavier¡± a man called from behind.


    Both Jessica and Xavier turned. Jessica tried her best to wash away the bitter emotions she was feeling and just try to enjoy the party at best or at the very least not embarrass her husband and family.


    Jason walked to them and stopped in front of them. Jessica essed him. He looked young but it was still obvious he was around the age of Xavier. He smiled toothily and stretched for his hand to Jessica.


    ¡°You must be Jessica? Nice to meet you I am Jason¡±Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Jessica stared at his hand. She was confused about what to do. Seeing that he had called Xavier by name that must mean he was close to him.


    She did not want another unsuspecting and innocent man to feel inferior and embarrassed because Xavier decided to do so.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ept my handshake?¡± Jason said with a smile.


    He wasn¡¯t pissed that she was not taking his hand. Wasn¡¯t it normal for a girl to feel ufortable shaking the hand of a man she just met for the first time?


    Jessica slid her hand into his only halfway and removed it within a split second. Augh escaped Jason¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Hasn¡¯t your husband told you about me?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°Why would I need to talk to her about you?¡± Xavier asked his eyebrow going up.


    ¡°Because I am your best of friends and business partner. I have helped you make a lot of money here in Chiachester and also in Crescent Bay¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t my best friend. I don¡¯t have friends¡± Xavier said squaring his jaw.


    ¡°Oh you hurt me deeply,¡± Jason said still with a smile.


    ¡°You know I was curious if your boy here would ever settle down. I was shocked to hear he got married without inviting me to the wedding¡± Jason said facing her.


    Jessica then understood what was going on. Her husband had a long and unique rtionship with this man standing in front of them. He was also not from their city but from the one next door. People had always referred to Chiachester City and Crescent Bay as two peas in a pod.


    ¡°Brian told me about you and I was thrilled to meet you,¡± Jason said.


    ¡°It¡¯s also lovely to make your acquittance,¡± Jessica said.


    At the moment all she wanted to do was detach herself from Xavier and sit in a corner. Not only had he started her night by ruining it he also managed to ruin the night of hiswyer too.


    ¡°oh my God. Alicia ising this way¡± Jason said in a panic. ¡°Jessica, how do I look?¡±


    ¡°Handsome¡± she responded using all she had within to smile.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said feeling his heart rate elerating.


    ¡°He likes Alicia,¡± Xavier thought to exin his attitude.


    ¡°I can see that¡± Jessica replied. She does not need his subtitles as she was fine and could decode the situation by herself.


    ¡°Jessica,¡± Alicia said going in for a hug. Jessica finally left Xavier¡¯s hand and she sighed with relief internally. How happy she was to unlink her hands. Note cause she did not like it because she did not want to get used to it.


    ¡°So happy to see you,¡± Alicia said as she pulled away. ¡°Me. Delgado, thank you for honoring my invitation¡± she said.


    Jessica stood back beside Xavier and felt Xavier¡¯s hand slip on her till he held her worst. His hand danced around and then she felt him intertwine their hands. Her stomach had millions of butterflies swimming around with pleasure.


    ¡°Mr. Jameson,¡± Alicia said shyly with a little blush creeping up her face.


    ¡°You can just call me Jason, Ms. Gates¡± Jason replied. He gave himself a mental pat for not forgetting how to speak and articting a proper sentence


    ¡°Then I must insist you call me Alicia too¡±

 Branch Seventy Six

    They stood and chatted for a few more minutes before Xavier announced that he needed to show his wife to the other business tycoons who were in attendance.


    Jessica had a hard time bonding and speaking with them. No matter how hard she tried she could barely find amon ground on what to talk about. She saw them turn their nose up when she could not makements on their political stands or economic analysis.


    ¡°Finally some peace,¡± Jessica said as she plummeted into the seat beside Leslie.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a fun thing to do?¡± Leslie said in a mocking tone.


    ¡°Very fun,¡± Jessica said teasing her back. She took the ss on the table and downed the water in it.


    ¡°Easy or you would have to go to the toilet often,¡± Leslie said as the cup dropped down on the table.


    ¡°I think I needed that,¡± Jessica said yawning a bit.


    ¡°Heydies¡± a strange man walked up to the table.


    Leslie rolled her eyes when she saw him. ¡°What¡¯s he doing here?¡± she murmured as he sat down


    ¡°What am I doing here? I was invited of course. There is no party if I am not there¡± he said.


    ¡°Whatever. I wonder why you have such good hearing¡± Leslie murmured taking a sip of the wine she got earlier.


    ¡°Are you going to introduce your friend to me? She looks so beautiful I feel like we could be best friends¡± he continued.


    Jessica hearing this strange man address her as beautiful made her heart skip a beat but not in a good way. She had been waiting all night for Xavier topliment her just once but she had heard it so many times from the other men in attendance.


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t think you can be best friends with her,¡± Leslie said air quoting the word best friends.


    ¡°Why not we¡¯ve been friends for a while until you got married,¡± he said holding her hands down to the table.


    Leslie wiggled her way out of his grip and threw him a death grip. ¡°Oh my God you still got that sexy hot look,¡± he said licking his lips.


    Jessica felt ufortable with the interaction but she did not want to walk away. She had circled the hall almost three times and now all she wanted to do was sit back down and enjoy the party the best way she could.


    She would have a lot of good food and wine. She promised herself to get drunk because she knew that would be the only way she would be able to escape Xavier and hide awkwardness the rest of the night.


    ¡°This is Jessica Delgado,¡± Leslie said introducing her.


    ¡°I did not know that the Delgado had a female child¡­. ¡± he began to say when he realized that this was not the child but the popr wife who everyone was talking about.


    His eyes widened and Leslie nodded with a smile on her face. She liked the fact that he was intelligent and she did not need to exin everything to him.


    ¡°Jessica anyway this is Chef Liston¡±


    Jessica was thrilled to be meeting with Chef Liston. She has always dreamt of meeting those high-end chefs and clients and some how she might not have ever met them if she had note the way of Xavier.


    ¡°I am a huge fan,¡± Jessica told Liston. ¡°I did not recognize you because of what you¡¯ve done with your hair,¡± she told him.


    ¡°Oh well I like to experiment with it¡± he answered with a smug expression.


    He loved the attention that he was getting today and more importantly, it was from a beautiful woman like her.


    ¡°I am a chef too. I will be opening my restaurant soon and I will be sure to send you an invite¡± Jessica tells him excitedly.


    He was a celebrity chef and if he happened to endorse her everyone would want to flock there. Maybe this was the greatest publicity she needed.


    ¡°Oh wow, a food artist? You don¡¯t look like one instead you look like a fashion icon¡± Listonmented.


    ¡°Oh well I think you are taking it too far¡±


    ¡°If you would be sending me an invite I guess we need to exchange contacts right?¡± he said pulling his phone from his picket.


    ¡°Here may I have your phone number?¡± he asked her.


    Jessica happily collected the phone and typed in her phone. To be honest she was on cloud nine. How could one of the city¡¯s finest chefs and celebrity be collecting her contact?


    Leslie watched the scene unfold before her eyes with utmost suspicion. She knew that Jessica was probably doing it out of excitement. She knew Liston on the other hand, only got a number of girls he wanted to make a move on.


    Leslie wanted to stop the interaction but she was curious to see how Xavier would react when he heard that the yboy Liston went after his wife. It might just be what would take them closer.


    Liston caught the expression on Leslie¡¯s face and smiled before tapping her forehead.


    ¡°I know what you are thinking but that¡¯s not happening,¡± he said before taking one of the cups with wine in it and raising his ss.


    ¡°Let¡¯s toast,¡± he said.


    The girls picked up their sses and clinked them together before taking a small sip and dropping them back to the table.


    ¡°I wonder when we can eat. I¡¯m starving¡± Jessicamented looking away into the crowd.


    ¡°Soon I hope¡± Leslie responded holding her stomach.


    ¡°I catered for the event so I hope you enjoy it,¡± Liston said casually before standing up and walking away.


    ¡°Please be careful with Liston,¡± Leslie said looking in the direction of her husband who was in a serious long conversation with Xavier and Jason at another table.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Just be careful. He is a chronic womanizer who breaks the hearts ofdies. He has broken the heart of many upper-ssdies¡± Leslie fed her with the information.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I am married,¡± Jessica said with an offense that Leslie would even think to bring it up.


    ¡°Well don¡¯t get angry. I was just telling you about Liston. Didn¡¯t mean to offend you¡±


    ¡°I guess they never get tired of work. They have to still discuss it at parties¡± Leslie said changing the topic causing Jessica to look in that direction.


    She looked at all the men at the tale and had to admit that her husband looked the sharpest among them.

 Branch Seventy Seven

    The rest of the party went by in a blur. Xavier Brian and Jason had not left the table they had been at all night. They sat down there going on and on about the business they were looking to establish.


    Somehow to Jessica, it felt like he was just trying to avoid her because of their earlier reaction. Although Jessica had said she would get drunk she did not think it would be possible until the cup touched her mouth.


    She drank until she could not stay upright anymore. She was slurring but she could not stop talking and drinking.


    ¡°Why did you drink so much?¡± Leslie said in a fake cry.


    ¡°Did I drink?¡± Jessica said in a series of stammers between her words.


    ¡°Yes you did¡±


    ¡°Oops,¡± She said and then ended her sentence with a giggle.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong you with?¡± Leslie asked confused. She pushed her head that kept going down. ¡°Stay still,¡± she said removing the cup from her hand and putting it on the tray of the waiter that was passing by.


    ¡°Have someone clear this table please¡± she added and the waiter nodded and left.


    ¡°Okay ma¡¯am¡± the waiter with a bow before walking away.


    Leslie breathed out and then walked to the table where the three men were seated. She did not know why they hade all the way here and still decided to talk about all these business talks.


    ¡°Gentlemen,¡± she said pursing her lips together.


    ¡°Ohh Leslie so nice to see you again¡± Jason said as Leslie tapped the table to gain their attention.


    ¡°Darling you are¡­¡± Brian began to say but trailed off when he saw the mad expression on her face.


    ¡°If you had enjoyed the party maybe we would have seen hours earlier. Three hours to be precise¡± Leslie retorted.


    ¡°Well in my defense I wanted to enjoy the party but these men brought an offer I can resist¡±


    Leslie¡¯s mad expression found its way to Xavier and Brian. How dare they find a way to make this fun party about work?


    ¡°Mr. Delgado you need to take your wife home,¡± Leslie said her attention falling on him.


    ¡°Why? I am not ready to leave yet¡± he responded pulling out his phone from his pocket.


    ¡°She is drunk and I would like it for you to take her home before she makes a scene¡±


    Xavier whips his head in Jessica¡¯s direction and sees her saying something pointing to the table. What made her drink so much that she could get drunk?


    ¡°I would have the drivere help her to the car and take her home,¡± Xavier said tapping on his phone.


    Leslie pulled out his phone from his hand and switched it off before dropping it back on the table.


    ¡°The driver? She is your wife and this is a public ce. You should be the one to take her home¡± she exined gently like she was exining to a middle grader.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go yet¡± he murmured.


    ¡°I am sure you don¡¯t want the Delgado name ruined,¡± Leslie said to which he nodded.


    ¡°Then I suggest you take her home now.


    Xavier stood up reluctantly and walked slowly to the table. To be honest he knew Jessica was angry at him and that was part of the reason he stayed away all night. He did not want to worsen the situation.


    Also, how was he supposed to handle a drunk person? He had never had to do something as such before. He had been drunk and he was taken care of by the bartender and the drivers. What should he do?


    He sat in the chair beside Jessica and held her hand that was pointing to the table. She looked up angrily at the hand that held her finger. The expression on her face softened when she saw that it was him.


    ¡°You,¡± she said with a hup. ¡°You are my husband¡± she added with a toothy grin.


    ¡°Yes, I am¡± Xavier whispered.


    ¡°Come closer,¡± she told him.


    He moved in closer to her and she beckoned on him toe closer with her hands. She cupped her mouth with her hands and put it close to his ears.


    Her breath on his neck and ears sent shivers down his spine. He wanted to pull away but strangely he liked it.


    ¡°I met a mean jerk today,¡± she said in his ears thinking it was a whisper.


    She pulled away and so did he. He started at her. He was the jerk she was talking about. How did she not know that?


    ¡°What do you want me to do?¡± he murmured.


    ¡°Good question¡± she said hups following each word.


    He looked at her with such an attention and soft expression that it felt surreal. He was the culprit but if he could pretend to be the hero maybe he would feel better about what he had done to her all evening.


    ¡°Can you punish him? You should have such power since you are rich¡± she said and then covered her mouth.


    ¡°Oops so sorry for spilling your secret I should not have done that¡± she adds with a giggle.


    What secret was she talking about? Xavier could not wrap his mind about what she was talking about but he could admit that she looked and acted cute while drunk.


    ¡°He did notpliment me all night even after I made up¡± she added with a frown.


    Now that was a topic he so very wanted to escape. He wanted topliment her but he was afraid of being called swallow. He was the one who put a thick line between them.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home, You can tell me all about it in the car,¡± Xavier said standing up and extending his hand to her.


    ¡°No I want to enjoy the party,¡± she said pping his hand away from her face.


    She stood up abruptly and began swaying to the music. Her dance moves were off-beat but she seemed to be having the time of her life since her eyes were closed.


    Xavier became conscious when he noticed that almost all eyes were on her. He held her shoulder and her eyes jolted up. His hands slipped to her wrist and he pulled her closer. He smiled at her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home¡±

 Branch Seventy Eight

    ¡°You are no fun,¡± Jessica said blowing raspberry to his face.


    He had sessfully taken her out of there before she could do anything further to embarrass herself. It was a rare asion for a person to get drunk and not do anything embarrassing.


    ¡°I am very sure you will thank me tomorrow,¡± Xavier said holding her in ce.


    She had not been able to stay in one spot since they got outside. Being drunk made her restless unlike her usual calm and collected stance.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said retching her guts out.


    ¡°What?¡± Xavier asked when he saw her face. He was afraid that she would throw up and worse of all it might be all over him.


    ¡°I want to go home,¡± she said suddenly.


    He sighed in relief when he heard her request. After all, it was not that she needed a ce to like urgently.


    The limo drove up and stopped in front of them. The chauffeur opened the door and Xavier did a lot of work to get her into the car. She sat down with her side and waited for him to get inside.


    The door closed and the car hummed to life. As soon as the driver began to drive, Jessica got closer and nuzzled herself into his arm.


    Xavier stiffened by the direct contact between them. He felt ufortable because he rarely had such direct contact with people. His wild train of thought was cut short by a feeling of something warm going down his pants.


    He looked down in the dimly lit car and saw a white substance going down his pants. He heard her chew something imaginary in her mouth before she turned the direction of her head.


    Did she justfortably puke on him? Why would she do that? Could she not say that she wanted to throw up so that he could provide a bucket for her?


    ¡°Jessica?¡± he called as he pushed her head slightly.


    She murmured incoherently and turned in her sleep once more. Xavier turned his nose up as she sat down there praying that they get home on time so he could get out of the trouser that might now be ruined by her puke.


    The car slowly came to a stop at the front of the mansion after they had gone for a while. The chauffeur opened the door and Xavier came out. Xavier stopped him before he could go ahead to lift Jessica.


    ¡°I would do it so just retire for the night,¡± he said picking Jessica up bridal style.


    He walked up the stairs and dropped her on the bed they shared while the whole staff looked at him in awe and left murmurs behind him.


    It was the second time in less than a week that he was carrying her home like a baby or a new bride.


    ¡°What do I do? She needs to get out of this dress and freshen up¡± Xavier asked himself as he stood watching her chest gently rise and fall as shey peacefully on the bed.


    She stood up suddenly and turned to face him. She scratched her neck slowly before falling back to the bed.


    ¡°Such a jerk,¡± she murmured deep into her sleep.


    Jessica sat up straight and felt her head pounding. How did she get there? Last she remembered she was downing a cup of a very expensive red wine that she did not bother to learn the name.


    She looked around the room and realized that she was back in the same room that she swore never toe back to. She looked down and saw that she was alone.


    As she tried to stand up she felt a sharp pain course through her whole head. Why did she drink so much when she was unsure if she could handle it?


    She had always been a conservative girl so she did not know what her tolerance level was like. She hated the pain she felt in her head and body.


    ¡°Oh shit¡± she murmured as her hand went to her head.


    Her eyes darted to the clock on the wall and it read past 10. How long did she sleep for her to be waking up way past the time for breakfast?


    If she would be making anything she would only be able to meet up for lunch. Although she woke up veryte she still wanted toy back down and have a bit more rest.


    Her eyes fell on the ss of water and the strip of aspirin on the bedside table. She did not know who it was but she was greatly grateful that someone thought it to leave her aspirin for her headache.


    She popped the pills andid back down. She would only get out of bed when she felt better. As she closed her eyes the events of yesterday suddenly shed back in her mind.


    Strangely she remembered the entire conversation she had with Leslie while she was drunk. She remembered telling Xavier that she met a jerk and also how she puked on him.


    ¡°Why have you been making such fish decisions?¡± she echoed her thoughts to herself.


    ¡°Why did you drink so much that you had to embarrass yourself like that?¡± she said crying into her pillow.


    Shey there with her eyes closed. ¡®Should I just run away?¡¯ she silently asked herself as shey there.


    If she ran away then she would not need to face Xavier after all the things she did it him yesterday.


    ¡°Are you awake youngdy?¡± Angel asked standing by the door frame.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Jessica was so engrossed in her thoughts that she did not hear the knock and the door creaking to open.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she responded sitting up slowly.


    ¡°Oh jolly good you are awake. Let me go bring something for you to eat¡± Angel said turning.


    ¡°I am good. I just had aspirin because of my banging headache so I would like to rest a little more¡± Jessica said stopping her.


    ¡°I am so sorry youngdy but I have to bring you your meal and make sure that you have it if not I might lose my job¡± Angel exined to her.


    ¡°Who said so?¡± Jessica asked.


    She prayed desperately that it was Xavier. She just wanted to hear from anyone around that he did not hate her after all.


    ¡°The young Master said so¡±

 Branch Seventy Nine

    Dawson was on the phone with Ethan. He knew that shipping them both there would not do the trick of bringing them together. His grandson was stubborn and closed off. His granddaughter-inw would not make a move because of the distance that Xavier had put between them. They needed a push and Ethan was the perfect man for the job.


    ¡°You only call me when it is time for investments. I thought we were friends Dawson?¡± Ethan says with a teasing voice.


    ¡°And you answer every time¡± Dawson continued.


    Silence ensued on the phone before both men burst outughing. They were the ones who took the smallpanies or their grandparents to greater heights. They were buddies and confidants.


    ¡°Do you feel better? Are youing to Aurora Haven? I hated that I had to interact with your secretary thest time¡± Ethan expresses with a gruff in his voice.


    ¡°I am afraid I can¡¯t make it this time also. It is a bit difficult for me to travel such a distance in this state¡± Dawson exined.


    ¡°So you are sending the secretary again?¡± Ethan said with a sigh.


    The secretary was too serious and did not stay a few moments. Ethan was a lonely man. His children said they hated his business so they did every other thing apart from his business. When he hoped for his grandchildren. They all went into the entertainment industry iming there was better money there.


    In annoyance, he had cut them all off and ensured that none of them would be able to inherit from him. After all, why should they inherit from a business they do not like? Ethan often looked forward to meeting with Dawson and other business partners. That way he had fun once in a while. This was the reason he insisted on having the meeting at his ce.


    ¡°Don¡¯t send him please¡± Ethan cried over the phone. ¡°I woulde over instead. It¡¯s been ages since I went to Chiachester City¡± Ethan said.


    ¡°I was thinking of sending my grandson and his wife instead but seems like youing here is a better idea¡± Dawson teased.


    ¡°Your grandson and wife?¡± Ethan asked in amusement.


    He knew Xavier so well that he concluded he would never be able to find love on his own. It was a strange string of words to have wife attached to him.


    ¡°Yes, he got married low-key about two months ago. I think it is time he met you officially as thepany owner¡±


    ¡°Is there another reason you are sending them both here?¡± Ethan asked catching up quickly.


    If he wanted him to meet his grandson and wife officially then meeting them in Chiachester was not a bad idea at all but the idea of sending them to Aurora Haven must have a big reason behind it.


    ¡°I need help,¡± Dawson said curtly.


    ¡°Of course you do. You made it obvious¡± Ethan teased.


    ¡°I want you to keep them there for as long as a week or more¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Now Ethan was curious. Something was up.


    ¡°I want them to spend it as their honeymoon¡±


    ¡°Oh really? Is it a marriage of convenience?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°Ahhhh¡± Burke heard a scream from the kitchen.


    He hurried out of the room to the kitchen where Emma was seated on the small dining table in the kitchen. Her phone was on the table and her hair was all over the ce with tears in her eyes.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Burke asked worried as he walked in haste to her. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked again which led to began a full-on sobbing.


    She did not respond but cried as if her life depended on it.


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± he asked again holding her close to him.


    His eyes shifted to the phone on the table and saw a picture of Jessica and her husband smiling for the camera.


    ¡°How is it that I settled for you?¡± she asked in between sobs.


    ¡°How is it that I lost Jessica?¡± he asked in a murmur.


    ¡°What?¡± Emma asked when she caught a whiff of what she said.


    ¡°How is it that I lost Jessica to a jerk like him?¡± he repeated.


    She was the one who assured him that Jessica would always be there for him. She assured him that she would forgive him even if he did not show up on their wedding day. How did it turn out that the same Jessica now ended up wedded on that same day?


    ¡°How dare you say that?¡± Emma said angry.


    There was no real reason she was angry. She was just jealous of Jessica and the life she was currently living. She went from being a lowly chef to being the wife of the richest man in Chiachester City.From N?velDrama.Org.


    Emma would have been content with getting married to anyone who worked in the big offices of their city but here was Jessica the one who was beneath her bagging the men and going to parties.


    ¡°Emma you caused this mess for both of us. If I had not listened to you when you told me to ignore her on the wedding day then I would not be in this mess¡±


    ¡°Mess?¡± Emma said standing up with a shout. ¡°Are you referring to me and our child as a mess?¡± she added now outraged.


    ¡°Yes, this mess. I am almost throat-deep in debt because you want a star wedding that you can even afford and I can¡¯t take it anymore,¡± he shouted back.


    He had allowed her to have her way but with the rate of things he might end up in the police cell because of fraud.


    ¡°Burke don¡¯t you dare start what you can¡¯t finish¡± she screamed.


    He began to wonder how they got there. Perhaps it was bottled-up emotions from all that had happened in the past few days.


    ¡°Emma I am done with you. I want and choose peace. I can¡¯t borrow any more money. I can¡¯t stay or even be with you anymore¡± he said silently with tears in his eyes.


    ¡°Same here¡± she screamed and took her phone from the table before storming out.


    ¡°What did I just do?¡±

 Branch Eighty

    ¡°We will be going on the trip tomorrow,¡± Xavier said as he came out of the closet to meet Jessica in the room.


    Jessica suddenly remembered that she had promised Dawson that she would apany Xavier on his business trip.


    ¡°Oh, how many days are we spending there?¡± she asked.


    She had to ask so she could pack ordingly she did not want to over pack or under pack.


    ¡°What is the weather like too?¡± she asked. She did not want to be careless. She was supposed to be the wife of the richest man in the city she would at least act like one once.


    ¡°In Aurora Haven, it is cool this time of the year and we should spend three days at most,¡± he said.


    She nodded and moved to the closet. She could have her bags ready so she doesn¡¯t dy him. It¡¯s not like she wanted to go but she would try her best not to get on his nerves.


    As she passed by him she remembered her interaction with him on Friday. It was Sunday and she had not seen him since the party.


    She turned to face him and his eyebrows went up. ¡°I am sorry about what I did during the party,¡± she told him looking down at his feet.


    She could not bear to look at him in the eyes. How could she? She was the one at fault here so she would apologize. Maybe if he did not tick her off she would have acted normal and steered clear of the alcohol.


    This was not a time to justify herself on who was at fault. Instead, she should ept the fault so they could move on.


    ¡°I must have lost my mind for a second there¡± she added in a low voice as she raised her head.


    Xavier pressed his lips together for a minute as he watched her. She did some cute things when he tried to leave her but it was obvious she did not remember.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Everyone gets drunk at least once in a lifetime. I would just ask that you don¡¯t drink like that next time¡± he said.


    Why was he being so considerate? It was unlike him. He was supposed to be mad at her. She shifted ufortably. She had prepared herself mentally to go back and forth with him but he had stopped the argument before it could progress.


    ¡°Oh,¡± she cleared her throat. ¡°Thank you then,¡± she said as she went to the closet.


    She looked through her new clothes. If she was going to impress the man they were going to meet she needed to look as sophisticated as possible. She needed him to know that she was the wife of the Delgado family.


    As she pulled out a dress her phone rang. She pulled it out from the back pocket of her jeans. I read James. He was the realtor who helped her secure the spot for her restaurant. Thinking about the restaurant gave her a warm feeling that she could not exin.


    ¡°Hello James so nice to hear from you¡±


    ¡°Hello Mrs. Delgado¡±


    To be true to herself being called Delgado still sounded foreign to her. Maybe it was because her husband had yet to acknowledge her as his wife. She sighed and cleared her throat.


    ¡°I am calling because of the interior decor. My wife would love toe see you to go over the details. When would you be free?¡± he asked.


    She had forgotten that she asked for an interior decor and constructor so she could get the business up and running.


    ¡°Oh James,¡± she said as she thought of how well to schedule the meeting. ¡°I am going on a trip so when I am back I will give you a call¡± she added.


    ¡°I will follow up as soon as I see the news that you havended back in Chiachester,¡± James said.


    He knew that those high up there could be carried away by the happenings with them.


    ¡°I would appreciate the reminder,¡± she said turning around to see Xavier standing there watching her keenly.


    ¡°Bye then,¡± she said as she dropped the call.


    ¡°You were on the call for a long time¡±


    ¡°It was James,¡± she said when she saw his judging eyes. ¡°James the Realtor¡± she added when he did not move.


    ¡°I know who James is. Haven¡¯t you signed the papers?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I have,¡± she said turning back to pick out a dress from none of the racks.


    ¡°So why were you on the phone for that long then?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Di I need to report to you who and who I am talking to?¡± she asked feeling a sense of annoyance.


    It¡¯s not like he had apologized for what he did but now he was here asking her questions to which she did not understand.


    ¡°If you have nothing to hide then you would not be angry about the question,¡± he said pressing his lips tightly together.


    ¡°I have nothing to hide from you and I do not owe you an exnation,¡± she said facing him.


    How dare he try to act like a person who cares when he had been doing the opposite of it all this while.


    ¡°You should answer the question so I don¡¯t misunderstand,¡± he said calmly.


    ¡°You can misunderstand for all I care. There is no way I am spilling out to you¡± she said.


    He walked calmly towards her. He hated that he had to watch numerous men hit on his wife while she stood there watching. He had to admit that he thought she was beautiful but when he saw all those men swarm toward her during the party he could not handle it.


    As she watched hime closer she unconsciously began to move back until her back was firmly ced on the rack behind her.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± her voice came out in a whimper.


    Why did her voicee out that way? It made her sound helpless and she hated it.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you answer the question?¡± he asked as his eyes fell on her face.


    He wanted to run his hands over it but restrained himself. Why would she want to do that? He did not like her. He was sure of that at least. What she did recently was just getting on his nerves a lottely.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to¡± she answers breathlessly when she looks up at his gaze. It was strong and she had never encountered anything like it before.


    She had been in a long-term rtionship with Burke but she never saw him gaze at her like that before. She shifted on her leg as she looked down.


    His hand went to her chin and lifted her face so he could see her.


    ¡°Stop it¡± she whispered and looked away.


    He pulled away from her and walked away. He did not want to do anything they both would regret even though his lips were itching to touch hers.


    ¡°What was that?¡± she asked herself as she used her hand as a fan to cool herself off.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Be ready we leave early tomorrow¡± she heard his voice.


    She looked up at him and nodded feeling the tight knot unable to dissolve in her throat.

 Branch Eighty One

    Jessica had never had the opportunity to visit the very popr Chiachester International Airport before and she marveled in awe at what she saw. The only way she could have seen an airport before was if watched it on the television or the inte and those things were not her interest.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado, I am d to see you again. You haven¡¯t gone on any business trips in thest four months¡± a man with the name tag of Jack spoke to Xavier as he entered the waiting area.


    ¡°Is the ne ready?¡± Xavier asked not returning the extensive greeting made by Jack.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Delgado we have fueled and are currently prepared for take off. Let me take you to the waiting room¡± Jack said leading them.


    He led them past the normal boarding center which was very rowdy and full of people. The announcer¡¯s voice echoed through the whole room as they passed by.


    Jack stopped at a door that had a tag with the letter body written, VIP BOARDING AREA.


    ¡°You can go in. If you need anything do not hesitate to let me know¡± Jack said and bowed before leaving.


    Xavier pushed the door open and Jessica followed through. Inside the big vast room were just three other people probably waiting for their flight too. They were the people that Jessica had encountered during her greeting spree at Alicia¡¯s party the other day.


    They all threw Xavier a tired and knowing nod and he did the same. Jessica was thankful it was not more than that because she did not feel like talking much.


    Xavier took his seat in one of the chairs and Jessica did the same beside him. She was afraid to let him out of her sight. She did not want to get lost in an airport. It would probably be in the news that the billionaire¡¯s wife could not navigate her way through the airport.


    Jessica looked around her as she was unable to take the ce in. An ordinary office worker would not have as many appliances as there were in the room.


    There was a coffee machine and water dispenser to her right. A snack table that housed enough and a vending machine too. Behind the snack table were some airport staff who were probably in charge of caring for it.


    A woman with a nice smile and neatly packed hair wearing a ck dress and three-inch ck shoes walked elegantly towards them.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado, it¡¯s lovely to have you with us again. Is there anything I can get for you while you wait for your flight?¡± she asked. On her name tag, she had Babe.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I am fine. Can I have just water?¡± he said almost dismissing her. ¡°What about you?¡± he asked turning to Jessica.


    The woman turned and only then did she notice Jessica.


    ¡°Oh Hello, Mrs. Delgado. It¡¯s lovely to make your acquaintance¡± she said with a courtesy now.


    ¡°Likewise same,¡± she said as she smiled too.


    ¡°Would you like anything to eat it drink?¡± Baby asked her.


    ¡°Can I get water too?¡± she asked as she cleared her throat.


    ¡°Coming right up,¡± Babe said as she walked away.


    ¡°Are youfortable?¡± Xavier suddenly asked her.


    His question made her heart flutter for a moment. She came back to her senses as she nodded and then looked away.


    ¡°What was that feeling?¡±


    The wait at the room was not all that long soon Jack was back and escorted them to a ne. As soon as Jessica entered inside she realized it was a private ne.


    ¡®You did marry a billionaire¡¯ she said to herself inwardly.


    She knew she married a billionaire but moments like the limo on Friday and the restaurant he bought without thinking about it and now the private ne made her realize that she was truly not on the same level as he was.


    If they did not meet at the court house she might have had no way to ever meet him to enter his cycle.


    Xavier went in and sat on one of the chairs in the ne and put on his seat belt. There was a seat opposite his and Jessica walked slowly to him. She cleared his throat to grab his attention.


    ¡°Eem can I sit here?¡± she asked shuffling between her feet.


    Since she had never flown before she was nervous and since it seemed like he was the only one to be on the flight with her she had no choice but to ask for his help.


    ¡°Sure,¡± he said gesturing for her to have her seat.


    ¡°Do you by any chance have motion sickness?¡± he asked just in case so that he would know what to expect.


    ¡°I have never flown before so I am not sure,¡± she asked as she battled with the seat belt.


    She was not sure if she was getting the positioning right. She did not want to ask for help. Saying to her mouth that she had never been on a ne was embarrassing enough.


    ¡°Do you need help with that?¡± Jessica heard him ask. She did not ask but he offered and that made her less pathetic at least in her own eyes. It already seemed like she was freeloading him now this too?


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said shyly.


    Xavier removed his own safely secured belt and then stood to help her. He secured the belt and triple-checked before going back and sitting back.


    When he finally sat Jessica realized that she was holding her breath for quite a long time. She fanned herself with her palm as she blinked multiple times.


    The pilot came over and greeted them both wishing them a safe flight.


    ¡°For someone who had never been on a ne before she sleeps much,¡± Xavier said and Jessica¡¯s head bopped up and down as she sat down sleeping in her chair.


    She had been afraid and it showed on her face for the first few moments that the ne took off but as soon as it stabilized she fell asleep and became asfortable as she could get.


    Xavier stared as her head and body went back and forth in sleep.


    A few minutester Xavier saw himself overlooking the beautiful nes of Aurora Haven. He was d that Jessica was here she would be goodpany.

 Branch Eighty Two

    ¡°Wake up,¡± Xavier said shaking her a little. Jessica stirred in her sleep and then suddenly her eyes shot open.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± she asked wiping the drool that had now consumed her face.


    ¡°Aurora Haven,¡± Xavier said looking outside.


    The ne hade to aplete stop almost thirty minutes ago but Xavier had quietly dismissed the crew as he then proceeded to watch her sleep peacefully.


    ¡°Oh we are here?¡± she asked with a sense of excitement. At first, she thought of leaving Chiachester City after the divorce. She knew that that might be the only way she would survive the criticism.


    But after she got the restaurant the thought of leaving her dream behind because of a little criticism was hard to bear. She knew that she might not be able to see any other ce outside Chiachester if not for such an opportunity and hence her excitement.


    ¡°You¡¯re happy?¡± Xavier asked like her emotions were something strange.


    ¡°Although I do not want to impose on your business meeting, it still feels nice to be out of Chiachester City seeing that I have never left before¡± she exined.


    What she did not need at the moment was his judging eyes when he looked at her. She did not want him to think she nned it and wanted to tag along. She was excited to see another city but it was she was not behind hering here.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Xavier said standing up.


    He had unstrapped his seat belt while he watched her sleep. She quickly unstrapped hers and stood up. She felt a little lightheaded but ignored it by concealing with a smile.


    ¡°Where are our bags?¡± she asked as they walked down the ne and Xavier began walking towards the arrival terminal.


    ¡°Probably waiting in the car for us¡± Xavier responded.


    She doubled up to match his pace. They entered the busy terminal and the first person her eyes caught was an old man with his entire head grey and a younger man standing beside him holding a card with letters boldly written. MR. AND MRS. DELGADO FROM CHIACHESTER CITY.


    Xavier¡¯s eyes darted across the whole room before theynded and the man. ¡®Must be Ethan Ramirez¡¯ Xavier told himself.


    Roselle had taken her time to enlighten Xavier of Ethan. She has told him to put on a show in front of him and that way he would easily bag a contract without going back and forth.


    Xavier slipped his hand and intertwined his fingers with Jessica. The feeling of her fingers on his felt so warm that he wanted to bury his hand in her. She tried to pull away because of the shock of what was happening but he held her hand still and pressed it a little.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked in a whisper.


    ¡°What am I doing? I am holding the hands of my wife¡± he told her.


    ¡°I meant why¡± she shot back at him. They were never that close so why was he suddenly doing that?


    ¡°We need to put on a show¡±


    Jessica knew that she had no choice but to y along. This was not for her to catch feelings but it was for the Delgado family to have a renewal of their contract.


    Xavier walked slowly with his hands and Jessica intertwined. He stopped in front of Ethan and smiled.


    ¡°And you just be Xavier,¡± Ethan said. The young and standing beside Ethan dropped the card and ran over to stand beside them. He bowed his head.


    ¡°Allow me to escort you,¡± the man said raising his head. Ethan Vegan walked ahead and Xavier followed suit.


    ¡°Your bags have been safely put in the car,¡± the young man said as they walked.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jessica said turning her head to the man at the back. The man felt ted. Someone thanked him.


    In his line of work, it was quite rare for a boss to thank a staff as sweetly as Jessica had done.


    ¡°I am d to serve you,¡± the man saiding to stand in front of them.


    ¡°I am Micheal and I will be your guide throughout your stay here in Aurora Haven. Mr. Ramirez had prepared a lot for¡­..¡± Xavier cut him off with a raise of his hand.


    ¡°Can we have the details when we settle down? My wife and I are sogged that we would love to eat a bit before we begin anything¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°That¡¯s a fantastic idea¡± Micheal eximed.


    He had no choice but to follow the choice of Xavier. They walked to the car that was ready for them and before they could get there Ethan had gone in his car. The both of them entered the second waiting car and they drove off.


    The car drove for a while as if it was going to the outskirts of the city and began to trail a rough road. It branched into another road and they ended up in a house that looked like a cottage. The ones you see in children story books.


    ¡°Is this where Mr. Ramirez stays?¡± Xavier voiced out when he saw how small the house looked inparison to the kind of wealth he was rumored to have.


    ¡°No, it is not but I have been instructed by him to bring you to this personal vacation house as this is where you would be staying¡± Micheal exined.


    Ethan had coborated with Dawson to help bring both of them together. The n was to cramp them in a smaller space for a space of almost two weeks. That way they would be close to each other and unconsciously want to lean on each other.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Xavier said skeptically.


    He knew that his grandfather had something to do with whatever it was that was going on. It made no sense that they would be brought to a cottage on the outskirts of the city when he had more than enough rooms to cater for them both.


    Micheal helped with their bags and wondered how the small bags they had on would be enough for them for two weeks.


    ¡®Maybe they nned to get whatever it is that they might need here¡¯ he thought to himself.


    The house was smaller than what they had all envisioned. The kitchte and room were closely joined and a small stall door for the bathroom and toilet.


    Xavier wanted toin but held his peace when he thought that his grandfather might not have anything to do with the situation.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Ethan might be putting them there on purpose. Was there something he was trying to check?


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jessica said again and Micheal bowed to leave.

 Branch Eighty Three

    Jessica freed herself from Xavier¡¯s grip and moved to the kitchte she opened up the refrigerator to meet it filled with everything and anything one could think about.


    ¡°We are to make our meals ourselves?¡± Xavier asked out loud.


    ¡°You do not like it? I think it¡¯s a very good idea¡± Jessica said closing the refrigerator and then opening the cabs one by one. Cereals that she had never seen before, instant noodles and other types of instant packet foods and spices lined the shelves.


    ¡°I love the view,¡± she said when she looked out the window that was over the sink. There was a nice beach with a speed boat on the deck.


    ¡°d to see you love it here,¡± Xavier said sitting on the couch made avable in the room.


    ¡°I did not¡­.¡± she started but got cut off by him.


    ¡°n it? I know you¡¯ve said it more than enough times now and I believe you so don¡¯t say it again¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I guess it is good to see you happy after being down for so many days. It¡¯s like you never recovered from the incident at the police station¡± he added.


    ¡®Why would he think the reason she was down was because of the police station incident?¡¯ she thought to herself.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m down because of Emma and Burke?¡± she asked as she left the barricade demarcating the kitchen and room.


    ¡°What else can it be?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°It was you,¡± she said. If he was asking she should tell him. He deserved to know what wrong he had done.


    ¡°Me?¡± he asked like her words were a grave sin that was impossible for him tomit.


    ¡°Yes you¡± she answereding to sit beside him.


    ¡°I offended you? Me?¡± he asked again.


    She shook her head with augh leaving her lips. ¡°Yes you,¡± she said.


    ¡°What did I do?¡± he asked. Now that he knew she was probably angry about something he did he wanted to know and maybe he could take a step further and apologize.


    ¡°I am not saying this to get an apology from you¡± she started and watched his curiosity grow.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he asked when she grew silent fit a few minutes.


    ¡°First of all, you reacted strangely when Dawson said we shoulde together. It made me feel very bad because it felt like I was unwanted by you¡± she said.


    She saw he wanted to speak so she raised a finger to silence him. ¡°Wait please,¡± she said stopping him from taking.


    He gulped hard and took a deep breath. It was obvious to him that he was misunderstood by her. The way he reacted would make anyone think that way too.


    ¡°Also you avoided me the whole dinner night. I saw you nce our way a few times that night but you never came back¡± she said. ¡°Not until I got drunk¡± she added.


    ¡°And then you did notpliment my dress or makeup too. I felt bad about it¡± she added.


    Xavier stared at her and drew closer to her. She shifted in her chair as he came closer.


    ¡°Whhhh¡­ aa.. ttt?¡± she asked her back hitting the armrest of the chair


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Jessica managed to find her voice with him leaning in so close.


    Her nose caught a whiff of his cologne and it was as if she should bury herself in the nook of his neck and get intoxicated with the scent.


    ¡°I did not know you felt that way¡± he murmured slowly his eyes falling to her lips.


    She cleared her throat as his eyes darted everywhere in the room except at him. She wanted tob in and ce a kiss on his lips. How would he react if she did that?


    ¡°Men keptplimenting all evening but you¡­¡± she trailed off when her eyes caught his intense gaze.


    ¡°I did not think I needed to assure you of your beauty,¡± he said his voice very low. She darted her eyes everywhere his eyes on her were making her ufortable. ¡°At least I thought you knew that¡± he added in a lower voice


    ¡°Can you stop staring at me like that¡± she muttered clearing her throat.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked his lips going up in a smirk.


    ¡°You may argue that you¡¯ve never dated before but you know how to do things like this too?¡± she asked him.


    It was obvious that he was a born yer. How could a man who imed to have not had a rtionship all his life know how to look at a woman in such a manner and also say things that made her hot?


    ¡°And abouting here¡± he started ignoring herment. ¡°I was just worried about making you travel when it was not a part of our contract. I do admit that at first, I did not like the idea but when I thought about it it was not bad at all¡± he added.


    ¡°Okay, but I was no longer down. I just thought to let you know¡± she told him.


    ¡°Oh,¡± he said like a child who was deprived of his juice box.


    ¡°Can you get off me now?¡± she asked.


    He wasn¡¯t on her but the position was too close and she was not sure of what she could do. His perfectly sculptured face was right in front of him and she wanted to travel her hand all over it.


    ¡°Is my weight too much on you?¡± he asked.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Jessica felt her hand go up to his head and she pressed the back of her palm against his head. She felt his temperatureparing it against hers.


    ¡°You seem normal and you look exactly the same too¡± she murmured slowly taking her hand off his head.


    ¡°What are you murmuring about?¡± he said grabbing her hand before she could drop it. She felt her stomach drop to the floor and multiple knots tied in her stomach.


    ¡°You are acting very strange Is it the new environment? I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s the new environment. We have been away from home twice now and you¡¯ve acted strange both times. I guess the new environment has an effect on you¡± she rambled on. He gave a heartyugh and slowly lifted himself from her.


    ¡°Should we go see the beach?¡±

 Branch Eighty Four

    ¡°I would love to¡± Jessica standing up. ¡°I think I should take a shower first before we go. I¡¯m feeling very sticky¡± she added going to her suitcase to pull out a dress.


    She was d she brought something that could be likened to a sundress at least she could wear that on the beach.


    ¡°Take your time, we aren¡¯t in a hurry¡± Xavier responded to her.


    Jessica entered the shower and turned in the water. As the water hit her body she began to wonder about the attitude of Xavier since they got there. He had held her hand even though they couldn¡¯t see Ethan again and he only let go when she pulled away. And then now what he disyed just a moment ago.


    ¡®Was it possible that he is falling for me? Or is he pretending?¡¯ she asked herself as the cool water prated her skin.


    After a nice warm shower, she changed up and came out to stand in front of him. He looked her up and down before standing up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said grabbing her hand.


    ¡°Are you not going to take a shower too?¡± she asked him concerned. ¡°It would help you rx after the long flight¡± she added.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he said pulling her out.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    When they stepped to the deck of the house a grill which Jessica had not seen before was sitting pretty there.


    ¡°Maybe we can have barbecue when we get back, I saw some high-premium beef in the freezer,¡± Jessica said looking behind her to the grill.


    ¡°And who would grill it?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°I would do it. I can do it¡± she said convincing him that she was capable. Having barbecue while overlooking such beautiful scenery would be therapeutic.


    ¡°So you mean to say you can operate a grill? No way am I allowing you to do that. I can call Ethan and have him send someone to operate it¡± Xavier said all at once.


    ¡°What do you mean? It¡¯s not that difficult to operate and moreover, I am a chef¡± she replied wondering why he was blowing the situation out of proportion.


    ¡°Even if you are a chef how can I allow you to do something so risky?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Okay then I would not grill it and we would not have barbeque tonight. Well just have something else¡± Jessica said giving in.


    She felt like if she refused to give in then both of them might go back and forth almost all night.


    ¡°Good¡± Xavier murmured as they for to the deck of the beach.


    ¡°So beautiful and peaceful,¡± Jessica said closing her eyes and taking a deep breath of fresh air. ¡°Being here makes me want to choose toe here after the divorce¡± she said turning to face Xavier with a cute expression on her face.


    Xavier did not like that in the moment she remembered and brought up the divorce but he was at fault. He was the one who said they should get one after a year. Thinking about it made his stomach turn in annoyance.


    ¡°Would you consider moving here?¡± Xavier asked with all sincerity. What he wanted to ask was if she would consider not divorcing him in the long run.


    She turned to him and nodded.


    ¡°So peaceful¡±


    Jessica and Xavier spent a little more time at the beach having little conversations with no depth whatsoever.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting dark and the biting insects areing out already,¡± Xavier said standing up from the sand and stretching his hand to her.


    She did it and he pulled her up. When she was up on her feet she was so close to him that their noses almost touched. She had the urge to hold his face in her hands and nt a kiss on his lips.


    She shook her head to clear the thoughts and took a step back. He held her so she doesn¡¯t get far from him.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± she asked clearing her throat and shaking her head again.


    Why was he doing this to her? It was like it was on purpose but he still looked innocent as ever. When she was with Burke she always had self-control over things like this but with Xavier, it seemed like she wouldn¡¯t be able to trust herself with the decisions she made.


    ¡°Yes we shall,¡± he said taking her hands to walk her back to the mini condo.


    ¡°Why do you keep holding my hands?¡± she asked out of curiosity.


    ¡°In case anyone sees¡± Xavier lied. He just wanted to hold her hands and it did not matter if people were out there watching them or not. Her hands were warm and he wanted to hold them.


    Jessica looked around her to try and detect a soul but not a single soul was in sight.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone would be here to monitor us,¡± she said.


    It was not as if she hated the hand holding but she wanted to know the reasons so she didn¡¯t get her hopes too high up. Now that she knows it¡¯s all for a show she can know when to withdraw.


    She tried to pull her hand away gently but Xavier held firmly to it.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she whispered when he intertwined their hands.


    ¡°Okay, I lied it¡¯s not for show. I want to hold your hands. They are warm¡± he confessed.


    Jessica felt an unhealthy amount of blush creep to her cheeks and she cleared her throat multiple times hoping that the hotness and rushing of blood to her cheeks would subside.


    ¡°So can I hold them?¡± he asked politely.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jessica said. She also loved the feeling of their hands pressed together gave her. She smiled and dropped her hair with one hand to conceal her face which was now burning crimson red.


    As they entered the room Xavier closed the door behind them and pressed Jessica¡¯s back to the door. He bent his head and whispered.


    ¡°What are you doing to me?¡±

 Branch Eighty Five

    Xavier pulled from Jessica and moved to the bathroom. Jessica stood there feeling her legs grow weak she barely made it back to the couch.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    What was that interaction now? And why did it happen? She was so sure he was going to kiss her considering the lowness and deepness of his stare. His voice went down several octaves she was sure he could not go any further.


    ¡°Why did you do that just now?¡± Xavier murmured to himself as he stood watching his reflection in the mirror.


    A smile unknowingly crept up his face. He entered the shower and had a long cooling one. He felt his muscles rx and he felt better than before. He came out of the bathroom to meet Jessica busy in the kitchen.


    He stood at her doorframe and began to watch her as she went back and forth to the kitchen. Why was she so good at what she did and why did she look good while doing it?


    She turned back to pick something at the kitchen ind and was startled to see him starting directly at her. She raised an eyebrow at him and he shrugged.


    Why was she even shocked? It seemed like her theory of different and strange ces for them to be together a different and strange emotions for them both.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner¡± she called after him as she carried a pot to the couch area.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked shocked to see he holding a pot.


    ¡°Help me put the rivet on the table,¡± she said ignoring his question. He rushed to the table and stood in shock not knowing what a rivet was.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know a rivet do you?¡± she asked almost bursting into uncontrobleughter. ¡°Here hold this,¡± she said transferring the pot to his hand with the cloth she used to hold it.


    She pulled out the rivet from the table corner and ced it on the table. She gestured for him to put down the pot on it which he did.


    ¡°I made a one pot stir fried rice. I hope you will like it. I just decided to make this because it¡¯ste and I am tired¡± she exined.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you did a fine job with the food,¡± he said sitting down.


    She watched him and she was tempted to once againpare their temperatures. He was acting strange and it was getting to her. He gestured for her to sit down which she did.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a taste,¡± he said picking one of the spoons in the pot and taking a spoonful to his mouth.


    ¡°Hmm delicious¡± he eximed as he took another bite. ¡°How are you so good at cooking?¡± he asked with his mouth full.


    ¡°It¡¯s my job¡± she answered with a smile.


    She was d it was to his liking and taste. She was worried that his sophisticated taste would not like it.


    ¡°I can foresee that your business would do very well,¡± he told her and she blushed a little.


    They had the meal and when they came to the bottom of the pot Jessica stood up with the pot in her hand.


    ¡°You can get ready for bed while I do the dishes,¡± she said walking to the kitchte.


    ¡°Wait,¡± he said almost in a shout. Startled she turned around to face him. ¡°I¡¯ll do the dishes,¡± he said walking up to her and snatching the pot from her hand.


    ¡°Wait I can¡¯t let you do that,¡± she said standing in his way.


    ¡°Why? Because you think I can¡¯t do it?¡± he asked his eyes twinkling.


    ¡°Have you ever done the dishes before?¡± she asked him.


    ¡°No I have not but it shouldn¡¯t be that hard now should it?¡± he asked walking to the sink.


    ¡°Doing the dishes is a part of the meal preparation¡± she told him following behind.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just rest and I do the dishes? Isn¡¯t it just this one pot?¡± he asked holding her hand and walking her back to the room. ¡°Stay put¡± he added walking back.


    Jessica stood and watched him work. It was a rare situation as she had never seen him do anything of such before. It was really a sight to behold


    ¡°Errm Jessica can youe?¡± he called out and she snapped out of her fantasy about him.


    Jessica rushed to him and stood struck in awe as she looked at thethered full sink. There was no sink anywhere and the sink was buried beneath so much soap.


    Her hand darted to the tap and switched it off. She sighed but she was assumed. When she had teased him about not knowing how to do the dishes she was still sure he would do a good job but it seemed like some people lived in the world who could not do dishes for themselves.


    ¡°Step aside,¡± she said the amusement not lost in her voice. Xavier took a step backward and stood behind her like a child waiting to be scolded.


    ¡°I thought you were sure you could do a good job?¡± she asked putting her hand in to find the drain plug.


    ¡°I think I poured in more dish liquid than I needed¡± he responded ashamed. He was a perfect man how was it that he made such a mistake?


    ¡°I wonder what those young girls who have crushes on you would say when they see you can¡¯t do the dishes¡± she eximed with augh almost escaping her lips.


    ¡°Are you reading my mind?¡± he asked her shocked that he was also thinking the same thing.


    ¡°Please do not offer to do the dishes again,¡± she said and he nodded behind her.


    It would be better if she did it since she knew how well to do it. Soon enough thether was all down and she was able to finish up the cleaning.


    ¡°Thank you¡± Xavier murmured silently as she dried the napkin over the rack set out there.


    ¡°My pleasure,¡± Jessica said mockingly.


    They both stood in front of the bed and then suddenly looked at each other.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the couch¡±

 Branch Eighty Six

    ¡°Wait,¡± Xavier said holding her hand before she could move to the couch. ¡°We can share the bed,¡± he said trying to convince her.


    He was not convinced either but there was no way he would make her sleep on the couch. He could not and did not want to do so either so they had to share.


    ¡°We have been sharing a bed so this should not be a problem¡± Xavier added.


    ¡°Yes we have but that bed is a queen-sized bed while this is something you see at dormitories¡± Jessica exined.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you can not fit into the bed alone. The bed would not be enough for you alone so I¡¯ll take the couch and you can sleep on the bed¡± she added.


    The recent turn of events made it more difficult fit her to be so close to him. She knew that if they were so close she would not be able to sleep and she would have improper thoughts all night.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we can find a way around it,¡± he told her. How could he allow her to sleep on the couch? ¡°And if you insist that we can¡¯t share then I guess you have to sleep on the bed while I take the couch¡± he added.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you would be able to sleep on the couch it¡¯s too hard¡±


    ¡°And why does it make sense that the couch that might be ufortable for me would then befortable for you?¡± he asked her.


    ¡°I grew up in an orphanage home so I am used to ufortable situations. You on the other hand grew up in luxury I am pretty sure your back would ache you all day tomorrow if you sleep on the couch¡± she said.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Okay, then we both sleep on the bed. I don¡¯t want your back aching and you cursing me all day tomorrow because of this¡± he said pulling her hand.


    ¡°I can sleep facing this direction and you sleep facing the opposite direction that way we back each other and get a nice sleep,¡± he told her.


    She sighed. She saw that he was determined to get her sleep on the bed and if they went on and on then they might argue about it all night and she might get annoyed so she agreed.


    ¡°Okay then¡± she replied wiggling her hand. ¡°Can you free I need to change and get ready for bed¡± she told him when they tried and he made no effort to release his grip.


    ¡°Oh yes,¡± he said releasing her hand from his grip.


    She went to her suitcase and pulled out her nightgown and every other thing she might need. Going into the bathroom she had a quick change and wiped down her face with the cleaner she brought along.


    She came out of the bathroom and Xavier entered immediately. She climbed up into bed and covered herself up with a nket. If she was going to be sharing such a small bed with him then she needed to ensure she fell asleep first.


    She heard the bathroom door open and then close. She heard and sensed his hover above her and his sudden shifting.


    ¡°She¡¯s asleep so fast?¡± he murmured and then turned to his side of the bed and climbed.


    ¡°I guess I should sleep too, ¡± he murmured.


    Jessica stirred in the bed continuously. Her body was waking her up but her mind wanted to rest since she was on something that seemed like a vacation. For what they would eat she can whip something up quickly before Xavier goes for the business deal.


    They would most likely be leaving the premises by the next day so she was going to sleep in and then take a walk aroundter that day. Her body rm did not fail her as she felt the urge to stand up. Frustrated she sighed and opened her eyes.


    Her eyes flickered open for a moment and she saw Xavier¡¯s face so close to hers. She admired his features. She agreed that if she had been approached by such apetent and handsome man she would have agreed to marry him.


    ¡°So beautiful¡± she murmured trying to stand up.


    She was pulled back to the bed by a strong hand. Startled by the turn of events her eyes widened and met with Xavier¡¯s eyes that came open.


    ¡°Whhh¡­ aa¡­ aa.. ttt are you doing?¡± she said when she found her voice.


    ¡°I thought you were admiring me so I wanted to allow you to do so¡± he replied.


    Jessica burst outughing. She could not believe that that was his answer.


    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± he asked as he tightened his grip on her arm.


    ¡°I guess this is the longest time I have ever spent with you when I am on my right mind,¡± she said.


    ¡°That one time in the hospital does not count. I was sick¡± she said before he could say anything.


    ¡°And?¡± he asked closing his eyes and taking a deep breath before opening them again.


    ¡°I guess you are a little egoistic,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°I mean if I had your face I would too¡± she added.


    ¡°Oh really?¡± he said.


    ¡°Yes I mean it¡¯s easy to do so when you know how good you look¡± Jessica replied. She made an effort to stand up but was pulled back to the bed. ¡°I need to go make breakfast¡±


    ¡°Well, I think you need to give yourself a little more credit than you already do. A lot ofdies spend millions on trying to get a face that is simr to yours¡±


    ¡°And how do you know that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s always on the papers,¡± he said in a tone that showed she was supposed to know those facts.


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t know about them but although I do not consider myself ugly I can¡¯t boast of being gorgeous,¡± she told him and finally this time she was able to stand up sessfully.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said standing up and packing her hair that hade loose while she slept.


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Xavier asked raising his head to look at her.


    ¡°Make breakfast. Or aren¡¯t you interested in having a meal?¡±


    ¡°I am. I guess I should stand up to get ready to meet Ethan¡± he said when his phone beeped on the nightstand. He picked it up and read the text message on it.


    ¡°Oh my God,¡± he said as he read it.

 Branch Eighty Seven

    ¡°What what what?¡± Jessica said rushing back to stand by his side.


    ¡°Ethan just said he has to travel out of the city for an urgent meeting and would be back by the weekend meaning we can¡¯t leave until hees back,¡± Xavier said in a groan.


    ¡°So we are stuck here for a week?¡± Jessica asked as her mind began toprehend what was going on.


    For some reason, she had a feeling that everything was prenned. The way Dawson had the sudden urge to visit Ethan and the way he acted at the airport.


    Bringing them to this little vacation house that looked like a cottage instead of housing them in his mansion or a hotel. It was as if the house was small on purpose and the whole scenery too. Dawson was the one who put everything together.


    Augh escaped her lips and Xavier turned to face her. Was the current situation funny? Was it funny to her that he would need to leave his work for a while a week just to get a major investor to reinvest in their business?


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t get me wrong,¡± Jessica said. Herughing now was not a good sign and if she told him why he would think she was in on it.


    ¡°Did you justugh?¡± he asked her with his eyebrow furrowing.


    ¡°Well, I just remembered something¡± she started and trailed off to a whisper ¡°And I realize that I remembered it at the wrong time,¡± she said walking away.


    Walking away would be the best option for her at the moment at least she would not say anything.


    ¡°Let me get started on breakfast,¡± she said as she walked away.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Xavier sighed in frustration. He quickly dialed Dawson¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello Papa¡±


    ¡°Hello Xavier, how is it going? How is Jessica? Hope she likes it there and I hope she is doing well?¡± Dawson asked all at once.


    ¡°One at a time,¡± Xavier said rolling his eyes.


    ¡°Okay, then How is Jessica, hope she is adapting to the conditions there?¡± Dawson asked.


    ¡°And here I thought that you would care for your grandson first,¡± Xavier said in a joking voice.


    He knew that his grandfather had grown fond of Jessica unintentionally. He was notining and was d that his grandfather found someone to share his day and thoughts with.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been to Aurora Haven countless times but she has not been there can you put her on the phone?¡± Dawson asked.


    ¡°I have something important to discuss with you,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I will discuss that with you once I hear from Jessica. It would only take a minute¡± Dawson told him.


    Dawson was really worried about Jessica and how she would be able to adapt to the change or environment. He was missing her too. He missed how she would help with the breakfast and how he did not eat dinner on timest night because everyone was used to her cooking now.


    ¡°Here¡± Xavier said extending the phone to Jessica as he stood in the kitchen. ¡°Papa wants to talk to you¡±


    ¡°Oh Hello Dawson,¡± Jessica said cheerfully over the phone.


    ¡°Jessica how I miss you¡±


    ¡°And I miss you too,¡± Jessica said. She did miss him if she was being honest. His sarcasticments and remarks flew all over the ce.


    ¡°Is the phone on speaker?¡± he whispered like he was ready to reveal the world¡¯s dangerous secret.


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Okay then, I know what Xavier called toin about. Ethan is not around and you might have to stay there for a few more days¡± Dawson said.


    Jessica found herself howling inside. She recalls Dawson telling her to go on honeymoon a while back. She did not know he would take the matters into his own hands.


    ¡°Do you have a special assignment for me?¡± she asked him with a smile on her face.


    ¡°Oh yes, I do. It is a honeymoon for you so utilize it very well and maybe you can bring home a great-grandchild for me¡± she added.


    ¡°And don¡¯t you dare say you can¡¯t do it¡± he added stopping her protest before she could get it on.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do it¡± she said. She could not do it.


    ¡°Oh yes, you can. You are a beautifuldy so just seduce him and get it on with. I trust you on that¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Give the phone back to Xavier,¡± he said in amanding tone.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± she said giving the phone back to Xavier. Xavier collected the phone while giving Jessica a strange look.


    She shrugged and turned back to face her meal preparation. She felt her heart pound on her chest. Dawson tells her to seduce him makes her feel self-conscious and she is afraid that he will know what Dawson is nning and involve her without her consent.


    ¡°I know what you want to say because I got a call from Ethan this morning. It was a meeting he could not ignore so just stay back a few days¡± Dawson lied before Xavier could table the matter.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a day or two but the whole week?¡± Xavier groaned in annoyance.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that bad. You have your wife there maybe you two can bond and spend some time together¡± Dawson told him.


    That was his goal. He was not expecting that the both of them would jump into bed at once. At least this opportunity would bring them closer and allow them to connect better.


    ¡°It¡¯s a while week¡± Xavier emphasized again.


    Maybe his grandfather did not understand what he meant earlier.


    ¡°I heard you and you repeating yourself does not change the situation. Just stay back the rest of the week and thene back once you have been able to meet with Ethan¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯te back without the investment and have fun¡± Dawson added his voice dangerously low. ¡°Hang up¡± he added in a small shout.


    His part of the n had been done, now he would only hope and wait that the both of them don¡¯t throw away the opportunity he worked so hard to create.


    ¡°Do you want to do somethingter together?¡± Xavier asked.


    In shock, Jessica turned around and nodded gleefully. Well maybe Dawson was right after all.

 Branch Eighty Eight

    ¡°Are you ever going toe see me in Crescent Bay?¡± Jason asked Alicia who had escorted him to the airport.


    After theunching party, Jason had helped Alicia wrap up and then they had spent the next couple of days with Jason trying to throw his charm around hoping that she would fall for him.


    She had decided to give him a ride to the airport since his business partner and friend were not in town at the moment and Jason blessed Xavier in his heart for taking the trip at the moment.


    ¡°Well maybe if I get the opportunity to partner with someone there I might be visiting soon,¡± Alicia said.


    Of course, she wanted to go to Crescent Bay and not because of business but she wanted him to invite her over. She wondered how he was yet to ask her out. She sensed his growing affection for her and the way he threw his charm around.


    Even if he were not doing anything intentionally to make her fall she had already fallen deeply for him and all she waited for was the question from him and she was giving her answer.


    Jason on the other hand was too afraid to ask her out. Everyone in the business world knew her and her tenacity. She was that strong independent woman who did not sumb to the pressure of needing a man to seed in business.


    ¡°Maybe the Jameson would work something around that,¡± he said smiling.


    He took her hand and rubbed it lightly. ¡®Oh you fool why don¡¯t you just ask me out now¡¯ she said inwardly.


    She might seem strong and confident but she was afraid that she mistook his ordinary kindness for a romantic feeling. She did not want to be humiliated so she decided that it would do her the best to just wait for him.


    ¡°I would be looking forward to it,¡± she said trying to control her emotions that were all over the ce. She felt her tummy jump as his warm hands left a hot ze all over her skin.


    ¡°I would not want to miss my flight now,¡± he said dropping her hands and holding on to his suitcase.


    ¡°Give me a call when you get to Crescent Bay. I would be wondering about you¡± Alicia heard herself say before she could control it.


    An involuntary smile climbed up to his lips as he watched Jessica¡¯s face turn crimson red.


    ¡°I sure will,¡± he said wheeling his bag away. Alicia watched as he walked away. She admired his back and smiled inwardly. It would be normal if he avoided her. Her family thought of her as an overly strong woman. There would be no woman who would ept her as her daughter-inw.


    Jason stopped and turned to face. He left his suitcase took long strides to her and stood in her front. Alicia felt her throat knot and she swallowed hard.


    ¡°Alicia Gates, I am done being a coward and caring what others say. Even if you reject me at least I would know that I tried my best. Will you be my girlfriend?¡± Jason said.


    Alicia felt overwhelmed and nodded her head. Was her dreaming true?


    ¡°Oh yes, I would love to¡± She barely finished her statement when his lips met hers.


    ¡°Oh well, would you look at that?¡± Xaviermented holding his phone and looking down while walking to the kitchen.


    He had gotten off the phone with his grandfather and he was currently scrolling through the trending news. At least one thing he was grateful for was that the ce still had good reception.


    ¡°See this,¡± he said tapping Jessica on the shoulder. She sighed and turned to him. ¡°Yeah?¡± she said her eyebrow young up.From N?velDrama.Org.


    He eyes fell on the phone screen and a scream escaped her lips when she saw it. ¡°Has this been going on or is this a recent development?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Recent¡± Xavier answered promptly.


    ¡°I saw the sparks fly during theunch but I never thought they would get together so soon,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°We all knew that Jason had a crush on Alicia but who would think that Alicia too?¡± Xavier said in amusement.


    ¡°I guess people do not like to show you different sides to them and if you look hard enough you might see it,¡± she said looking up at his face.


    His eyes came up to meet hers. ¡°Are you talking about me by any chance?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Ooh, I have been caught,¡± Jessica said turning to the stove. She turned it off and turned to him. ¡°Let¡¯s have breakfast¡± she announced chirpily taking the tes and cutleries to the coffee table.


    ¡°There is no table so I guess we have to make do with what we have,¡± she said as she entered the kitchen again.


    Xavier watched as she moved back and forth from the kitchen till her whole spread wasplete.


    ¡°Do I seem like a different person to you?¡± he asked as he sat on the couch.


    ¡°I thought that conversation ended?¡± she asked taking a seat beside him.


    ¡°I thought it did too but I can¡¯t see you shake it off my mind¡±


    ¡°You know what people say about you right?¡± she asked.


    She did not know what others said about him but she wanted to see how bothered he was about what others said about him. That was the only way she could be unbothered when she spilled her guts.


    ¡°Who cares what they say? They always have something to say. Like see now they have quickly jumped to the dating rumors of Alicia and Jason because they were openly sucking each other¡¯s face at the airport¡± he said.


    ¡°Dating rumors?¡± Jessica asked augh escaping her lips. ¡°You do not kiss a girl who you don¡¯t want to date like that it¡¯s all wrong,¡± she said.


    ¡°And how do you know this information?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°I just know it¡¯s like a thing girls should know¡± she replied nonchntly. She put the meal she had prepared onto the te and put it in front of him.


    ¡°Eat before it gets cold¡± she added as she put it onto her te.


    ¡°If I do this what does it mean?¡± Xavier asked pulling Jessica¡¯s face to face his. He inched closer and nted a soft kiss on her lips.


    ¡°What does it mean?¡±

 Branch Eighty Nine

    ¡°Haaa¡± Jessica screamed as she stood to her feet. The te in her hand dropped to the floor and shattered. She took a couple of steps backward and stood as she watched him in amusement.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked as he stood up watching her stand there with extreme shock on her face.


    She turned to move when he shouted for her to wait. ¡°Wait, you don¡¯t want to get injured by the ss,¡± he said walking cautiously toward her.


    ¡°Stop!¡± she screamed when he was barely three more feet away from her. ¡°I¡¯ll clean this mess and get a new te¡± she added.


    She was going to act like nothing happened because it did not. His mouth just barely grazed hers and she knew it was a mistake. As much as she would have lived for it to be true. She knew there was no way he was attracted to her.


    ¡°Let me handle it,¡± he said not giving her a chance to respond before he moved to the kitchen. He came back armed with a broom and a dustpan in hand.


    He dropped them to the ground and lifted Jessica. As she felt her leg leave the ground a shriek left her lips. It was a brief moment before he dropped her at the other end of the room.


    He had carried her before but this was different. Maybe he was overthinking the situation and there was nothing different. She watched as he carefully packed the ss into the pan using the broom. He did it and went to empty the contents into the bin.


    He came back to stand before her. She blinked multiple times trying to think of what to say. He did not speak but watched her reaction intently. He was the one who caused them to graze lips. Was he not going to say anything about it? Was he waiting for her to talk first?


    ¡°Ermm,¡± she said clearing her throat. The awkwardness in the room overshadowed so much that a knife would have been too dull to cut through it.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said suddenly as if he was snapped out of a daze.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He stopped to think before he burst outughing. ¡°Have you always been this cute?¡± he asked as he turned and went back to the couch.


    Jessica could not take it anymore. It was as if she was being courted and at the same time as if it was not happening. She needed to get to the matter of it.


    Was he toying with her because they were not home?


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said her voice stern and demanding.


    ¡°You just stole my first kiss,¡± Xavier said looking like a child who had been cheated of his goodies.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked astonished. ¡°I stole it? You were the one who grazed your lips against mine¡± She was not going to address it as a kiss. She believes that a kiss would be done between those who loved each other and the two of them did not fall into that category.


    While she had a crush on him she was unsure of his feelings and did not want to jump to any funny conclusion.


    ¡°Did I do that?¡±


    ¡°Yes you did,¡± Jessica said her voice going up several octaves. She felt as if Xavier was trying to y the victim when she had been kissed with her consent.


    ¡°I apologize,¡± Xavier said suddenly.


    ¡°For?¡± she asked.


    At that point, Xavier just wanted to know how her life felt and hence what he did but from the expression on her face and the tone of her voice, it was obvious that she did not like it neither did she take it lightly.


    ¡°Kissing you,¡± he said.


    Ever since he had taken her to the beach he wanted to spend more time with her and since they had this holiday they did not n for it would be easier for them to get closer.


    He did not need to ruin the atmosphere by doing anything like that again. ¡°It¡¯s just that we were talking about kissing and I was reminded that I hadn¡¯t had my first kiss too¡± he added.


    ¡®It was his first kiss. Chill Jessica. There is no need to be so mad and upset about it¡¯ she told herself.


    Seeing him look so vulnerable like a child made her just wave it off for him. It was quite sad that a man his age had yet to kiss a girl and that she was his first.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡®I am his first¡¯ she said to herself as an incredible smile tinted by her red cheeks climbed up to her face. She might notst in the rtionship with him but it was sure that he would never forget her now. She was nted in his memory.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± she said as she moved to the kitchen to take another te. ¡°Let¡¯s have breakfast and have fun since we are close to the beach¡±


    They had the meal in silence. Since Jessica was learning to be a strong woman she was not going to let the circumstances of having a kiss stolen from you distract her. After the meal, Xavier entered the bathroom while she cleaned up the kitchen.


    After a while, he came out looking all neat and proper. He wore a dress shirt with the first few buttons undone. His usual cooperate looking hair was let down today with a little curl to it. His cologne filled her nose as she took it in.


    ¡°I better get ready too,¡± she said entering in. She closed the door and pressed her back against it. How could he kiss her and dress up so nicely? How was she supposed to forget about it now? There was no way she could.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Xavier said over the phone. Ethan sent him a message to tell him that if he needed anything he should call his secretary.


    Since they were in Aurora Haven they would take the opportunity to tour the city and have nice meals. Maybe Jessica could shop a little too. He arranged with the secretary to have a car and a functional god be dropped off for them. He would take care of the rest himself.


    ¡°Okay sir,¡± the secretary said as Xavier hung up.


    Jessica came out with her hair packed in a fancy style. She was not going to allow Xavier to out-dress her. If he was making her ufortable she needed to make him ufortable too.


    ¡°We would be going to the city. I heard that Aurora Haven has some of the best restaurants too¡± Xavier said.


    Jessica could not feel any more special. Her job was being a chef and he suggested that they go on a food taste trip was all she needed to look at him with love.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she said excitedly. ¡°But how do we get there?¡±


    ¡°Trust me,¡± he said as he heard the tires of the car skid into the rough road in front of them.

 Branch Ninety

    Xavier stood on the porch outside as he watched a man dressed in a ck suite out of a white convertible. He bowed to him and walked towards another car that was waiting for him.


    ¡°Who is there?¡± Jessica asked as she pushed her way out and to where Xavier was standing.


    ¡°No one,¡± he saiding down and towards the parked car. He went to the passenger side and opened the door. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said gesturing to her to get in.


    ¡°I have to get my things,¡± Jessica said rushing back in. If she was going to leave thisfort then she needed a few things. She put all she needed into the bag and went out.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± she asked as she entered. Xavier did not answer instead he closed the door gently and jogged to the driver¡¯s seat.


    He entered and put on his seatbelt. ¡°Your belt,¡± he said when he saw Jessica make no move to put on hers.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± she asked again.


    ¡°I told you already. Aurora Haven is the perfect ce to try out new meals and not worry about a thing¡± he said.


    ¡®So he is taking me to taste food around the city?¡¯ she asked herself as she pulled the seatbelt and strapped it over herself.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now,¡± Xavier said starting the car. The car hummed to life silently and zoomed off. Xavier followed the GPS to some locations he had searched out beforehand.


    As they got to the first restaurant they had a waiting line. ¡°Now I get why it is popr,¡± Xavier said with an apologetic expression on his face.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s a hotspot for tourists and visitors whoe here,¡± Jessica said. ¡°I would really love to try their food¡±


    ¡°I will ensure to get us a seat,¡± Xavier said before turning and dialing a number. He spoke for a short time and then turned back to her.


    ¡°I am afraid we can not get a space inside,¡± he said with a cute expression on his face.


    Jessica wanted to reach out and pinch his cheeks for looking so cute but she refrained herself. ¡°Hmm is that so?¡± she asked stroking her chin instead.


    ¡°Yeah I am sorry,¡± he said again. Jessica felt the urge to tease him further.


    ¡°And I always thought that those who called themselves billionaires could get into any ce at any time they wished,¡± she said.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame that we can¡¯t eat here and taste their famous chicken dishes¡± she went on and added a tsk to the end of her sentence.


    ¡°The owner does not care about ss apparently and everyone has to stand in line to get a meal here¡± he murmured reciting what Ethan¡¯s secretary had said over the phone to him.


    ¡°Well I guess we should stay on the line so we can have that for lunch,¡± she told him.


    ¡°Can I ask a question? Promise you won¡¯t get mad¡± Xavier said.


    Jessica was skeptical about the oue but seeing he was interested in her she had to give it a go. She nodded eagerly and he nodded too.


    ¡°Why are you so obsessed with having three square meals?¡±


    Jessica certainly did not expect that question and was too stunned to answer.


    ¡°I am sorry if I offended you. I was just curious¡± Xavier said in a haste.


    ¡°No, it is not that you offended me. It¡¯s a question I have never gotten before¡± he told her.


    ¡°Do you want to share?¡± he asked because it seemed like there was a story behind it.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Well at first when my mom died she left me with my alcoholic and debt breeding aunt who used up all the insurance money and then she put me in an orphanage home¡± Jessica began.


    She loved how attentive he was and how he looked at her. ¡°Well in the home we were mostly maltreated and our punishment for any misbehavior was us going days without any food,¡± she told him.


    She was sure that Xavier had never heard of anything like before. ¡°And then after a while, I grew ustomed to not having food daily which resulted in an eating disorder for me. I had a hard time recovering. That made me take an interest in the cooking line¡±


    ¡°All that happened to you?¡± Xavier aided. He had never heard or seen a thing like that. All his life he had been cuddled to eat.


    ¡°Yeah, but I think I healed¡± Jessica replied. She could not deny the times she had the extreme urge to go days without eating and how she resisted and endured when she ate.


    ¡°I became a chef because I want those around me to have healthy three square meals daily¡±


    Now the meals she had always prepared held substantial meaning to Xavier. It felt like she was personally trying to heal the world one step at a time.


    They suddenly fell silent and looked around. They stayed in the queue and it took a while before they got in. Xavier decided to splurge and order every single thing on the menu and Jessica was not stopping him. She wanted to have a feel of almost everything too.


    They had the meal in peace and Jessica took note of some dishes there. She was going to try it. Small talk flew around as they had their meal.


    After the meal, they went ahead to visit other tourist spots too.


    ¡°I would grill barbeque tonight, and you would not think to say no to me,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°I am guessing I dare not say no?¡± Xavier asked. She nodded and he burst out in a giggle. After Jessica had made sure to make Xavier try out the street food stall promising him that there would be no food poisoning they returned to the condo out in the woods.


    ¡°I would take a quick map before I get started on the barbeque,¡± Jessica said as they entered. She dropped her bag on the floor and dropped dead on the bed.


    The excessive eating and going around had made her tired so she decided to just rest before they ate dinner. Since they were on a break they could eat aste as they would like.


    Suddenly she jerked back to reality and stood up abruptly from the bed. ¡°What happened?¡± Xavier asked startled by her sudden reaction.


    ¡°I would stay on the couch in case you always want to sleep,¡± she said standing up.


    She could not and did not want to ignore the growing tension between them since they woke up face to face that morning. If she were to take a nap and wake up to his beautiful face she might lose it.


    ¡°Oh No you don¡¯t,¡± Xavier said taking her hand and leading her back to the bed.


    ¡°I am good on the couch¡± she protested trying to wiggle her way out of his grip.


    ¡°I want to work on that couch now while you take a nap¡± he lied.


    Jessica raised her eyebrow. ¡°I am the president of thepany. I can¡¯t leave my work for others to do¡± he added.


    ¡°Okay then if you say so¡± sheid down back on the couch.


    She closed her eyes as she forced herself to fall into a slumber. Xavier went to the couch brought out hisptop from his bag and began working on it.


    He had lied that he had work to do but in reality, nothing urgent was pending. He just wanted Jessica to restfortably. He began to work on anything he couldy his hands on.


    He raised his head after some time to see her soundly asleep. He walked towards her and pulled up the nket to her chin. He stroked her hair lightly while taking in her beauty.


    ¡°No really Jessica Penelope what are you doing to me? Why did I start caring so much about you?¡± he whispered to her.


    She stirred in her sleep and he raised his hand from her hair afraid that he would wake her up. His phone rang in his pocket and he stepped out to pick it up.

 Branch Ninety One

    Xavier spoke on the phone for a few minutes before he went back to meet Jessica sitting on the bed.


    ¡°I see that you are awake now. You were sleeping so peacefully¡± hemented as he went to pick up a bottle of water.


    He came back and gave her an opened bottle. ¡°Thanks¡± she murmured as she took off the cover and gulped down arge amount. ¡°I really needed that¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we order something in?¡± Xavier asked returning to hisptop that was set down on the table.


    ¡°Order something?¡± she asked slipping the cap of the bottle back and yawning a bit.


    ¡°Yeah like pizza or chicken?¡± he said and she scrunched up her nose. ¡°Or Chinese¡± he added seeing she did not like his suggestion.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°We had chicken all day and I do not feel like having anything with flour in it,¡± she said standing up and walking to the kitchen. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry I would make something extremely delicious¡± she said before stopping halfway and turning to face him.


    His eyebrow went up as he saw her face. It was a mixture of amusement and annoyance. Such a wonderfulbination.


    ¡°Your idea earlier,¡± she said as she took small steps towards him.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he answered out of impulse. He felt the need to answer because she looked like a viin about to pounce on her victim.


    ¡°Was it because you did not want me to make barbeque?¡± she asked standing in front of him.


    ¡°Well I just feel like it is dangerous for you to be doing something like that,¡± he said defending himself.


    ¡°What is so dangerous about a grill?¡± she asked with amusementing close and taking a sit beside him.


    She was kind of pissed he tried to stop her but seeing his fear for a girl made her concerned and she found it somewhat funny.


    ¡°It has naked fire and someone could get hurt. Jason has a huge scar on his waist because he was grilling something during our college days¡±


    ¡°Oh so it is like a post-trauma event?¡± she asked concerned.


    ¡°No not trauma, it is just something I don¡¯t like. We can eat any other thing¡± he said.


    ¡°Okay trust me. Just this once. I would grill it without any incident. Or don¡¯t you like meat?¡± she asked him.


    ¡°I do like meat but¡­¡± he trailed off having no excuse. She has asked him to trust her. It would be strange if he still insisted on her not going ahead with her ns. ¡°Okay then,¡± he said giving in.


    It seemed strange to her that a grown man would shy away from such a masculine task as grilling. ¡°Would you join me in setting up?¡± she asked as she stood up.


    ¡°What do you need?¡± he said as he bolted up in a hurry.


    ¡°Maybe help with the veggies since you fear the grill,¡± she said teasing him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t fear


    ¡°The grill,¡± both of them said as she joined him to say it. He rolled his eyes and walked to the kitchen.


    ¡°Where are the veggies?¡±


    Jessica got the grill up and running as Xavier stood in a distance watching her set it up. She began to grill the meat.


    ¡°See I told you that nothing could go wrong with grilling,¡± she said as she flipped the meat on the grill.


    The aroma of the meat filled the atmosphere and Xavier almost admitted out loud that she was almost nearly perfect in all she did. She did them well and he almost had noints at all.


    ¡°It¡¯s so boring here why don¡¯t we have a conversation¡± Jessica suggested.


    ¡°About what?¡± he asked taken aback by her suggestion.


    ¡°Anything you choose something¡± she replied as she poured some spices on the grilling meat.


    ¡°I am bad at things like this¡± Xavier after a long moment of silence. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say,¡± he said in a whisper.


    ¡°Should I take the lead then?¡± she asked removing some of the cooked meat from the fire.


    ¡°Yeah sure I am sure you would be better at it than I would,¡± he told her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s y a game then¡± she suggested and he nodded. He had nothing to do either way so why not.¡±Should we y twenty questions then?¡±


    He shrugged and said ¡°I don¡¯t know the game but if you suggest it then why not¡±


    ¡°Okay so we ask twenty questions each on what we want to know about each other and the other party has to answer or drink beer¡± she exined.


    ¡°We do have beer right?¡± she asked as she raised her head to see him.


    ¡°Beer? No, we can¡¯t drink beer. You are a little over the top when you drink¡± he said shaking his head.


    ¡°I am? When?¡± she asked feigning ignorance. She knew she was referring her to a drunken spree the other day but there was no way she would admit to being a drunken mess.


    ¡°When you drank at the party the other day you did a whole lot of things I can¡¯t exin,¡± he told her.


    ¡°I did? Why can¡¯t I recall anything?¡± she lied as she walked to drop the te on the table set out on the patio.


    ¡°Anyway it does not matter if you remembered or not. No beer or alcohol for you¡± he told her.


    ¡°Come on I would just have one bottle and we would stop ying the game Moreover there is no one here too¡± she exined.


    For some reason, she craved beer and she saw some in the fridge the other day. ¡°Okay I would get the wine then,¡± Xavier said giving in.


    He moved back in and came back with a bottle of red wine and two sses in hand. ¡°Maybe we can have this instead of beer today?¡± he asked as he set down the cups and tried to open up the bottle.


    ¡°Well I guess we can then,¡± she said giving in. ¡°Do you want to ask the first question then?¡±


    ¡°Well, what can I ask then? ¡± he pondered as he looked at her. Jessica raised her head and their eyes met. They stared at each other so much it was as if they were peering into each other¡¯s soul.


    ¡°Ahh¡±

 Branch Ninety Two

    ¡°Arghh¡± Jessica screamed. Xavier dropped the cups to the table and rushed to stand beside her.


    ¡°What was that?¡± he asked taking her hands on his and looming over it.


    ¡°I was not looming but I think the oil and spices from the meat dropped to the fire causing it to re up¡± she exined.


    She asked him to trust her that she would not get hurt but here she was with a burning wound on her hand.


    ¡°Let me get the first aid box but sit here first,¡± he said leading her to the chair by the table. He left her hand and dashed inside to search for the box.


    He found one right by the kitchen exit door took it in his hands and sprinted out to meet her. He silently cleaned the surface and put ointment on it. Jessica was expecting the I told you so but it did note so she settled her mind. Maybe he was not that petty after all.


    ¡°You are pretty good with burn wounds. Did you have a lot or did you help those who had wound burns a lot?¡± Jessica said when the silence was getting to her.


    ¡°Jason was stupidly adventurous while we were in school so I had to treat him because we could not go to the hospital for every burn,¡± he said coldly that she had no choice but to keep quiet again.


    ¡°You told me to trust you,¡± he said as he put the tools back into the box breaking the earlier silence.


    ¡®And here ites. Brace yourself¡¯ she told herself inwardly as she looked at him.


    ¡°It was an error so chill out,¡± she said out loud.


    ¡°I told you this error could ur but you ignored me¡± heined as he closed up the box.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°I was craving meat¡± she murmured looking away. Wasn¡¯t the scolding more than the offense? She wanted meat and she tried to grill some but there was an ident.


    ¡°I have no control over errors or idents¡± she exined. Maybe he did not understand the concept as well.


    ¡°I told you that we should have someone over to grill it for us but you refused because you wanted to do it yourself,¡± he said in a voice that portrayed his anger.


    ¡°This would not have happened because if you¡± she blurted out.


    ¡°Because of me? Me?¡± he asked shocked at the allegations. He had done nothing that could cause the ident except to open up a bottle of wine.


    ¡°Yes you,¡± she said countering him. If she did not get distracted by him she would have been so focused on the meat that there would have been no errors.


    ¡°I think you must be making a mistake. I made no move whatsoever toe close to the grill. I even stood at arm¡¯s length. I do not even know how to operate one. So how can I be at fault?¡± he asked flustered by her usations.


    ¡°What is burning?¡±


    Xavier rushed to the grill. ¡°How do I turn this off¡± he asked fanning on the mes with his hands.


    ¡°You have to cut off the air on the grill¡± Jessica respondeding close.


    ¡°Stop don¡¯te close. Tell me what to do and I will do it¡± Xavier shouted before Jessica could get to where be stood.


    ¡°Okay first it is an electric grill so you have to turn off the me with the knob on the side¡± Xavier nodded and did what he was told.


    ¡°Okay then close the hood and remove the plug from the wall¡± she instructed and he did so.


    ¡°Oh thank goodness that could have started a fire,¡± Xavier said with a sigh and Jessica nodded in agreement. ¡°See grills are dangerous,¡± he said walking to stand before her.


    ¡°If you say so Mr. Delgado,¡± she told him. Silence fell between them as they both shuffled on their feet. ¡°There goes our dinner¡± she murmured breaking the silence.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine I guess we can have cereal or something else¡± Xavier murmured. He did not mind because they had a lot to eat at lunchtime too.


    ¡°I can make something quickly and we can pair it with the wine,¡± Jessica told him.


    ¡°There is no need. Let¡¯s just have cereals and go to bed¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I can make something with the already grilled meat. It won¡¯t take long¡± she said pointing to the meat on the table. ¡°I don¡¯t want it to go to waste¡± she added in a murmur.


    It was not like she could not put it in the refrigerator and use it tomorrow to prepare a meal but she was having an extreme craving for grilled meat.


    ¡°If you insist then I must be the one to make the meal,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°You how can you do that¡± she asked with a giggle.


    ¡°How can you do it? With your hand that has a burn wound?¡± he asked pointing to her hand.


    ¡°But have you made a meal before?¡± she asked trying to assess the situation and what she was getting into.


    ¡°No I have not but I am confident that if you guide me then I will be able to make a good one¡±


    Jessica was surprised at his humility. He would allow her to direct him on what to do to make the meal. Her heart fluttered when she thought of why he was volunteering to cook. It was all because of her. She had hurt her hand and now she would get to eat the meal of the billionaire.


    ¡°Okay then go inside and wait while I clear out the ce,¡± Xavier said nudging her toward the door.


    ¡°I can help you out with clearing the ce. I have one functional arm at least¡± she said waving the hand in her face.


    ¡°Just go in. Must you find something to do?¡± he asked and he pushed her this time. ¡°Go in,¡± he said when he saw her hesitation.


    She turned and entered into the house. He would be making a bowl of stir-fried rice or pasta with the meat so she set out the ingredients for him.


    He entered to meet her doing such and took her by the hand and made her sit at the kitchen ind.


    ¡°Please stay here and do not move¡±

 Branch Ninety Three

    Jessica sat still waiting for him. She knew he was done trying to clean up after her so she should just cooperate at this point.


    ¡°I brought the things you would need for the meal out,¡± she said.


    Xavier stood opposite him the ind separating them from each other. Although the ind was thin enough for her to climb over it was still a barrier between them.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Xavier said rolling up his sleeves. Jessica looked at his arm and she gulped hard.


    It would be a hard task for her to control herself while watching him. She has to do it or else she might have to eat cereals and not be able to satisfy her cravings.


    ¡°What do I do first?¡± Xavier asked. He watched her as she shook her head trying to get him out. ¡®What could she be thinking?¡¯


    He tapped the ind separating them to call back her attention to him. ¡°What do I do first?¡± he asked again when her eyes flew open.


    ¡°Wash the veggies I brought out,¡± she said pointing to the carrots and bell peppers alongside other greens.


    ¡°Again?¡± he asked his eyes widening.


    ¡°Or I could do it myself,¡± she said in a low voice pretending to stand up.


    ¡°Sit back down. I can do this¡± he said in more of an encouragement to himself.


    ¡°Can I really trust you?¡± she murmured to no one in particr.


    ¡°So I would wash this in the sink there,¡± he said cing the veggies in a fruit bowl. He turned to the sink and turned on the tap.


    Jessica found herself drooling over his back. How the muscles flexed every time he moved. She watched his bare hand which she could see because of his rolled-up sleeves.


    He turned back with the veggies in a strainer. ¡°What next?¡± he asked. His voice sounded like he was eager to learn. She wondered why.


    ¡°Okay now you have to chop the veggies into reasonable sizes so they do not disappear in the pit while cooking,¡± she tells him and he begins to cut them on a board.


    Jessica stared at his hand and caught herself. She cleared her nose and sniffed multiple times.


    ¡°Do you want water?¡± he asked when he heard her cough. He began to walk to the fridge when she stopped him.


    ¡°Oh please I am good,¡± she said stopping him.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asked walking back to the board where he was chopping the veggies.


    ¡°Oh yes,¡± she said. ¡®Water can¡¯t solve this issue. I need to run far away from you before I get seduced any further¡¯ she said inwardly.


    She did not like that her emotions were focused on Xavier. She did want to forget Burke as soon as she could but she did not like that they shifted to him.


    She knew because it was carefully and clearly stated that the two of them should not participate in romantic feelings for each other but no matter how hard she tried she could not help but fall in love with him.


    ¡®I¡¯m in love with him?¡¯ she thought inwardly.


    When the realization hit her she stood up abruptly and gasped out of fear.


    She had fallen for him.


    ¡°What what what?¡± Xavier asked startled at her sudden movement.


    ¡°I think I want to go to the bathroom¡± she lied and moved to the bathroom.


    ¡°How do Iplete the meal?¡± he shouted after her.


    She opened the bathroom door and peeped outside to him. ¡°Use YouTube. Search for stir-fry pasta¡± she said and closed the door back.


    She stood in front of the mirror with her eyes wide open. ¡°What are you doing?¡± she said in a hushed whisper.


    ¡°Was the break up with Burke not enough heartbreak for you? How can you go ahead to fall for him? Yeah I know he looks like a handsome irresistible character but how can you think of falling for him¡± she continued in the same voice intensity and tone.


    She bent her head to the sink and sshed water on her face to wake her up. ¡°Come on Jessica Penelope Delgado¡± she caught herself calling herself Delgado.


    She staggered back from the mirror. ¡°In less than a year he would have moved on from you and you would have to forget him no matter how hard you fall for him.


    He is not interested in you and the earlier you know and ept this the better for you¡± she finished and wiped her face with the edge of her shirt.


    ¡°Jessica?¡± Xavier said knocking on the door. ¡°You¡¯ve been there a long while. Do you need help? Because I do need help¡± he added.


    Jessica felt a smallugh escape her lips. She did not need help but he did. Was she going to have an unrequited love? Was that not strange? Was it not like things that happened in movies and romance novels?


    ¡°I would be out soon. Just give me a minute¡± she said flushing the toilet and then opening up the tap. She washed her hands under it and walked steadily to the door. She steadied herself by taking long and deep breaths.


    She opened the foot and met him standing there.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why were you waiting?¡± she asked stepping out and closing the foot behind her.


    ¡°I was worried. You were in there for quite a long time¡± he tells her.


    ¡°Oh I was using the toilet,¡± she said trying to sound nonchnt about it. ¡°You said you needed help?¡± she added to the question.


    ¡°Oh yeah, I got confused from the video,¡± he said walking ahead and she followed him.


    ¡®There was no way he had feelings for her. He was toofortable around him at this point that it would be impossible for him to fall for her.


    ¡°Okay now you add the spices,¡± she said peering into the sauce pan on the gas burner.

 Branch Ninety Four

    Xavier got the phone ready and put out it on the ind. Jessica could not deny but it looked good and she could not wait to taste it so she could know what it tasted like.


    ¡°Can we still have the wine?¡± she asked pulling out the cutest face she could muster.


    ¡°You still want to drink,¡± Xavier asked shocked at her request.


    ¡°If we have nothing to do then I guess having a cup or two would not hurt one bit¡± she exined trying to make her case.


    He looked at her intensely for a while. She was right there was nothing wrong with the low alcohol-content wine he had brought out earlier.


    ¡°Okay ma¡¯am,¡± he said setting the cups on the ind with the meal he had prepared. He poured some wine into both cups before he came to sit beside her.


    ¡°Should we eat here?¡± Jessica asked when she saw him faking his seat.


    ¡°I guess we can do so if you arefortable with it,¡± Xavier said.


    There was no need for them to travel all the way to the couch just to eat and this served as a good table for them.


    ¡°So I¡¯m going in to taste it. Any words before I taste it?¡± Jessica asked teasing him. It was obvious he had not prepared any serious meal before and that he was anxious to know how it would turn out.


    ¡°Sure,¡± he said rubbing his hand over his trousers.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± Jessica said twirling her fork in the bowl of pasta he had served for her. She put it close to her nose and sniffed lightly before she put it in her mouth and chewed gently.


    ¡°Oh wow,¡± she said her hand going up to her mouth to cover it.


    ¡°How is it?¡± he asked his eyes widening.


    ¡°With a little guidance maybe you would be as good as Chef Liston¡± Jessicaplimented.


    At the sound of Liston¡¯s name, Xavier felt his jaw tighten. He had watched from a distance as Liston had flirted openly with his wife that day. He saw how Jessica did not turn him down. Could it be that She was already looking for a new man? Was it that a taste of the rich life had gotten her dreaming big? Was his offer not good enough?


    Was she looking to move on already when they were yet to reach fifty percent of the validity period? It was good if one grew ambitious but she could at least wait for them to get divorced already.


    ¡°Listen? Why would you bring him up?¡± Xavier asked unable to hide his emotions.


    ¡°Oh, you know chef Liston right? Of course, you know him. You rich ones move together. He had been my role model ever since I got into cooking¡± she said dreamily.


    ¡°I know him and I know how much of a flirt he is,¡± Xavier said trying to discredit him so much.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know him personally but his meals are to die for,¡± Jessica said happily.


    ¡°I personally think his meals are trash and have no ss whatsoever. If my cooking tastes like his then I guess it is not good enough and we should discard it before any of us gets food poisoning¡± Xavier said standing up with both bowls in hand.


    ¡°Wait wait wait what are you trying to do?¡± Jessica said stopping him with her hand that hurt.


    ¡°I have to dispose of this,¡± he said pulling his hand so her grip could loosen on him.


    ¡°Ahh¡± she eximed in pain. ¡°Why would you waste perfectly good food?¡± she asked ignoring her pain.


    ¡°Because youpared it to Liston¡¯s¡±


    ¡°Something is going on here,¡± Jessica said raising her eyebrows up.


    ¡°Nothing is up¡± he said in a grumble.


    She looked at his face and scrunched her whole face up. What could it be?


    ¡°Are you by any chance jealous of Liston?¡± ¡°It¡¯s so obvious that something is wrong. How would you want to throw away perfectly good food just because I said it tastes like a famous chef¡¯s food.¡± Jessica said standing up and standing in his front.


    ¡°Nothing is wrong. I just do not feel like eating this anymore¡±


    ¡°Well, I do feel like eating it. This might be the only meal my husband would make for me¡± Jessica blurted.


    Her hand went to her mouth and she became wide-eyed. ¡®What did she just say and what?¡¯


    ¡°Your husband?¡± Xavier sod his back still to her and he thanked his stars for that. His face had turned so red it was spreading to his ears.


    ¡°Errrmmm. That¡¯s not what I meant¡± Jessica said bbing away trying to justify what she had just blurted without thinking.


    ¡°I do not think there is anything wrong in what you have said. I am your husband after all. If you insist then we can have the meal¡± he said clearing his throat and dropping the food back to the table.


    Jessica pulled the te to herself and began to hurriedly eat the meal. She did not stop from stuffing her mouth.


    ¡°Woah slow down,¡± Xavier said pulling the te away from her front. ¡°There is nothing wrong if you call me your husband, legally speaking I am so¡­¡± he trailed off.


    ¡°I know you do not like being addressed as one and I just made a tiny error. I just wanted to stop you from wasting perfectly good food¡± she said with a full mouth.


    ¡°I heard nothing of what you said. Why don¡¯t you chew and swallow before you try again¡± Xavier said taking a sip from the ss of wine.


    Jessica turned her head away from him and chewed hurriedly. She swallowed and took the wine to wash down everything she had just eaten.


    ¡°Can I have my te now?¡± she asked looking down. She decided not to say anything again until maybe the next day. She had been putting herself in trouble with her words and she did not want to do it again.


    Xavier slid the te back to her. ¡°Take slow bites,¡± he said in amanding voice. There was no way she would not do that.


    ¡°Can I ask something important?¡± Xavier asked his voice returning to normal.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah sure,¡± she said taking a chug of the wine this time.


    ¡°Do you have intentions of remarrying after we get a divorce?¡±


    ¡®So we are still getting a divorce? Noted. You act as if the deal was off before¡¯ she said in her mind.


    ¡°Who would marry me?¡± she said mockingly. ¡°I am sure that no one would want to marry the woman who was not good enough for the Delgado heir,¡± she said harshly.


    When she reyed her words in her head she knew she sounded harsh but why should she be sorry? She would be the old used baggage while he would still be good as new and favorable and it did not matter if he imed fault for the divorce she would still be med. The society was damaged like that.


    ¡°Many men so far,¡± Xavier said giving an answer. So far of all men she had met while they were together most of them thought of her as a potential partner.


    They would have made a move to ask her out if she was unmarried. Maybe the divorce would really put her out of the market.


    ¡°I am sorry that my situation would put you at a disadvantage,¡± he said remorseful.


    ¡°I was once so invested in getting a nice wedding and a lovely marriage where everything is perfect but after being dumped on my wedding day marriage became a nightmare to me and the reason I married you was because I was ashamed of leaving without a marriage certificate. After the divorcee. I would live a nice quiet life¡± she told him.


    Maybe the divorce would be her liberation.

 Branch Ninety Five

    ¡°But I¡¯m not sad about the divorce. I might lived a loveless poor marriage with Burke had I gotten into the marriage with him. It is at least good if I have my lifelong dreame to pass¡± she continued staring into space.


    ¡°I am sorry that because of me others would refer to you as a divorced woman,¡± Xavier said.


    Maybe he did not think it through at the beginning. Maybe living together won¡¯t be a bad idea. They could be together and then she would not have the need to be ostracized out of the society after her divorce.


    ¡°You do not have to worry about me. I am good with anything I get for now¡± Jessica said resuming back to her meal. ¡°I must actually confess your meal is very well made. Would you make breakfast tomorrow too?¡± she asked as she watched him stand up at the table where he was working.


    He came back with a notepad and pen and dropped the notebook in her front.


    ¡°Write down things you wanted to do in your perfect marriage and I would do it for you. I might be unable to give you a perfect marriage but I can give you memories¡± he said handing her the pen.


    ¡°Things I wanted to do?¡± she asked giggling a little.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said confused as to why she was giggling. Was his gesture funny or did it not make sense?


    ¡°Well, you would have to fall in love with me to do some of those things because they are extremely romantic and intimate,¡± Jessica said.


    She did not need to hide anything from him. They agreed to be friends and soon before they found tell they would be divorced.


    ¡°And if you do those things for me I might be tempted not to leave you at all,¡± she said bowing her head. ¡°I¡¯ll fall for you,¡± she said in a whisper.


    ¡°Then write down the least of the romantic things and I will try my best to do them for you. As friends¡± he said cutting her rant.


    ¡°Must I?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do and it would relieve me of the guilt I would feel¡± he exined.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she sighed as she pulled the notepad and began to write. This may be her only chance to experience anything rted to romance in her life so she better do it as much as she could.


    She wrote down a list of things she envisioned doing together with Burke. She slid the note back to him and dropped the pen on it.


    He picked up the notepad and read through it. ¡°I would do these within the year at random times¡±


    She did not expect it but if he was saying he would do it then she wanted to wait and watch how well it would go.


    ¡°Can we finish dinner now? It¡¯s probably so cold already¡± she told him and she picked back her fork.


    ¡°Cheers?¡± Xavier said titling his cup to her.


    ¡°For?¡± she asked confused at the sudden cost.


    ¡°To us¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do the dishes tonight so you can sleep well,¡± Xavier said clearing the ind.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you. I think it would be best if I do not put the hand in water at least for tonight¡± she said walking to the bathroom.


    At least she had to change for the night. She quickly did her night routine and came back out to meet him cleaning his hand on a kitchen napkin.


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve gotten a hang of doing the dishes now,¡± Jessica said moving to the bed.


    ¡°I am a fast learner and I am perfect there is literally nothing that I can¡¯t learn¡± Xavier boasted.


    She tsked at him and shook her head. ¡°If you have anyundry you would like to do then you can put it out,¡± she said dressing down the nket on the bed.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I n to do myundry tomorrow and I can include yours too,¡± she said.


    She brought enough clothes tost only three days and if they were going to be there all week then she needed more.


    ¡°What¡¯s the reason you are doingundry here?¡± he asked confused.


    ¡°I did not bring enough clothes¡± she confessed. ¡°So I need to wash them so I can use them¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need anything washed. They can wait till I get home¡± he told her as he walked towards the bathroom.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± she said as she climbed into bed. Likest night she wanted to sleep before he climbed into bed.


    He had done enough romantic things that were worth falling for in one night. If he did any more she might be unable to resist him and maybe jump him at once. She closed her eyes and began to think of things that could make her sleep quickly.


    She was in dreand when Xavier finally came to bed. He watched her for a moment and thenid down and not before setting an rm for himself. He had a lot to do before she woke up the following morning.


    ¡°Can you pick that up¡± Jessica grumbled as she hit Xavier multiple times. He stirred in bed and sat up straight turning off the rm and rubbing his sleepy eyes vigorously.


    He sighed and got out of bed. He picked up the list that Jessica had written out the previous day. He needed to at least do some of the things written on it.


    He got out of the house when the sun was barely out and drove down to the city. He bought some flowers and got some takeout for eggs pancakes bacon and coffee.


    He bought some dresses because he remembered the conversation thru hadst night about her not having enough clothes. He got as many as he could touch while trying to get her size.


    With his purchases he was satisfied. The first thing on her list was to be woken up with breakfast in bed and he was going to do just that. He got back and was d to see that she was still sound asleep.


    He poured out the food he bought into several tes and arranged it into a tray. He gets a vase from one of thepartments and puts the flowers in it and puts it on the tray.


    Heys out the clothes he got on the couch and then proceeds to brew a pot of coffee. That was something he knew how to do well and he was d to be sharing it with her.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she said.


    He turned to see her. Her hair was all over the ce and her voice hoarse. She rubbed her eyes gently and yawned a little.


    He took the tray and brought it to her. ¡°Breakfast in bed¡±

 Branch Ninety Six

    Jessica felt her heart flutter at the gesture. Was she already getting a response to her list from yesterday? The definite top thing on her list was a nice breakfast in bed.


    She had preferred a hand-made breakfast but the thought of him doing this warmed up her insides and she felt fuzzy.


    ¡°What is this?¡± she asked as he put it down on herp.


    ¡°As I said earlier breakfast in bed¡± he said holding out the fork to her.


    ¡°You said you wanted it and I said I was going to do them for you. Every single one of them¡±


    ¡°Did you wake up at dawn to get this? Where did you even find a ce open at that time?¡±


    ¡°Well I did wake up at dawn but it is not a problem. Ever since I stopped exercising I have bezy maybe I will get back to exercising and we could do it together¡± Xavier started.


    ¡°And Aurora Haven is called the city that doesn¡¯t sleep for a reason. The vendors are always avable to take your order¡± he added turning I¡¯ve to the other side of the bed.


    ¡°Exercise together?¡± she asked with shock.


    ¡°We can start tomorrow and keep it on even when we go back to the city he answered.¡± Aren¡¯t you going to have a taste of the meal?¡±


    She took the fork and took arge chunk of the pancakes.¡± Oh it¡¯s so divine. It melts in my mouth like a heavenly cluster of clouds¡± she says as she fans over the food.


    Her mind was still on the fact that he had said they would exercise together. Was he just pulling her legs or was he serious? She had always wanted to go to the gym with her husband. When she wrote down the list she had no expectations from him and only thought it would be a list that wouldter fade out.


    ¡°Are we going to really work out together? ¡± she asked as she brought the coffee to her mouth the aroma hitting her.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s right here on your list,¡± he said pulling the list from his shirt pocket and opening it up.¡± Here,¡± he said pointing to where Exerising with my husband was written.


    ¡°Or don¡¯t you want to?¡± he asked confused at her expression. He wanted to at least fill her life with memories if she might be unable to get anything else.


    ¡°So you are really going to do them?¡± she asked her voice sounding freaked out.


    ¡°I have to do them. I have to do them all too¡± he said as he stood up.


    ¡°Eat up we have to go to an amusement park too¡± he said walking to get himself a cup of coffee.


    ¡°If you have anything you want to add to the list then tell me anytime and I will let you do so,¡± he told her.


    She could update the list but she would most likely not want to do that. She would be knee deep in love with him if he continued to do all these things.


    ¡°An amusement park? ¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a part of your list too. Do you want me to rent out the whole ce?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No no no, its just fine with people around¡±


    She was not a fan of fictional stories or movies but she like almost every other girl had the fantasy of a man doing something extravagant for them. She knew what those fictional female leads felt like when they were served breakfast in bed all of a sudden, she now knew the feeling.


    She understood in the blink of an eye what it felt like to have flowers delivered to you first thing in the morning. Her stomach turned and excitement and she could not keep her smile down.


    ¡°Okay then finish up breakfast and freshen up, I have to make a quick office call,¡± he said before excusing himself.


    If she had been treated like this ever since she proposed impulsive marriage to him, then she would have been deeply in love with him.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she murmured as she watched his back retreat. She took the pillow she had used to support her head all night and used it to cover up her face and screamed into it.


    It felt surreal, like a dream she did not want to wake up from. At this point, she is tempted to have a one-sided love rtionship with him. It was obvious that if he made an effort then he would be a sweet person.


    She dropped the pillow as she heard his footsteps and hurriedly put a fork full of pancakes in her mouth while she tried to keep a straight face.


    ¡°Is anything wrong? I think I heard you scream?¡± Xavier asked popping his head through the door.


    ¡°I did not scream,¡± she said.


    What was she supposed to say? Your gestures made my heart flutter so much that I had to scream into a pillow because I was suddenly living a fantasy.


    ¡°You sure?¡± he asked before looking down at his vibrating phone in his hands.


    ¡°Yes a hundred percent sure,¡± she said giving him a thumbs up. He nodded and then closed the door and went.


    ¡°I thought I would not hear from you. Do you not n to give me a report?¡± Xavier said as Brian picked up.


    ¡°Was it okay if I disturbed your honeymoon? The chairman told me that it was your honeymoon and I should avoid calling you unless it was urgent. The only reason I am calling back is because I missed yours first¡± Brian exined.


    ¡°That sly man¡± Xavier eximed as suddenly some of the happening began to make sense.


    Dawson suddenly thinks ofing to Aurora Haven and making sure both of them go, Ethan suddenly has an urgent trip after confirming their visit, the extra small house too.


    ¡°Was it a nned honeymoon?¡± Brian asked. He could not control theughter that followed. How was it that a grown man would have his honeymoon nned by his grandfather?


    ¡°Seems like I fell for his borate schemes once again. It¡¯s all fine¡± Xavier said.


    Brian had known Xavier a long time and the situation at hand did not seem like something that Xavier would be fine or okay with. He expected his usual grown-man tantrum that mightst a longer time than necessary.


    ¡°I have an important question anyway,¡± Xavier said cutting the silence purposely infused by Brian.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Anything to aid your smooth honeymoon¡±


    ¡°How do you create a fantasy world for a woman?¡±

 Branch Ninety Seven

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you call Jessica?¡±


    ¡°Why I thought you said they were on honeymoon and that I should not call them no matter what happens?¡± Leslie asked.


    She was preparing to go have lunch with somedies. Alicia had invited them to treat them and thank them foring and bringing their partners to her event.


    She sat on the stool close to the vanity table as she attempted to carry out the task of putting on her make-up by herself.


    ¡°I just received a call from Xavier,¡± Brian said wiggling his phone in the air. Leslie watched him from the mirror.


    ¡°I know very well that Mr. Delgado would be unable to stay away from work,¡± she said with a bitter taste in her mouth as she said, Delgado. She pitied Jessica for ending up with someone who did not care for others.


    ¡°Funnily he did not call for work, he asked strange questions¡± Brian sat down confused and trying to decipher the questions he had been asked. They were questions that he did not imagine Xavier asking in a million years.


    ¡°What did he call for then?¡± Leslie asked curiously as she turned on the stool to face her husband who was seated on the bed.


    ¡°I usually know how to answer and handle Xavier but today I am lost for words¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you see if everything is okay with Jessica¡±


    Leslie stared at her husband as she reached for her phone. She was confused about his reaction. ¡°Is Jessica in danger? Is he contemting the divorce still? No way I know Xavier at least he is a man after his words. He¡¯s a gentleman and there is no way he would harm Jessica¡± she said all at once.


    She tapped on her phone and dialed Jessica¡¯s number and after three rings she picked up. Her voice was chirpy and calming. It was like she was having a good day.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Jessica said in a high-pitched voice.


    ¡°Someone seems happy?¡± Leslie said after hearing Jessica¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Does it show?¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Oh yes, it does. What¡¯s up with your honeymoon? I know I¡¯m not supposed to call you while you are at it but my husband kept insisting that I do so¡±


    ¡°At what?¡± Jessica asked whileughing in a whisper.


    ¡°All the funny things you do that make you sound so excited like you sound now¡±


    ¡°Nothing like that happened¡± Jessica dismissed. ¡°Two people staying at a house away from home¡±


    ¡°Come on girl you can only fool the single women. I am married and I have a full working idea of what goes on during the honeymoon¡±


    ¡°Leslie¡± she shouted in a whisper. She did not want Xavier who was currently washing up to know what was going on outside with her.


    ¡°You know the way he is and the terms of our marriage. I doubt if anything as such would ever happen¡± she said but still with excitement.


    ¡°So what got you all excited?¡± Leslie wondered why she sounded excited while saying something sad.


    ¡°I am going to an amusement park¡±


    ¡°With Xavier? Do you mean that the Almighty stuck up Mr. Delgado is taking you out on a date?¡± Leslie¡¯s shock could not be hidden.


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°What? I am sure you don¡¯t mean it or maybe you are mistaken?¡± Leslie asked.


    She knew Xavier well he was her long-term crush. She followed him everywhere and she had never seen him smile to any girl. It was impossible for her to fathom his taking a woman out on a date.


    ¡°Did you ask him to?¡± Leslie continued.


    ¡°I will talk to youter,¡± Jessica said cutting off the phone without any exnation.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°She hung up on me,¡± Leslie said turning to face her husband who hade to stand by her side. He had been curious because of the request he got from Xavier that morning.


    ¡°Did anything seem strange?¡± Brain asked.


    ¡°Oh yes, it did. A whole lot of things did seem strange. For starters, Jessica sounded excited like something romantic happened to her and I know Xavier is not the one to do anything romantic¡±


    ¡°Right?¡± Brian cut her off before she could go any further. ¡°I got a strange call from him earlier. He wanted to know what activities made girls excited and how to act romantic¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Leslie screamed. ¡°He was asking how to be romantic. Do you think that he had fallen in love with her?¡±


    ¡°I asked him the same but he only said he was doing so because she said it had been her dream to have a romantic husband¡± Brian exined.


    ¡°Even I can¡¯t wrap my mind around it. It¡¯s all strange and doesn¡¯t make any sense¡± he added going back to sit on the bed.


    ¡°Jessica mentioned she was going to the amusement park. She said he was taking her there. It was a date¡± Leslie rambled on.


    ¡°Something is definitely going on and the only way we can get to the bottom of it would be when we can see them both,¡± Brian said with a sigh. ¡°I would actually jump for joy if they fall in love and decide to live together¡± he added.


    ¡°Same here¡± Leslie turned back to the mirror toplete her make up. ¡°I will call herter but for now I have to meet up with the lunch meet with Alicia¡±


    ¡°I can drop you off as I go in to work,¡± Brian said entering the closet to change his clothes.


    Both of them stepped out of the house in a little while and Brian drove Leslie to her lunch meet before going into the office.

 Branch Ninety Eight

    ¡°Is this what you are wearing?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°To the amusement park?¡± Jessica moved closer to him cautiously.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said raising his eyebrow. ¡°Is there anything wrong with my outfit?¡±


    ¡°No you look dashing but have you ever been to an amusement park before?¡± she asked not believing that he would want to wear a full suit to an amusement park.


    ¡°No I have not but what does that have to do with anything?¡± Xavier asked crossing his hand over his chest.


    ¡°In an amusement park people usually let go and have fun and I think your choice of clothing would make it a bit difficult for you to do so¡± she exined slowly like it was a little child she was talking to.


    ¡°First things first let¡¯s lose the jacket,¡± she said going around him and pulling the jacket from the neck down his back.


    His hands went seamlessly through the arm hole and she was now holding the jacket in hand. ¡°And the tie too,¡± she said closing her eyes and pinching the high bridge of her nose.


    ¡°That too?¡± he grumbled.


    ¡°Yes this is no business meeting,¡± she told him as she gestured he loose the tie. His hand went slowly to the tie and he undid it and held it in his right hand.


    ¡°Let go of some buttons and roll up the sleeves,¡± she said as in the form of amand.


    ¡°Now you are going too far,¡± he said dropping the tie to the table and crossing his hand again.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado¡± she tsked as she walked up to him and held his shoulders. ¡°Can youe down a bit?¡± she told him as she struggled to keep her hand up on the shoulders.


    He rolled his eyes and bent his knees so she was now at her level. ¡°If we get to the park with you looking like this the security guards will not allow us in¡± she exined slowly.


    ¡°Do you have a habit of exining things this slowly or do you just look down on me?¡± Xavier asked annoyed his knees going up and her hands falling to her side.


    ¡°You seem cute like a child so I thought that exining things like a child to you would be better,¡± she said pouting.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± he moved back from her and went to his suitcase. ¡°Would a T-shirt be nice?¡±


    ¡°You had a t-shirt and you decided to wear this instead?¡± she gasped.


    ¡°I feelfortable in cooperate clothes¡± he replied pulling out a t-shirt and walking to the bathroom.


    He emerged a whileter his dress shirt in hand and a t-shirt. This was the first time that Jessica had seen him in something that was not an office wear.


    ¡°I have to capture the moment,¡± she said bringing out her phone and navigating to the camera app on her phone. She started taking multiple shots of him.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you strike a pose? If I post this on the inte I bet I would generate a lot of traffic on my page¡± she said as she kept tapping on the camera button.


    ¡°Let me take a few for you too,¡± he said stretching his hand towards her.


    ¡°Why? Do I look funny?¡± she asked dusting off the invisible dust on her.


    ¡°No, you look pretty, especially in that new dress.


    Too stunned to speak Jessica put her phone into her pocket. ¡°Should we be on our way?¡± she asked turning around multiple times to find her bag.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want any pictures?¡± he asked walking to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she said distracted.


    ¡°I thought you liked sharing pictures on your social media?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I only did it once and it was because Leslie pestered me to do so. I have ounts on each one but I don¡¯t use them only to keep myself updated¡± she exined quickly.


    She knew that such a topic if not discussed immediately could lead to misunderstandings in the future.


    ¡°You can post on your social media. I don¡¯t mind¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I do not like the social space so I might not share anything there except I am forced to do so¡± she said picking up a bag topliment her dress and smoothing her dress out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind and you can even post mine too¡±


    Wasn¡¯t he getting too cocky and friendly with her? She liked that he was getting friendly and she could finally have a one on one interaction with him but it was kind of frustrating because she could sense the subtle prideful statements that he made once in a while.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be posting any so you don¡¯t have to worry. Shall we?¡± she asked walking to the door and waiting for him to catch up.


    Xavier drove with the assistance of the GPS and the questions he had asked Ethan¡¯s secretary to the biggest amusement park in Aurora Haven. Xavier was ready to book the whole day for the ce but Jessica had said she did not want it and he did not want her to be ufortable with the choices he decided to make.


    Jessica fell asleep during the car ride and Xavier shook his head. He looked down at her hands in herp. He was happy that the burn from yesterday did not show any sign of scarring and since she did notin about the hands it meant she did not feel any pain.


    ¡°Did I bring you all the way here to sleep?¡± Xavier asked as he shook her lightly when he pulled into the parking lot of the park.


    ¡°What?¡± she said suddenly jumping to reality.


    ¡°Did you have a bad dream?¡± Xavier asked worry overtaking his face.


    ¡°No,¡± she said narrowing her eyes. ¡°You startled me when you shook me¡¯ she added yawning. ¡°It was a short ride¡±


    ¡°No it wasn¡¯t, You slept all the way here¡± he answered removing his seat belt and opening the door.


    ¡°He could have been courteous enough¡± she hissed and balled a fist at him as he got out.¡± Always so rude¡± she murmured.


    Her door flew open and he was standing there.¡± Are you going to sit there all day or are we going to go in?¡± he asked stretching his hand to her. She was taken aback.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Why? You don¡¯t like it?¡± he asked bending his head to her level.¡± I have girls like things like this, they say it is romantic,¡± he said holding her hands and pulling her out.


    She came face to face with him and she felt a hupe out of her mouth.

 Branch Ninety Nine

    ¡°Why are you being so sweet?¡± she asked snatching her hand from his.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°They say when a person changes drastically then they might be heading to their death,¡± she said out of the blue. ¡°Are you dying by chance?¡±  she gasped as her hands went over her mouth.


    ¡°I am not dying,¡± he told her pulling her hand down and peering into her eyes.


    ¡°Your sweetness is scary. Even this trip to this park makes me wonder what is going on with you¡±


    ¡°There is nothing out of the ordinary going on with me¡± heughed as he took her hands. ¡°There would be a lot of people here who know me and by extension know you too. Why don¡¯t we y the happy couple role?¡± he asked in a whisper.


    If ying a happy couple role was what it took for her to hold onto his then she might as well take the opportunity.


    ¡°Sure, get ready to be amazed,¡± she said back in a whisper.


    ¡°Please no bad acting today¡± he teased.


    ¡°When did I ever have bad acting skills?¡± she asked in a fake cry.


    ¡°Every time we have had to act the happy couple role ever,¡± he said.


    ¡°I guess I have to get my game on,¡± she said a smirk climbing her face. She wiggled her way out of his grip and slipped her hand to hold his forearm. Xavier gulped hard when her hand went into his.


    He was able to keep his cool when he was the one in the lead of the teasing but now that she was doing it to him he felt corned and trapped by her tactics.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said in a high-pitched voice. They walked to the ticketing booth hand in hand and joined the queue.


    ¡°It¡¯s Xavier Delgado¡± a girl in front of them whispered to her friend¡¯s ears.


    They both looked back and the shock to see him in their city and behind them was evident on their faces.


    ¡°Hi, Mr. Delgado¡± one of the girls mustered to say.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Xavier said and looked away.


    ¡°Can you see how hot he looks in that t-shirt?¡± the other girl whispered.


    Maybe they thought they were whispering because Jessica could hear all they were saying and she was sure that Xavier could hear them too because of the smug expression on his face.


    The queue moved and they got their ticket. The ticket booth guy stopped them to take a picture with them. As they walked away Xavierughed a bit.


    ¡°What¡¯s funny? That you are popr even here. And I do not get it anyways you aren¡¯t a celebrity¡± sheined.


    She hated that the entire queue had others fawning over him even though she wastched to him she felt out of ce there. She hated that she was only included in the picture from earlier because Xavier insisted. She was not jealous she just hated the interactions.


    ¡°No that is not it,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s just that I think we should havee here when there aren¡¯t a lot of people in it or should I have rented it out for a day?¡±


    ¡°Everything must be rosy for you,¡± she said pinching his arm a little.


    ¡°I am a Delgado after all¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go on that,¡± Jessica said pointing to one of the big rides.


    Xavier felt his eyes widen and a knot form in his throat. ¡°That?¡± he asked pointing at it.


    ¡°Yes that,¡± she said pulling him with her.


    ¡°Wait,¡± he said stopping.


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t tell me you are afraid of going on that?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Why would a grown man like me be afraid of a small ride? I just think we should do every other thing and leave the best forst¡± he said hoping that she would not find out his newly found fear of heights.From N?velDrama.Org.


    He had never known that he had a phobia of height until he saw the height of the ride she proposed.


    ¡°When you go to an amusement park you always ride the best ride first and since you have acknowledged that this is the best ride we shall ride that first,¡± she said pulling him again.


    His mind drew nk. He did not know what other kind of excuse he could use to excuse himself from going up that ride. He swallowed spit multiple times as he went with her.


    ¡°Two tickets please,¡± she said to the operator of the ride.


    ¡°Okay ma¡¯am,¡± the operator said tearing two tickets and stretching his hand to her. ¡°Oh my sir, you do not look too well,¡± he said when he saw the expression on Xavier¡¯s face. ¡°Would you like to sit this ride out?¡±


    ¡°Do not worry about him. He is just afraid¡± Jessica replied before Xavier could get a word out.


    ¡°I do feel a little funny,¡± Xavier said. How could he go on that ride? He would not only embarrass himself in front of Xavier but also the presence of every other person present there. He was a public figure after all.


    ¡°So am I supposed to go on my own?¡± Jessica asked with a sad expression that sent a pang of guilt to Xavier.


    ¡°I do feel a little funny but I have to go with my wife on this ride,¡± he said changing his words.


    Her expression would not allow him to see through to stay down while she climbed up. He was a man and had done enough scary things how bad could a ride at a kiddie¡¯s park be?


    ¡°An¡± One of the women around them who had been overhearing their conversation sighed with heart shooting out her eyes. ¡°You really are the standard in all areas¡± the woman continued.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± Jessica said pulling him. They were guided to her seat and they both sat down and waited.


    ¡°You did not have to do that,¡± Jessica said low and slowly.


    ¡°Then why did you have to have that expression across your face?¡±


    ¡°What expression?¡±


    ¡°That sad cute expression that made me feel funny,¡± he said.


    ¡°I know you are afraid ofing up here and I think it¡¯s fine. You can still go down before the ride starts¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t take back your words then¡± Xavier said as his hands found their way to the belt that the guide had helped them with.


    ¡°Please stay seated¡± a voice over the public address went.


    ¡°I guess you can¡¯t get down now since it¡¯s about to start¡±

 Branch One Hundred

    ¡°I am never going on anything that wouldpromise my life again,¡± Xavier said staggering a little as they came down from the ride.


    ¡°Why did that kiddies¡¯ ride get you all afraid?¡± Jessica asked air quoting the word kiddies.


    ¡°I admit that it is not a kiddies¡¯ ride,¡± Xavier said throwing his hands up in the air and walking away.From N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°People would think we are fighting if you walk away,¡± Jessica said as she caught up with him and held his arm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that. It only requires darts and teddy bears¡± she added pulling him in the direction.


    Xavier sighed with relief when they steered clear of the rest of the rides and only stuck with the things you get to do on the ground.


    ¡°So many people are interested in you,¡± Jessica said as they took their seat at an empty table at the food court. She put down the teddy bear that he had won for her at the game.


    Most eyes turned to him and her and a lot of pictures were taken.


    ¡°I would get something for us to eat then,¡± he said standing up and ignoring her earlierment.


    ¡°Who taught you what to do when youe to a ce like this?¡± she asked.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked like she had told a lie.


    ¡°Think about it, you have been this seriously stuck-up guy who I can¡¯t reach and then all of a sudden it seemed like you had a few romantic lines and tricks hidden up your sleeves¡±


    ¡°Noment,¡± he said walking away.


    He came back shortly with two corn dogs and a singlerge drink but two straws. He was back quickly despite the long queue at the food stand.


    ¡°You are back already?¡± she asked raising her eyes to look at the queue.


    ¡°Everyone was so nice they let me go first,¡± he said.


    ¡°Wow, must be nice to be you¡± she teased.


    ¡°Well, what can I say? I am a legend¡± he followed her teasing and sat back down.


    He gave her a piece of the corn dog and she said a short thanks before taking a bite.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you thirsty?¡± she asked when she saw that it was only a cup.


    ¡°I bought arge drink. I was told that sharing a drink at the park was a must for couples and since we are ying the happy couple don¡¯t you think this fits us so well?¡±


    ¡°Wow, if you ever have the slightest interest in women then you would be a jigolo,¡± she told him.


    ¡°I have the charms don¡¯t I? And I put my heart into whatever it is that I have to do¡±


    ¡°Oh the worse,¡± she said bending to take a sip from the drink.


    ¡°What would you like to do tomorrow? Should we go to the ancient ces where they make some old food?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done quite a lot of research now haven¡¯t you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Because if I am going to do all on your list I have to do my own research too¡±


    ¡°Chairman you need to see this¡± Roselle said as she came close to Dawson.


    Since Xavier left with Jessica, Roselle had been keeping a keen eye on the news surrounding Aurora Haven.


    If they went out together there would be no way that they would miss the eyes of the numerous cameras. The Delgado family was powerful enough for him to be photographed anywhere in this world.


    ¡°You look so excited, what could it be about?¡± Dawson asked as he took the iPad from her and looked over it.


    All over the screen were pictures of Jessica and Xavier hand in hand all over the amusement park.


    ¡°I guess all they really needed was a push from the outside,¡± Dawson said smiling.


    The images were believable enough that he did not need any soothsayer to tell him what was going on in them. Anyone who saw the pictures would conclude that they were such a loving couple.


    ¡°I guess our n is working¡±


    ¡°Yes, Chairman¡± Roselle said happily. Seeing that Xavier whom she had practically raised was in love made her heart warm.


    She was happy that Jessica would not have to leave the house just like that. She has grown fond of her so much in thest month that she felt attached to her already.


    ¡°Knowing my grandson I would say the n just began. He could have a change of mind suddenly it it could be that they are both acting because of the camera around¡±


    ¡°I guess being in business for long makes you doubt everyone¡¯s intentions?¡± Roselle asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a habit you have to pick up or develop without knowing,¡± Dawson said with a smallugh. ¡°Let¡¯s just keep an eye on them and keep putting them in situations and positions where they have to be alone too¡± he added.


    Roselle nodded. Now that she saw the result of the n she could not help but be even more invested in it. It was truly a thing of joy for her to be a part of such a great thing.


    ¡°What would you be having for dinner?¡±


    ¡°I miss Jessica¡¯s pasta so much,¡± Dawson said with a yawn. ¡°Maybe I should not have sent them on this long trip¡±


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t mean that. I would try my very best to make pasta that tastes like something Jessica would make¡± Roselle said walking away.


    ¡°Xavier is a Delgado after all¡±

 Branch One Hundred and One

    ¡°I am so exhausted,¡± Jessica said yawning as they left the park.


    After eating in the food court they went on more rides but this time they restricted it to kiddie rides.


    ¡°So am I,¡± Xavier said continuing her yawn. She looked at him and they both burst outughing.


    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± Jessica asked in amusement


    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± Xavier retorted.


    The interaction became even funnier for both of them and the loudughter continued. It was the first time in the two months they had known each other that such an exchange took ce. They had neverughed with each other before


    ¡°I think we should just get takeout as neither of us would be able to cook anything for dinner I know I am exhausted, aren¡¯t you? ¡± Jessica suggested.


    Xavier snapped his head toward her in shock. This was the first time he heard her agree to forego cooking by herself for food from outside.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked as she saw his sudden head movement.


    ¡°So you can agree to order food from outside? I am even more shocked that you suggested it¡± he exined.


    ¡°I do eat take out but once in a while and since I¡¯m here I might as well taste the local type of food¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stop by at one of the restaurants that I researched earlier today and have them pack dinner for us,¡± Xavier said changingnes.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± Jessica said rxing into the chair.


    ¡°Are you nning to sleep and let me drive alone?¡± Xavier asked when he saw her getfortable in the chair beside him.


    ¡°No,¡± she said in a low voice. ¡°It¡¯s just that I love sleeping in a car¡± she added in an exnation.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°No reason. Must I have a reason why I like something?¡± she asked.


    ¡°There is no rule like that. I just thought you might have a back story as to why you do that because it seemed like you usually do¡±


    ¡°Nope no back story just a girl in love with making her own meals¡±


    ¡°You can y whatever you want via Bluetooth or listen to the radio,¡± Xavier told her.


    She nodded and connected her phone to the speaker. She did not have current music and only listened to old-school music. She yed them and sang along while Xavier drove. The silence was epassed by a series of songs that did not fit into the modern-day stream.


    ¡°We are here, do you want me to get whatever or would youe in with me?¡± Xavier asked as he pulled up into the driveway of the restaurant.


    ¡°I want toe in. I might get inspiration for the interior of mine¡± she told him as she undid her seat belt and opened the door.


    They walked hand in hand. The happy couple¡¯s facade was yet to be over. They still had a billion people who they were yet to convince. Xavier had gotten notifications of the pictures that people had uploaded of him at the amusement park.


    ¡°Wake up Jessica¡± a hand shook her out of her sleep. She stirred and turned away from the direction of the voice.


    After they had gotten takeout they went ahead to have a lovely dinner and spoke about nothing and everything at length toote at night. She felt it was still too early and she considered this a vacation so why was he waking her up so early?


    ¡°Come on stand up. You were the one that said you want to exercise with me¡± he said turning to the direction she turned to.


    ¡°What time is it? Isn¡¯t it too early to be out in the cold air exercising?¡± she asked trying to think of all the excuses she might be able to use to escape reality.


    ¡°It¡¯s already a few minutes past six a. m. and I know that this is the best time to exercise¡± he responded.


    ¡°I did not bring any wears I can use to exercise¡± she replied happy that she had seen a valid excuse.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I bought a series of new ones for you when I went out yesterday,¡± he said tapping her lightly.


    ¡°Oh my gosh,¡± she groaned as she reluctantly sat on the bed and narrowed her eyes at him. ¡°I know I asked for this but can¡¯t it wait till when we get back? I wanted to think of this as a vacation¡± she groaned trying toy back down.


    Before her head could touch the pillow Xavier¡¯s thickrge hands held her up right back and she groaned once more. ¡°I brought this upon myself. No one else did this to me¡± she said in a fake cry voice.


    ¡°Go get changed so we can be back soon and you can get back to bed¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Who sleeps after exercise?¡± she said opening her eyes fully to castigate him. There was no need she asked for it so she should not beining that he was doing it.


    ¡°I did not know which would fit so I got this,¡± Xavier said stuffing the shopping bag into her hand. She climbed down from the bed with the paper bag in hand and navigated to the bathroom.


    She was impressed by the things he got and their quality. She however didn¡¯t want to know how much he might have spent. If she did she might want to hang them up as decorative items and not wear them.


    He got her size white almost perfectly and it made her think once again about the possibility of her having a one-sided crush on him. How could he who had barely seen them before think of her size and get it?


    ¡°I hope you like them?¡± Xavier called from outside the door when she spent a little more time than usual.


    ¡°Yes, I do. I just realized that I have no running shoes either¡± she said.


    She was hoping that he didn¡¯t get the shoes for her and that way she could skip out on exercise for the time being.


    ¡°I have some different sizes out here. Come out and choose one¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Two

    ¡°Slow down¡± Jessica after Xavier panting and sweating heavily. He slowed down his jog and jogged back to meet her.


    ¡°Have you always been this fit?¡± she asked taking deep breaths to steady her breathing.


    ¡°I thought you would be more fit than this?¡± he asked still jogging on one spot. ¡°You go jogging every morning around the house yeah?¡±


    ¡°You mean around the pce? I jog only halfway and I walk slowly for the rest¡± Jessica said finally catching her breath.¡± We have been at this for almost an hour now and I am exhausted¡± she said sitting on the ground.


    Xavier stopped and crouched down to her level.¡± You were the one who wanted us to exercise together and I thought it was a good idea too¡± she said wiping the sweat from his forehead.


    ¡°That was when I thought you were unfit. I thought I could outrun you. I also thought we would do a little maybe thirty minutes a day but this is extreme¡± she said lying down.


    ¡°Come on we need to finish the routine,¡± Xavier said pping his hands.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to do that. I am not going for the Olympics and I do not want to exercise with you again¡± she said and closed her eyes.


    ¡°You are giving up after just a day?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± she screamed with all her might.¡± I want to give up because if I don¡¯t give up now I am not sure if I will be able to use my body again¡± she grumbled.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back then,¡± Xavier said standing up and extending his hand to her.


    She opened her eyes and saw his hands she sat up and took the hand. She yawned as he pulled her up to himself.


    ¡°I think I need a full body massage after this¡± she confessed to him as he held her and they began to walk back in the direction of the house.


    ¡°I would book you an appointment then,¡± Xavier said using his second hand to pull out his phone.


    ¡°Wait¡± Jessica screamed as she felt her heart beat faster as if it was in her mouth.¡± You don¡¯t need to do that¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± he asked as he watched her keenly.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t,¡± she said ¡®Or I¡¯ll fall deeper for you¡¯ she continued internally. ¡®I am already having a hard time because of you and the internal crises too. I might lose my mind¡¯


    ¡°If you need it then you must get it,¡± he said and dialed Ethan¡¯s secretary¡¯s number to book him an appointment at a spa for his wife.


    ¡°Thank you¡± she whispered as they continued walking at a slow space.


    ¡°If it gets you to walk better then there is no problem and no need to thank me¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just courtesy now isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Well I think we should get a personal gym instructor, I think you would get better then¡± Xavier suggested.


    ¡°No more exercises or gym activities. I think I am for enough¡±


    ¡°No, you aren¡¯t. Justst agree to have it that way¡±


    ¡°Nope way¡±


    Since Xavier was going to meet Ethan on Friday they decided to stay in and order in on Thursday. The day went by in a sh and they were unable to pinpoint what it was exactly that they did.


    When Xavier got up early to go to see Ethan for the deal Jessica was still sleeping and he left a note so he didn¡¯t have to wake her up. Ethan sent a car to pick him up and for once Xavier was grateful he did not have to drive all the way to the middle of the city.


    ¡°Hell Mr. Ramirez,¡± Xavier said as he was led into the study.


    ¡°Come sit Xavier¡± Ethan gestured to the couch beside him.


    Xavier nodded and went to sit there. Ethan looked around the room and especially at the door as if he was looking for something he misced earlier.


    ¡°Your wife did note with you?¡± Ethan asked as his eyes finally settled on Xavier.


    ¡°Oh yes, she was still asleep by the time I left and I wanted her to get maximum rest since this is like a break from our busy day to day life¡± Xavier exined.


    ¡°I thought the both of you woulde so I could treat you to lunch but I guess I have no choice but to invite you for dinner then¡±


    ¡°We would be thrilled toe. I would make sure we make it¡± Xavier responded happily.


    It seemed like he was making progress with Ethan. Maybe his grandfather was just exaggerating the situation. Ethan did not seem like someone who would bully another person because of his marital status.


    ¡°Then I guess we would discuss the terms of our Agreement over dinner?¡± Ethan said standing up


    ¡®Oh well maybe Papa was right¡¯ Xavier thought inwardly. It was obvious that Ethan would not see him if his wife was not present.


    ¡°She has nothing to contribute to thepany dealings,¡± Xavier said quickly.


    He had no problemsing back with Jessica for a nice meal with the old man but he did not want to leave without the contract in his hands signed and ready to move out.


    ¡°Is that what you think?¡± Ethan asked turning back to face Xavier. ¡°Then I must say you must not be ready to grow beyond Chiachester City¡±


    Xavier did not understand what Ethan meant. How could his wife be his key to going international? Braxton Industries was known in major ces but still, there were some ces where they were yet to reach.


    ¡°Women have the best ideas ever¡± Ethan rified when he saw the confused expression on Xavier¡¯s face. ¡°They are natural builders and nurturers. If I were you, I¡¯d leave thepany in her care for a short while and watch our sales skyrocket¡±


    There was no way what Ethan was saying could make any sense or be true.


    ¡°When you bring your wife we will sign the agreement. That¡¯s my final stance¡± Ethan said walking away.


    Xavier looked around frustrated. He had to do it. He stood up and walked out of the house with his phone to his ear.


    ¡°Hello, get ready I will soon be there¡±


    ?

 Branch One Hundred and Three

    Jessica had not yet processed what Xavier was saying before he cut off the call. She was still deep in sleep when his call came through and she was startled awake by his call only for him to say one sentence and cut it off.


    ¡°What is he saying?¡± she murmured to herself as she tried to analyze what he had said.


    ¡°Get ready?¡± she asked herself yawning and waiting for her brain. It could be slow at times.


    ¡°Oh, he wanted me to get ready? Has he met with Ethan already? I thought we were spending the rest of the day on the beach for a pic¡± she said as he mind wondered all the possibilities that could be behind his statement.


    She sighed in a yawn again andid back down smugling into the nket. It had been a long while since she had such quality sleep and she was not trading it again for one of his tricks.


    A few hourster the door clicked open and Xavier stood in the room. At a nce, he could see Jessica¡¯s body fully covered under the nket sleeping soundly.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked in a thundering voice as he marched to where shey.


    ¡°Jessica¡± he called out to her multiple times shaking her hand violently.


    She stirred in her sleep and threw off a portion of the nket from her body. Her eyes flew open and came in direct contact with his.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she asked confused as to why he was shaking her so much while she was asleep.


    ¡°I told you to get ready, why are you still sleeping?¡± he asked with an expression that made her ufortable.


    ¡°Get ready for what?¡± she asked yawning while sitting up. She had had enough rest for now and she was d.


    ¡°The main reason we came here¡± he started expecting her to catch on. Her expression faced her away that she was clueless to what he was saying.


    ¡°We came here so we can sign a contract with Ethan¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah I thought that¡¯s where you were going today?¡± she asked happily. It made her feel happy that he was getting ahead with his career. The kind of feeling she felt was pride in him.


    ¡°He asked to have dinner with you before he can sign¡±


    ¡°With me? I doubt I would be of any help¡± she said confused. Her quick change in emotions made Xavier feel ufortable. How was she doing it so well?


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you think,¡± he said pursing his lips together. It seemed to Jessica that he was thinking of what to say next.


    He did not want to offend her with what he was going to say so thinking twice as hard as he would before speaking was the only option.


    ¡°We came here to get a contract signed. The games and outings were fun but now it¡¯s time for business¡±


    ¡®You thought that was hard and that was what you settled on to say?¡¯ Jessica thought inward.


    It was obvious he was having issues expressing himself as he would want to. She understood what he was trying to as anyway.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get ready,¡± she said, pushing herself off the couch and walking to the bathroom door. She stopped at the door and turned to face him. She bent her head slightly and a smile climbed her face.


    ¡°My role today is a good wife isn¡¯t it?¡±


    With that statement, she turned to enter the bathroom. Xavier was flustered by her statement. The reason was unknown to him too.


    He sat on the couch while scrolling through his phone. After a long period, Jessica emerged. He looked up from his phone briefly to see what she looked like but his eyes could not do a quick survey of her.


    His eyes were fixated on her. ¡°What? You don¡¯t like it? If that¡¯s the case I change¡± She started going for the suitcase to pull something else out of the things he had just bought from her. ¡°I thought this would be nice since you got it for me. Could be good for conversation and all¡± she rambled on while rummaging through the bag.


    ¡°No, you can leave it on. I think you look beautiful in the dress¡± he said thestment slipping on.


    Jessica felt a blush creep up her cheek. She knew she was deep red by now and she was d she was not facing him. She began to sniffle and clear her throat to make the redness gone.


    ¡°Oh is it?¡± she managed to say without her voice shaking.


    ¡°Em yes¡± he cleared his throat and tried to dart his eyes away from her figure but found himself failing woefully.


    Jessica stood up back. The dress she wore was white and went all the way to her knee. It had a conservative look but gave off a sexy vibe to Xavier.


    She packed her hair in a fancy ponytail and put on the minimal amount of makeup she could go with. She put on a ne she had all the while and an earring that matched. Her final essory was her wedding ring which sat pretty on her finger.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Xavier stood up clearing his throat. He needed to get himself under control otherwise he might droll over her.


    ¡°Let me just get my shoes and bag,¡± she said picking out a ck shoe and a bag to match.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting outside,¡± he said walking out.


    He needed a breath of fresh air and then maybe he won¡¯t be having these thoughts he was having about her.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she said as she moved around the room to pick up the things she needed and put them in her bag.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    She got ready and looked at herself in the mirror. She looked nothing like what she usually looked like. She sighed and hurriedly went back out.


    Xavier was standing there looking dashing in his suit. As he saw her approach he went to open up the passenger seat of the car and waited for her toe. She stopped in her tracks as her mind mulled over his attitude in thest few days.


    They were returning back to Chiachester City. Were things going to be different or was it going to go back to what she knew before Aurora Haven? The thought lingered as she watched him.


    ¡°Shall we?¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Four

    Jessica was d for once that the radio was on. There was a long awkward interaction between both of them from the house and Xavier had switched on the radio.


    He just had to have the radio switched on because he was not sure what to say and it was better to drown out the noise. A love song began ying over the radio and sting fully into the car.


    Jessica cleared her throat and looked around her eyes darting around the car ufortably. She hated the situation. The lyrics of the song were very sensual and kind of demanding.


    She could not help herself as her hand went to the radio controls and Xavier¡¯s hand went there too. She felt the contact electrify her whole body as his hand recoiled and she looked out the window.


    ¡°You can change it to whatever suits you¡±


    Jessica looked at him as his eyes were fixated on the road. Did he also feel what she just felt? That jolt of electricity that made her feel alive?


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, You can change it since you wanted to do so earlier¡±


    Xavier looked at her as she turned to the window by her side. She felt her hands get sweaty. The weather outside was neither hot nor cold or breezy. It was what one would call a perfect weather.


    Xavier found his hand on the dial changing the station. The song had added extra tension to whatever it was they were feeling earlier. He felt so hot that he wanted to roll on his windows because he felt like the air conditioner was not working well.


    ¡°Oh so beautiful¡± Jessica eximed as they drove into the huge steel gates marked the Ramirez Estate.


    Jessica was drawn in awe of the ce. Everything looked magnificent and royal-like. She felt like she had entered a fairytale world.


    ¡°It is so beautiful,¡± she said as her eyes twinkled. Xavier threw asional nces at her as she looked outside in awe.


    ¡°When we get in there, all Ethan wants to know is how much of a living couple we are,¡± Xavier said making Jessica turn her attention to him.


    ¡°I promise that I will try my best to ensure that you do not lose this deal,¡± Jessica said putting her hand over her chest.


    ¡°Are you feeling fine?¡± Xavier asked when he saw the flushed expression on her face.


    ¡°I suddenly feel so nervous,¡± she said rubbing her palms together. She could not dare to rub them on her dress or else she might soil it before she gets to showcase it.


    ¡°Nervous?¡±


    ¡°I know that I have been doing this for two months. ying the role of the perfect wife but I suddenly do not feel confident enough to win him over. I am afraid that I would screw over all your hard work¡± she said taking deep breaths.


    She could feel the way her insides shook in fear. How was she to deceive a man who probably knew a lot in life? If she could not sessfully hide it from Dawson how could she do so with Ethan?


    ¡°Just be yourself I am sure he would see how good a person you are¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°No need to put any pressure on yourself and be yourself¡±


    ¡°Oh my Jessica,¡± Ethan said as he kissed the back of her hands when she came down to meet him.


    ¡°Good evening Mr. Ramirez,¡± Jessica said as she curtsied a little.


    ¡°Oh please I¡¯m just Ethan,¡± he said patting her hand. ¡°You are too beautiful, How did you end up with Xavier here?¡± he lowered his voice. ¡°If I had met you first I would have asked you to be my wife for the second time¡±


    ¡°Oh my, I¡¯m so ttered,¡± Jessica said with a flush screening up her face.


    ¡®She must really blush for everything and everyone¡¯ Xavier murmured within himself. He hated the interaction that went on in front of him. He knew that Ethan was capable of offering Jessica a better bargain than he had but he wanted to trust that a man the age of his father would not chase after his wife.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in,¡± he said finally dropping Jessica¡¯s hand and turning to go in.


    ¡°You are supposed to be my loving wife not his¡± Xavier murmured into her ears as he caught up with her and walked side by side with her.


    ¡°What was I supposed to do when he kissed my hand andplimented me? Yank my hand away and not smile at him?¡± she asked as if he was high on something.


    She did think he was probably high on some substance because if not he would not beining about her getting close to him. The contract was based on the interaction that evening.


    ¡°I thought you wanted me to give the best impression?¡± she asked confused at his stance at the moment.


    ¡°Just stay by my side,¡± he said when he could not find the right words to exin his emotions and whatever he felt at the moment.


    ¡°I would try my best, Mr. Delgado,¡± Jessica said shipping her hand into his. He froze but managed to thaw within a second.


    They entered the house and were ushered into a waiting area.


    ¡°I am so d to have you here. What do you want to have?¡± Ethan asked as he sat in one of the chairs.


    ¡°Water,¡± Jessica said. The interaction she has had all day has made her parched and very thirsty.


    ¡°Xavier, would you have anything?¡±


    ¡°I would have the same as my wife¡±


    ¡°Maria get them water and a cup of scotch for me¡± Maria nodded and walked away.


    ¡°I think scotch is better than water,¡± Ethan said with a little giggle at the end of the statement.


    The woman came back with two sses of water in a tray with a ss of scotch for Ethan.


    ¡°So let me hear how you two met?¡± Ethan said taking a sip from the cup.


    ¡°In front of the courthouse,¡± Jessica said without thinking.


    They had no prior agreement as to how they would ever answer that question if they were asked. As Jessica opened her mouth to confess she could feel a story brewing in her mind. She was about to tell the biggest lie she had ever told.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°I met him when I went to my friend¡¯s wedding¡±


    ¡°Oh wow that¡¯s interesting,¡± Ethan said feeding off the gossip.


    ¡°And I fell in love with him¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Five

    ¡°Now I am deeply invested in your tale,¡± Ethan said dropping his ss onto the table.


    ¡°So we parted ways without knowing each other but I knew him. Who does not know the Xavier Delgado? Then we met again at the courthouse once again. This time I approached him because why not? We decided to get married at the courthouse we had met twice¡±


    Jessica did not want to skip out on the most important part of the story which was the courthouse. The reason they knew each other was because of the courthouse. It had to be a part of the story for sure.


    ¡°I¡¯m in love with your love,¡± Ethan said his eyes twinkling.


    ¡°Such a touching story isn¡¯t it? Jessica?¡± Xavier said.


    He was amazed at her incredible quickness in the formtion of such a tale.


    ¡°It happened to me but I still find it very cute,¡± Jessica said running her hand over his arm and smiling.


    ¡°Yes, Maria?¡± Ethan said as he watched Maria enter the room and wait for him.


    ¡°Dinner is being served now, chairman,¡± Maria said with a bow before turning around to excuse herself. ¡°I guess this is our cue to have our bellies filled up?¡±


    Ethan stood up and began to walk towards the dining room. He sat at the edge of the table with Xavier and Jessica sitting on the right of him.


    ¡°I just had them prepare this meal,¡± Ethan told them as they sat down.


    ¡°It is a whole feast,¡± Jessica said loving the length and breadth of the table as it was full of different kinds of meals.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Oh well, to be honest, I wanted to brag about how rich I am,¡± Ethan said withughter. Jessica joined in theughter.


    ¡°I do not think there was any need for that, your house is already magnificent, and thank you for the meal,¡± Jessicaplimented looking around the house.


    ¡°I must say Jessica you have a good sense of judgment. Unlike your husband here. I do hope you will teach him and by the time I see the both of you next¡± Ethan said as her took the fork to his mouth.


    Jessica was curious about what he could want her to change in the life of the perfect young master of the Delgado family. She knew she was arrogant but were not all the rich people the same? He had shown her a side of him that she could not believe existed and here they both were sitting side by side.


    ¡°I do hope when I see you next you will have taught him how to be a proper gentle man and have good judgment,¡± Ethan said.


    ¡°Oh, Ethan I think you are mistaken¡±


    ¡°Am I now?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Jessica said. ¡®What are you trying to do Jessica?¡¯ she asked herself as she felt her mind brewing with ideas.


    ¡°Then what is the truth then?¡±


    ¡°Well, my husband here has a good sense of judgment. I guess it¡¯s easy for you to misunderstand him because he does not know how to express himself that well¡± Jessica exined.


    Ethan stared at her as Xavier¡¯s head slowly turned to face her. With both men¡¯s eyes on her, she could not help but feel conscious. She diverted her eyes so she didn¡¯t have to look at them both.


    ¡®What was that just now?¡¯ Xavier asked himself.


    ¡®She loves him¡¯ Ethan concluded within him.


    For the rest of the dinner, Ethan teased Jessica about her love for Xavier while Xavier remained silent all through. He was wondering if she was just a good actress to be able to portray her emotions as such or if it was that she just was telling the truth.


    They had now moved to the living room and Jessica was the one carrying the conversation with Ethan while Xavier remained absent-minded.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we sign the contract? I can see that both of you are living the life. If only my children could do the same¡± Ethan said looking towards Xavier.


    He made no movement at all and stood in stillness. Jessica saw this and put her hands over his. He bolted to life and looked her way.


    ¡°Honey, Ethan has agreed to sign the contract,¡± she said her expression asking him if he was okay. She hoped he would be able to see her emotions in her words.


    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± he said pulling out his hand from underneath hers. ¡°So sorry my mind is wandering a lot because of the news I got from the office today¡± Xavier lied.


    He was shocked at his lie as well. He knew himself as an honest person but seeing the way he easily lies he questioned his integrity. ¡®It was Jessica that caused this. I would have done pretty well if she wasn¡¯t here¡¯ he thought to himself.


    ¡°So if Jessica did note over I would have been bored spending time with you?¡± Ethan asked with a chuckle.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have given him the contract then,¡± Ethan said facing Jessica while teasing her too.


    ¡°I am so sorry about that¡± Xavier rubbed his hand over his face. What was he doing allowing his thoughts to run him and almost cost him a deal?


    ¡°Better be,¡± Ethan said as he tapped away on his phone and put it beside his ears. ¡°Bring in the documents,¡± he said in amanding tone.


    A man hurriedly came in to drop off the document and waited for further instructions. Ethan sent him away with a wave of his hand. He bowed and left immediately.


    ¡°Here¡± he put it in front of Jessica who passed it along to Xavier.


    ¡°You would have to sign here,¡± Xavier said bringing out the document to meet an already signed document. His party had signed too.


    ¡°I and Dawson have signed and your work was just to pick it up¡± Ethan exined. ¡°Dawson told me how much of a workaholic you are and how he wants to give you a break so you can spend some time with your wife here. I hear you have not gotten time to go on your honeymoon since you got married?¡± Ethan finished with a gasp.


    It finally dawned on Xavier what his grandfather had done there. It was slightly annoying but he found a part of him thankful to his grandfather.


    ¡°So I was tricked into going for a holiday?¡± he asked trying to make light of the situation. ¡°Well I guess it was a good idea¡± he let himself finish.


    ¡°Yes it was¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Six

    Ethan insisted that they had a couple of drinks to celebrate their honeymoon and the contract signing. Xavier tried to let him know that the reason he did not want to drink was because he drove.


    Ethan got a driver to take them home and only released them to go when they were all very drunk.


    ¡°You are drunk,¡± Jessica said pushing Xavier aside as he fiddled with the key. ¡°This is something easy How can you not know how to do it¡± she said in between hups.


    ¡°I can do it¡± Xavier slurred as he blinked.


    He pped himself across the face to keep himself awake. ¡°Stop that, it hurts,¡± Jessica said grabbing his hand as she threw the key across thewn.


    ¡°Stop it?¡± Xavier huped and moved back and forth. ¡°The door¡± he pointed at the door as a giggle left his mount.


    ¡°Oh,¡± she said as she tried to slowly climb down the stairs to thewn. ¡°Xavier light,¡± she said as if she wasmanding someone.


    Xavier bowed his head and came to stand beside her. He bent down and began to search for the keys with her.


    ¡°Found it¡± Jessica yelled in joy as both their hands went to the key at the same time.


    ¡°What?¡± Xavier giggled as he held her hand.


    ¡°You,¡± Jessica said pointing to him in the face. ¡°Why do you treat me like this?¡± she asked tears falling from her eyes.


    ¡°Are you crying?¡± he slurred as his eyes closed and opened multiple times.


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Xavier asked with a sigh.


    ¡°A jerk made me cry,¡± she said as she could not control the heavy sob that followed.


    ¡°Who is that jerk?¡± Xavier asked squeezing her hand. How dare they make her cry? He was going to teach them a lesson for their actions.


    ¡°You¡± she pointed to his face.


    ¡°Me?¡± he asked in amusement. Could he beat himself up for making her cry? ¡°What did I do?¡± he asked sitting on the ground, her hands still in his.


    She copied him and sat too while full on in a sob. ¡°I thought we were getting close already and bing friends but you recoiled when I touched you at Ethan¡¯s house. Am I not supposed to touch you?¡± she cried out.


    He tried to ce her words with the scenario in his mind. ¡°I did that because I was startled,¡± he said going to her face to wipe her tears.


    ¡°Stop it,¡± she said pping his hand away from her face. ¡°You are just mean and I should not have married you. And why do you keep doing that? Giving me mixed emotions all over the ce¡± she sobbed.


    ¡°Do you like me?¡± she asked out of the blue.


    Xavier blinked and looked away. How could he say he liked her when he did not even understand his feelings? He did not know what he felt for her but seeing her cry caused him a kind of indescribable pain that he hated.


    ¡°I think I like you¡± she sniffled as he got closer to him. She closed her eyes and fell on his chest. ¡°I like you¡± she murmured.


    ¡°Oh my god, my head¡± Jessica groaned as she sat up on the bed. She looked around the room and her eyes fell on Xavier who was standing shirtless in the kitchen with his back to her.


    He was rummaging through the refrigerator. She cleared her throat and tried to stand up. She felt a wave of shock pulsate through her system as her leg touched the ground.


    ¡°I do badly at drinking so why do I drink¡± she asked herself as she slipped her legs into the house slippers.


    She walked to the kitchen and stood beside him ¡°Can I have a bottle of water too?¡± she asked closing her eyes.


    ¡°Here¡± he pointed a bottle to her from the fridge.


    ¡°Are you fine?¡± she asked as she went to sit on the kitchen ind.


    ¡°What?¡± He asked closing the fridge and turning to her.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been standing there¡± She pointed to the refrigerator and then gulped down half of the bottle of water.


    ¡°I needed something to relieve hangover, apparently there is nothing worthy of doing the job there¡± he sigheding to stand in front of her. The only thing separating them was the ind.


    She shifted ufortably and cleared her throat. She tried her best to avoid her eyes falling on his chest.


    ¡°I would appreciate it if you could put on some clothes,¡± she said her eyes fixated on the ind in front of her.


    ¡°Are you ufortable?¡± Xavier teased as the corners of his mouth went up in a smirk.


    ¡°Partly yes and also I do not think you would want to catch a cold. It seems quite chilly here¡± she said diverting her eyes to the window.


    Xavier walked to the room picked out a shirt from the suitcase and put it on. ¡°Was that concern for my health I heard?¡±


    ¡°Well if you fall ill I would be the one to take care of you and I do not have time to do that. I need to set up the restaurant by the end of next month¡± she told him.


    ¡°Sheesh¡± Xaviermented and came back to the kitchen.


    ¡°What can we have to cure the hangover? I feel like my head is about to run away from my neck¡± Jessica eximed.


    ¡°We have nothing there, Maybe we can order something?¡± he asked as he took his phone from the counter and searched for good hangover ces nearby that deliver.


    ¡°Yes please do¡± Jessica groaned as her hand went to her head.


    Suddenly she remembered the interactions of yesterday. How she cried before him and fell into his hands. How she also puked on him for the second time.


    ¡°Oh shit¡± she screamed startling Xavier who was on the phone giving out his order to the restaurant.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    He raised his eyebrow at her and she shook her head. Was she to pretend that she did not remember what happened yesterday? This was the second time she puked all over him and acted drunk in his presence.


    She even cried this time around. She studied him, he was also drunk yesterday. Did he not remember or was he pretending not to? She sighed and dropped her head to the table.


    ¡°Why me?¡± she cried out raising and dropping her head to the table.


    ¡°Stop it,¡± he said his hand stopping her head before it could fall back to the ind.


    Her eyes turned to him and her heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°Why are you doing this to yourself?¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Seven

    Jessica screamed out and stood up. All she had done at night yesterday began toe back to her memory. She indirectly confessed to Xavier yesterday.


    ¡°What have I done?¡± she muttered as she stood in awe.


    She could not believe what she had done. She always made mistakes when she drank so why did she drink every time?


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xavier asked moving closer to her.


    ¡°Don¡¯te close¡± she screamed making him stop in his tracks.


    ¡°What is it? Why are you acting this way?¡± he asked again forgetting that he had dialed the number of the delivery ce.


    ¡°Hello sir¡± the phone vibrated in his hand.


    ¡°Hold on, I need to order the soup,¡± he said putting his phone back to his ears.


    Jessica took that as an opportunity to flee. Her head was pounding but she knew that it was time for her to leave. How could she stand there and watch him?


    She began to walk hurriedly out of the house.


    ¡°Wait¡± Xavier could barely get the word out when she had dashed out of the house so fast he could not catch up to her.


    She turned in any direction she deemed fit as the memories of what she had said all night reyed in her mind.


    She had confessed to Xavier andplimented his looks over and over again. Asif puking on him was not enough reason for him to have her she kept piling and adding to the list.


    ¡°Oh Jessica are you a master of horrible decisions?¡± she asked as she walked down the sandy beach side.


    She was not dressed to be outside. She could catch a cold by staying out too long in the breeze of the beach side but she did not know if she could face him.


    What if remembered all that happened and what if he did not? What if he was pretending not to remember to see if she would bring it up first? She felt frustrated and wished that she did not remember things like that. Why did she have to remember how she humiliated herself and confessed love?


    She sighed and shook her head in her hand vigorously. She sat in the sand hoping that the ground would open up so she could crawl inside or the world would end in the next few minutes so she did not have to face him.


    ¡°You should not be sitting out here in the cold,¡± Xavier said as he put a down jacket over her shoulders.


    She sniffled and was grateful for the warmth but she was not sure if she could face him yet. It had been a little over thirty minutes.


    ¡°What are you doing here? I wanted to be alone¡± she said looking away.


    ¡°Well, I had to bring this soup for you because I am sure you need it. I am sure you have a splitting headache from drinking too much¡±


    ¡°I can manage¡±


    ¡°I know you can, just have this soup,¡± he said removing the te of soup from the bag in hand and putting it out on the sand.


    ¡°Just have some¡±


    Jessica had no choice but to take the soup. Not only did she need the soup to cure her handover. It was still warm so it would warm her up and stop her cold.


    ¡°Why did you sprint so fast out of the house?¡± Xavier asked looking down at the ocean.


    Jessica coughed as she choked on the soup in her mouth.


    ¡°Be careful, here¡± Xavier did handing her an opened bottle of water.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Jessica said downing down the bottle.


    ¡°So why did you sprint?¡±


    ¡°Nothing in particr,¡± she said ying with her soup with the spoon in her hand.


    Was she to say Oh, I remembered all I did yesterday and the embarrassment was overwhelming that I could not face you properly.


    ¡°If it¡¯s about what happened yesterday then you have nothing to worry about. I know it was a drunken mistake¡±


    Jessica¡¯s whipped to face him. He remembered and was making excuses for her. How sweet of him.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡®Except that it was not a drunken mistake. I have really taken a liking to you. I like you Xavier Delgado¡¯ she said to herself.


    How could she say it if she was not under the influence of alcohol?


    ¡°Hmm,¡± she cleared her throat. ¡°It was a mistake and I am sorry. I think I need to do away with the drinks for now¡± she added.


    ¡°Yeah, so there is no need to be embarrassed. I am sure I have done many embarrassing things while drunk before too¡±


    ¡°But they are embarrassing things that I have not seen you do before¡± she muttered. ¡°If I have seen you do them I might be morefortable about puking all over you and saying that I like you¡±


    ¡°Well, I want to keep my dignity in front of you so I hope that you never get to see me drunk¡±


    Jessica found it funny. He wanted to keep his dignity in front of her. What did that mean? Was it just a statement that had no much sentiment behind it or was it a way of him saying something hidden?


    ¡°Thank you¡± she murmured.


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For making seemfortable even after I had embarrassed myself so much. ¡°Also thank you for an amazing experience here in Aurora Haven. It was my first time abroad and I had the most fun ever¡±


    ¡°I am d it turned out that way even if I was skeptical about bringing you in the first ce. I also had fun¡±


    Jessica and Xavier¡¯s eyes meet for what seems like an eternity. Jessica could swear that she saw the sparks fly around the ce and she could sense the connection. She cleared her throat and looked away.


    ¡°When do we leave?¡± she asked changing the topic. If she had not managed to control herself she would have been on top of him forcing her tongue into his mouth.


    ¡°Yes, we do. Can you finish your soup on time so we can go back inside? It is chiller than I expected¡±


    ¡°Okay¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Eight

    Jessica could not believe that her mini-vacation wasing to an end already. They hoped the ce back to Chiachester City. She was d to be back home but was afraid that a change in scenery would make Xavier return to his old state.


    Xavier was driven to the office while Jessica was taken home. Immediately she got home she went to see Dawson. Dawson¡¯s face lit up immediately when he saw her.


    The feeling of seeing him happy to see her sent a wave of warm feelings down her spine. ¡°How did you enjoy your honeymoon?¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s the first thing you ask me?¡± she said rolling her eyes and going towards him. ¡°I missed you so much¡± She bent to hug him and he reciprocated. When she pulled away other was a smile on his face.


    ¡°How was it?¡± he asked eagerly like a child waiting to be given a treat.


    ¡°It was a fun adventure for me¡±


    ¡°Is that all? How far did you go with Xavier?¡±


    ¡°Dawson!!¡± she eximed.


    ¡°What? I deserve to know. I set you up on this honeymoon¡± he said.


    ¡°Well, for starters nothing much changed¡± Jessica lied. She did not want to raise Dawson¡¯s hopes in case Xavier had a change or heart and decided to treat her the way he had been doing before the trip.


    ¡°Nothing much? The two of you are in an enclosed space and nothing much changed or happened?¡± Disbelief was evident in his voice.


    ¡°Believe it or not it¡¯s the truth,¡± Jessica said. ¡°But by the way, I got you this because I thought it would look very good on you¡±


    Jessica pulled out a box from the bag she had been holding, inside the box was a wristwatch. Jessica has gotten it on thest day of their stay. She has told Xavier she needed to get some gifts for some people and he drove her all the way to the inner city to get things for her.


    ¡°This is so lovely and thoughtful of you,¡± Dawson said as Jessica put it around his arm.


    ¡°So make sure to wear this lovely and thoughtful gift every day¡±


    ¡°Yeas¡± Dawson replied sulking.


    It felt to him like he had invested a lot into a business and it flopped at the end of the day. He felt devasted and hurt that he had put the two of them together and there was no significant progress.


    ¡°Why are you sulking?¡±


    ¡°I am not sulking¡±


    It felt like at that moment something dinged in Dawson¡±s brain. It felt like he knew a way to bring them closer. He felt defeated but he was not going to give up.


    ¡°Next month is Xavier¡¯s birthday and I would like to throw him a party,¡± Dawson said wheeling his chair towards the window.


    ¡°Next month? Wow I did not know that¡±


    ¡°You two should learn basic things about each other. If you continue this way, everyone will catch on that this is not a real marriage very soon ¡± Dawson cautioned her.


    ¡°We will try our best to keep it under for the moment and learn more about each other¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s by the way. I want you to be the one to throw the surprise party for him¡±


    ¡°Me? Just me? Without any help?¡±


    ¡°Yes just you¡±


    Jessica had gotten a gift for almost everyone in the house. Everyone was raining praises on her because the men of the house usually went on business trips but ended uping back empty-handed.


    ¡°What do you want to eat for dinner? I¡¯ll make something special for you and the young master¡± Roselle said as she held the box of perfume close to her chest.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make dinner,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Oh no, there is no way I can allow that. I need to make sure you rest well after the trip back. You just got back so I would make dinner¡±


    Jessica had a feeling that she was not going to win the battle with Roselle today. Her happiness from recovering the gift was overflowing and Jessica did not want to offend her.


    ¡°Okay, then I would anticipate something big. I hope it will be a big spread.¡± she teased.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Roselle said skipping away from the house.


    ¡°You are just like my sister¡±


    Jessica turned around to see Genevieve standing there with her hand folded across her chest and her body resting on the wall.


    ¡°What?¡± Jessica asked.


    ¡°You are just very simr to my sister. Xavier¡¯s mom¡± she said pushing herself from the wall and walking towards her.


    ¡°I am? In what ways? I never knew her so¡­¡± she said trailing off.


    ¡°She was an extremely nice person. She was always shining in everything she did. She was one of the people who cared for the house staff like they were family¡± Genevieve said fondly.


    Genevieve had always not seen the need to be a good person if we all die in the end. Today was a good day for her to remember her sister and talk about her.


    ¡°She never discriminated or looked down on others. She was beautiful outward but bless her heart. She was truly a special breed¡± A tear dropped from her eye as she began to think back on all the memories she shared with her sister.


    ¡°You know everyone gave up on me but she never did. She was the only one who treated me like a human. God bless her soul¡±


    ¡°She sounds like a really nice person and I am ttered you can even think youpare me to her,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Well, ever since I got here you have never treated me as less of a person. You even took extra care of me with all the special meals and all and I want to say thank you¡± Genevieve said taking her hands into hers and squeezing so tightly.


    ¡°I am so grateful for you and for the gift you brought back from Aurora Haven. I¡¯m ttered you thought of me¡± she said rubbing her hand gently and ending with augh.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you liked the gift. I thought long and hard on what to get you and then I spent Xavier¡¯s money to get them¡± she added.


    Both women burst outughing. Jessica felt like she was having a connection with her. Who was Xavierining about such a sweet woman? Ever since she got there she had been nothing but a delight.


    ¡°I would soon be on site of my restaurant to supervise and hopefully by the end of next month we should be opening up¡±


    Genevieve nodded her head. She was not sure why Jessica was telling her this but her heart felt warm just by hearing it.


    ¡°And I was thinking that if you do not mind you cane along with me as I go supervise everything and get them ready¡±


    ¡°I would love to¡± Genevieve cut her off with so much excitement waiting to be unleashed.


    ¡°Oh wow, I¡¯m d I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you asked me too,¡± Genevieve e said going in with a hug.

 Branch One Hundred and Nine

    As they all sat down to dinner smiles flew around effortlessly. Jessica was for once to be a part of whatever it was that was going on in there.


    Jessica felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She removed and turned off the call before dropping it to the table.


    ¡°You can get that,¡± Dawson said gesturing to her.


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry, I will call them back after dinner¡± She knew that there was no way she would pick up the call of her aunt in the presence of everyone there. She did not even want to affiliate herself with the woman.


    The phone went off a couple of more times before she stopped calling. Jessica knew that she was going to call back. She did this funny thing where she called nonstop for a short period and then went around to rest for a couple of minutes before she called back in full voice.


    ¡°It must be urgent if they keep calling you so much,¡± Genevieve said.


    Jessica hated that she had decided to bring her phone to the dining room today. She usually left it upstairs.


    ¡°I am sorry to disturb your dinner¡± They all turned to see one of the house staff standing there. He bowed and waited to be asked to speak.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Dawson asked taking a sip of his water from the ss before him.


    ¡°A woman had been at the same making a scene nonstop for the past thirty minutes. She is iming to be the aunt of the youngdy¡±


    Immediately Jessica heard the word aunt she found herself on her feet and navigating her way outside. Everyone at the table instinctively followed her.


    Did her aunt reallye? The questions que their minds but the only way to answer was for them to see for themselves.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Oh Jessica, did you change your number? I have been trying so hard to reach you for two months now but you have been ignoring my calls, my text messages, and my DMs on social media¡± she said as soon as sheid eyes on Jessica.


    ¡°What do you want? What are you doing here?¡± Jessica cried out. ¡°Why are you here? How did you find this ce?¡±


    ¡°See how big the house is. Were you nning to live here all by yourself?¡± she slurred out.


    Jessica wished for sudden destruction of the world so they could all go away and her embarrassment would stop. Aside from the fact that she had so many ws her Aunt was the one who made those ws obvious.


    ¡°Please leave and we can meet you tomorrow,¡± Jessica said turning away.


    ¡°Are you going to leave me out here? I am your only family now¡± she screamed after her as she walked away.


    Xavier Dawson and Genevieve watched the interaction.


    ¡°I¡¯m your aunt¡± she screamed with urgency. Her meal ticket was slipping away from her and she did not like it a bit.


    ¡°Are you all going to watch her treat me so awfully? I am her family and I have been trying my best to get in touch with her¡± she continued screaming.


    ¡°What should we do with her chairman?¡± a staff asked.


    ¡°Kick her out,¡± Jessica said without looking back. ¡°I do not want to see her or talk to her now. I¡¯ll do soter¡±


    The staff looked to Dawson for confirmation. When Dawson was around the other¡¯smands always came second to his.


    ¡°Open up the gate,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Wait Dawson I can exin¡± Jessica rushed to his side.


    ¡°Open up,¡± Dawson said in a final tone


    ¡°Thank you¡± she said as she pushed herself in. She pressed down her hair and smoothened her skirt before walking towards them.


    ¡°Jessica, why did you treat me that way?¡± Olivia began but Jessica walked out on her. ¡°How dare you? When did you be so rude?¡± she screamed at her retreating figure.


    ¡°Oh so sorry about that,¡± she said when she saw the expression on Xavier and Dawson¡¯s faces.


    Three of them said no word and walked inside. ¡°Is everyone here just rude or what?¡± she murmured to herself and followed them.


    Jessica had angrily climbed up the stairs. Was this the way everyone would be aware of the kind of horrible background she came from? She felt so ashamed that a n to escape in the dead of the night brewed in her mind.


    If she was leaving she had to take Olivia along with her or else the woman would suck dry the Delgado family. She began to feel her blood pressure rise.


    ¡°We have not finished eating dinner so why are you here?¡±


    Jessica turned around to see Xavier standing there watching her as she paced the whole floor of the room.


    ¡°How can I eat dinner? That woman, we should not have let her in at all. She has a truck of issues which she will definitely spread to us all¡± Jessica rambled on.


    ¡°Calm down,¡± Xavier said walking towards her. He took her hands in his and steadied her ¡°Take a deep breath¡± he said.


    She found herself closing her eyes and trying her best to be at peace. The thought of Olivia downstairs sent shivers down her spine. To her, it was like a scene from a horror movie waiting to explode in their faces.


    ¡°Do you not trust us?¡± he asked causing her eyes to shoot open.


    Did she trust them? Yes, she did but she did not know if she wanted to trust them with this particr task.


    ¡°Xavier it¡¯s not about the trust. This woman has been the greatest difort in my life and I do not want to bring my issues to the Delgado family. You and Dawson have been nothing but kind to me so why would I try to burden you¡± she continued her ramble.


    She was nervous and rambling was the best way to sort out the emotions she felt. She knew she needed to stay cool headed but she could not do so at the moment. She needed that woman out and away from this house and her life.


    ¡°Jessica, let us try our best to finish dinner, and then by tomorrow morning we will know what to do about the situation. Okay?¡± His wordsforted her and she was d.


    ¡°Okay¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Ten

    The rest of the dinner was Olivia passing unnecessaryments randomly and the whole table keeping her silent all through. She did not take the hint but kept going on and on about whatever she deemed fit to talk about.


    ¡°Who would take me up?¡± Dawson asked. He was hoping Jessica would volunteer. He needed to speak with her.


    ¡°I will,¡± she said standing up. She wanted to do anything to make sure she escaped that woman. She cared less about where it was that she would sleep that night.


    ¡°Okay, good night everyone¡± Dawson called as Jessica rolled his chair away.


    ¡°Oh, Son iw¡± Olivia called in a sing-song voice.


    ¡°The staff will show you to a room where you can stay for the time being,¡± Xavier said standing up and leaving.


    ¡°Rude much¡± she called after him. He did not turn back to acknowledge her but kept on walking. ¡°I guess that the rich have to be rude,¡± she said as she stood up. She walked around the house running her hand over anything that looked expensive.


    ¡°How annoying of Jessica to think she could keep this all to herself¡± she snickered happily. She was going to ensure that she made so much money out of them.


    ¡°Excuse me, ma¡¯am, you need toe this way,¡± a staff said moving toward her.


    ¡°Oh definitely,¡± she said her eyes twinkling. ¡®I have hit the jackpot¡¯ she squealed inwardly.


    The room she was given was empty but big. She gasped at the sight of the room and walked in. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to it then,¡± the staff said closing the door.


    ¡°How foolish of that girl Jessica¡± she murmured to herself. ¡°She got the opportunity to taste such wealth but she had not been maximizing it¡±


    Dawson and Jessica enter the room. ¡°Help me to the bed too,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she said helping him to his feet and the bed. She put him in and helped him tuck in. As she was about to stand up Dawson¡¯s hand covered hers.


    ¡°Jessica, you did nothing wrong¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You know I¡¯ve been around for a long time so I am sure I can tell when a person is ming themselves for a situation they can¡¯t control. I don¡¯t know the full story and neither do I want to know. Do not me yourself and sleep tight tonight. By tomorrow we will sort it all out. I promise¡± he said squeezing her hand.


    Jessica opened her mouth and closed it multiple times like a fish. She wanted to talk but did not know how to express the emotions she felt. Both grandfather and grandson had found a unique way to console her and she felt grateful.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say anything. Now would you go to bed? You haven¡¯t even had rest since you got back from your trip¡± Dawson said freeing her hand.


    Jessica gave Dawson a hand squeeze to show her expression that she could not express with words. She stood up and left the room. She opened the door back and whispered to him.


    ¡°Thank you¡±


    Jessica hurriedly closed the door and went to her room. She met Xavier on the way back to the room. They almost bumped into each other but stopped before they could hit heads with each other.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked


    ¡°Errmm¡­ I wanted to see Dawson, yeah to see him. I have not been able to see him since I got back from Aurora Haven¡± he rambled on.


    ¡°Okay then be on your way and I¡¯ll be on my way,¡± Jessica said turning to the side so he could go through.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯ste, I¡¯ll see him tomorrow,¡± Xavier said turning on his heels to go back to his room.


    ¡°Wait where are you looking for me?¡± She asked chasing after his long strides.


    ¡°No I wasn¡¯t¡± he denied strongly.


    ¡°They always say strong denial is eptance,¡± she said walking side by side with him.


    ¡°I was not¡± he repeated.


    ¡°I think you were¡± she murmured gently.


    ¡°I was not¡± he murmured too.


    ¡°I guess you were,¡± she said before she doubled her speed to the door. She tried to open the door when a hand covered hers.


    She turned around and he was hovering over her.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she said her voice as tiny as a mouse. Her confidence was now gone with him towering over her.


    ¡°I dide to find you so what?¡± he asked his voice dangerously low. The sound of his voice in her stomach was delightful for her.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± she said in a squeak and a hup followed.


    ¡®Did he not change back to his default setting with the change in the environment?¡¯ she asked herself.


    Xavier bent his head to her eye level. She felt the hupse on and on without stopping. She closed her eyes and prepared for the worst. She heard the door click open and she opened her eyes.


    ¡°Go on in,¡± he said standing back with a smirk all over his face.


    ¡®So he was purposely teasing her?¡¯ she thought. ¡°I need to get water for the hups,¡± she said going under his arms.


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you¡±


    ¡°No¡± she screamed before he could take a step. ¡°Go in and get ready for bed. U would only take a water bottle ande back up¡± she said.


    Now that he was the one who seemed to have the upper hand she did not like the way it sat with her. She wished to be the one with the upper hand. She liked it better when she was the one teasing him and not the other way around.


    ¡°Go¡± she gestured as she hurried to the direction of the stairs.


    Xavier nodded as he watched her go out of his sight. He entered the room and into the closet. He changed out of his clothes and then went to stay on the bed.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    He suddenly got a call from Marcus who was thewyer. He suddenly remembered how he treated him thest time and felt a pang of guilt which did notst long because he remembered how much of a flirt he was being to his wife.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Marcus¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Eleven

    ¡°It is sote at night, what is so urgent that could not wait till the next morning?¡± Xavier asked as he stood up to sit on one of the chairs.


    ¡°I am aware of that but it was so urgent I had to call immediately¡± he exined. ¡°So manypanies are pulling out investment in the newpany because of a scandalous rumor referring to the top model we used.


    ¡°What?¡± Xavier could not wrap his mind around it. It was a bit too rare to have their models have scandals. The Braxton enterprise always stuck with models they had used before and for the first time, they decided to use a model who was new so they could appeal to the younger generations they had a serious crisis on their hands.


    ¡°What is it? The scandal?¡± he asked sighing.


    ¡°Scarlett who we usedmitted a series of crimes that the investors could not overlook¡±


    ¡°Such as?¡± Xavier barked.


    ¡°Abortions, drunk driving, bullying amongst many others¡± he replied.


    ¡°The investors are not too pleased and are asking why we used such a person. It¡¯s not looking good for business as the share prices are dropping by the minute¡±


    ¡°Send a memo to the general public and cancel our contract with Scarlett, ensure she pays the penalty fee for what she has done now. We need to find a new model ASAP so go ahead and contact the agencies. I would speak to the investors. If need be I would involve the chairman too¡± Xavier said dishing out the orders.


    ¡°Should I be expecting you at the office tonight?¡± Marcus asked over the phone.


    Do what you can do to control the situation and then go back home to rest. We would go on with the control of things tomorrow¡±


    ¡°So you would not being out tonight?¡± Marcus asked.


    Usually in situations that require emergency or urgency Xavier usually made them work all night and all day till it was resolved. Here Xavier was telling him to go home and rest. It was a wonder to him as he reyed his words in his head.


    ¡°No Marcus, I won¡¯t being out till morning and I am sure there is a way to put everything we have done under control too¡± Xavier exined.


    ¡°My wife is having a tough time tonight and I think it would be foolish of me to leave her be by herself,¡± Xavier said.


    He had no idea as to why he told him what he just did. Did he want to break that he was the one currently by her side?


    ¡°Oh okay,¡± Marcus said. ¡°See you at the office tomorrow then,¡± He said before proceeding to cut off the call.


    ¡°If you need to go to work then you can do so. I am manage and I will get her out of this house before dusk tomorrow¡±


    Xavier turned to see Jessica standing there. ¡°I did not mean to eavesdrop¡± she added.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay the situation can be resolved without me being there¡± he lied. He wanted to be there for her at the moment that felt so tough.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get changed then¡±


    Jessica felt her heart drop when she heard him say he would get changed. Yes, she asked him to go but only because she wanted to sound good. She wanted him around so he wouldfort her. His presence was enough.


    ¡°What¡¯s that expression?¡±


    ¡°What expression?¡±


    ¡°How do you expect me to go if you have that expression on your face?¡± he asked as he walked towards her.


    He stood feet apart and she shuffled on her feet. ¡°I did not make any expression. I know how important your work is so how can I keep you away from it?¡± she asked looking down and not looking up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry I would be going nowhere. I am sure the situation can wait till morning. Our legal team would do what they can do before the morning to get it all under control¡± he said assuring her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get changed for bed,¡± she told him as she passed his side to the closet.


    She felt her stomach leap got joy knowing he was not going to leave her alone. She changed quickly and came to the room. She met him sitting on the couch.


    ¡°Do you still have anything to attend to? Like phone calls to make?¡± she asked as she sorted the pillows on the bed.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll join you shortly¡±


    Jessica could not believe she was having a smooth conversation with Xavier. It felt weird. They had smooth conversations at Aurora Haven but it did not feel weird because they were not at their base, buting back here he was still acting the same made her feel weird.


    ¡°The personal trainer would being tomorrow,¡± he said as she put herself under the covers.


    ¡°Why?¡± she said sitting up on the bed.


    ¡°You said you want to exercise better so I got us a persona trainer¡± he exined.


    ¡°Would you be joining us?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Of course yes¡±


    ¡°But I thought you would have to go into the office early tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. An hour or two would not make it worse¡± he said.


    Jessicaid down back and felt a blush creep up. She did not know if he was being intentional or was doing all these because she asked by writing but she felt led on. He was being so romantic that she would jump him any chance she got.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said as she sat up straight on the bed again.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said looking up from his phone to her.


    ¡°You do not need to do everything on that list. They were wishes but not all wishese true¡±


    ¡°I do not mind doing them¡± he confessed.


    ¡°Do not try to deter me I¡¯ll do what I want to do¡± he added before she could say anything.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    She nodded andid back down. She sang to herself silently until she could sleep. Xavier got a text from a strange number and it read.


    ¡®You have no idea who it is that you got married to. She has so many secrets that could put you in serious trouble. Stay away from her for your own good¡¯

 Branch One Hundred and Twelve

    Jessica had left the house with Genevieve. She has spoken to James¡¯ wife Lily who sounded like an absolute sweetheart. After Jessica had prepared breakfast after what felt like an excruciating long workout session, she had a one-on-one session with her aunt.


    Her aunt imed she was not maximizing the potential of being married to a billionaire. Jessica advised her aunt to leave because she was not nning on extorting the Delgados so she would live a life she did not deserve.


    Olivia had made a big scene out of it and called Jessica ungrateful. She imed to have taken care of her and she did not like how Jessica refused to repay. Jessica threatened to kick her out if she found her still in the house if she came back.


    ¡°I can only imagine if this was how much pressure I made Dawson and Xavier feel when I did things like this¡± Genevievemented silently as they drove.


    Jessica wanted to apologize but Genevieve kept rambling on. ¡°I mean when I was a nuisance and making my family pay my debts as I gambled away with my addiction to gambling and alcohol. I never knew that the addiction would lead me to an early grave¡±


    Genevieve¡¯s eyes widened as she covered her mouth. She has allowed herself to slip and now she knew she would have to exin the meaning of what she meant.


    ¡°An early grave? What do you mean?¡± Jessica asked shocked at what she had just heard.


    ¡°I did not want to tell anyone but I came to appreciate and feel sorry for my family when I discovered that I have a fatty liver and do not have much time to be on earth again¡±


    ¡°Why am I just hearing of this now?¡± Jessica asked getting teary-eyed.


    ¡°I have burdened my family enough and I did not want to do so further. Please can you keep this a secret from Dawson and Xavier?¡± she begged.


    ¡°You need immediate treatment. You must have been in a lot of pain. How did you manage?¡±


    ¡°There is no more treatment. I just have to live a righteous life now. I have been following up on my meds too¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s tell Xavier so he can get you treated here. I am sure something can still be done to the situation¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m calling him now,¡± Jessica said putting the phone to her ears.¡± All would be fine¡± she added squeezing her hand.


    Xavier was in the middle of a serious conversation about the termination of Scarlet¡¯s contract when Jessica¡¯s call came in.


    ¡°Hello, Jessica I am in the middle of a business meeting. I will call you backter¡± Xavier said cutting off the call.


    The men in the room stared at him as if he were an alien that descended into their midst. ¡°Let¡¯s get back to work,¡± Xavier said in an ordering voice.


    ¡°Boss, did you just stop the meeting to take a call?¡± Brian asked.


    The rest of the men wanted to know what just happened but it was only Brian who was brave enough to go head-on with the CEO.


    ¡°Yes I did my wife called¡± the men eximed when they heard his response. He was not the kind of person to disrupt the meeting to take a call and he did not expect less from any of them.


    They had all heard of the woman who married their boss. Most of them thought of the woman as a superstar because how could she handle him at home? Most of them had a hard time coping with him for the little time they spent together at work.


    Marcus sat there listening to the whispers of how much of a happy marriage Xavier must be having. He found himself sulking soon enough. He knew of the contract between them and the only reason he was not exposing it was because he could not breach the contract between them as a legal practitioner.


    He wished there was trouble in paradise but from the interaction, it showed that both of them seemed to get along. He needed to do something fast because it felt as if she was slipping through his hands.


    ¡°He must be busy with work. I would discuss treatment options with himter tonight¡± she said promising her.


    They arrived at the restaurant building and Jessica shared her n with Lily who had a great reception to the dream. They agreed to get started on the work the very next day.


    Jessica treated Lily and Genevieve to a meal before she went back home. As they neared the house she feared facing her aunt.


    A part of her wished that Olivia would have left but she knew her aunt so well. It was obvious that she would never shy away from anything that seemed like it would bring money to her.


    ¡°Where have you been all morning¡± Olivia asked as she held onto Jessica¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Where I have been is none of your business,¡± she said wiggling her way out of her strong grip.


    ¡°Why are you so rude,¡± she said pushing her away.


    ¡°You have no right to treat a Delgado like that¡± Dawson¡¯s strong voice was heard from a distance.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°A Delgado? Who? Jessica?¡± Olivia asked with shock.


    ¡°Jessica is now a Delgado and you can not treat her however you deem fit¡±


    ¡°I can treat my niece how ever I deem fit¡± Olivia screamed.


    ¡°I am the only family that she has¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Thirteen

    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Xavier¡¯s voice came from behind them. ¡°She got married to me so how is it that you are her only family?¡± he asked going to hold Jessica by the shoulders.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that¡± Olivia started but trailed off when she could not defend herself.


    At that moment she felt like it was a wrong idea for her to have tried to extort them it seemed like they were not going to be moved by her ridiculous tactics.


    ¡°Jessica can you take Papa upstairs I would like to have a conversation with your aunt here¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry and just take him upstairs. It is nothing serious and I can assure you that I will be up soon¡± he said cutting her off.


    Jessica nodded and went to stand behind Dawson¡¯s chair she turned in the direction. To be honest with herself she was greatly uninterested in being in her aunt¡¯s presence. She had had enough of her for a week and she had spent just a day. Jessica could not deny that Olivia was very exhausting to deal with.


    ¡°I guess I better go to my room,¡± Genevieve said as she awkwardly left the room.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a conversation,¡± Xavier said leading her to the living room. ¡°Please sit,¡± he said gesturing to the couch as he sat too.


    She looked around and sat down giving a distance between them. She was nervous and she did not like the vibe she was getting from him. It felt like she was going to be exposed to all her life crimes.


    ¡°Why did you send me this bunch of messages?¡± he said dropping his phone to the table in front of them.


    Olivia picked up the phone and read through the messages. Xavier received many more messages like the one he got at night yesterday. The sender kept threatening to expose his wife¡¯s secret. Xavier would have ignored it as a spam message but the timing of the messages and her arrival made him suspicious of her.


    He had someone look into her and found out that the message came from a burner phone meaning it was untraceable. He had instructed the person to keep on digging till he had strong and valid evidence of who did it.


    ¡°What makes you think I did this?¡± she asked as she sat resting her back on the couch.


    ¡°Because putting two and two together you should be the one. It was obvious that you are desperate for money and ckmailing one is the greatest and easiest way to get money¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I can never be the one to do my niece dirty like that¡± she exined. ¡°I know it might sound crazy but I did not send this message. There is no way Jessica had anything she would be ashamed about sharing in public¡± Olivia told him.


    ¡°Maybe you should have an expert team look into it as much as they can because I did no such thing¡±


    ¡°We would do this and if we find who did it we won¡¯t go easy on them,¡± he said in a threatening voice.


    ¡°You should¡±


    Jessica was pacing around the room wondering what it was Xavier was discussing with her aunt. The doorknob clicked and opened. He walks in and stands by the entrance.


    ¡°What did you discuss?¡± she asked rushing to him.


    ¡°We discussed why she should leave you alone¡± he lied.


    How could he tell her the situation when he had not gotten it under control? It would make him seem ipetent as he was not able to handle amon phone troll.


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°And what?¡± he asked pushing himself from the door and walking inside.


    ¡°What did she say?¡± She was hoping that she would decide to go after being threatened by Xavier but she also had a soft spot for her aunt. After all, when her mom had her, she spent the early years of her life seeing her until she was sent to the orphanage home.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like she is leaving,¡± he said entering the closet. She followed him in and he stopped when she did. ¡°I am going to change now. Are you going to watch?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Oh, my goodness. What hase over me? I¡¯m sorry sorry¡± she mumbled as she turned and left. She sat on the bed waiting to hear whatever it was that he had to say. She needed to know what was going on but it was obvious he was least interested.


    ¡°So what are you going to do about it?¡± Jessica asked as she stood up when he came out.


    ¡°What can I do? She¡¯s family to you so I can¡¯t possibly kick her out. I am sure you might need her soon. Moreover, you are already fond of my aunt, maybe would grow fond of her too¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t under¡­¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Just give it a little more time¡±


    Xavier was not ready to lose her as to him she was the prime suspect. How could he allow her to escape? She would be under his watch until he found the person behind the mysterious message.


    ¡°Do you want to maybe go out and grab something?¡± Xavier asked out of the blue.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked taken aback by his request.


    ¡°You know it was in the list you wrote down. Getting so things from the grocery store in casual clothes in the cool of the evening. Just the two of us¡± he recited from the brain. He had put the entire thing in his mind and could say it without looking at the paper.


    ¡°Yeah, I told you that you do not have to do that again. It would make my heart skip and then I might start to fall for you. Remember we can¡¯t have romantic feelings for each other.¡± she said as if she was teaching a junior ss student.


    ¡°And I heard you before. I just want to do this¡±


    ¡°If you are worried about me not getting to have any romantic moments in my life then you have nothing to worry about. I¡¯ll be fine¡± she said going to sit down.


    He dragged her up by the hand she came face to face with him. The features of their lips almost touching.


    ¡°Go get changed into something casual and meet me downstairs¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Fourteen

    Jessica reluctantly got dressed. With everything that had happened today, she was not supposed to be doing this. It felt like a date. She went downstairs and met him ready to leave. He led the way and they took one of the cars with them. It was a convertible BMW.


    Jessica had thought Xavier too serious to be one who would take such a car out. She did not even know he owned one.


    ¡°Nice car¡± shemented.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Are you just seeing it for the first time?¡± he asked shocked at herment.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said as she pulled her seat belt to fix it.


    ¡°Here let me,¡± he said as he went across her. Jessica froze in her seat as her hands were suspended in the air. ¡®What was he doing?¡¯


    ¡°There you go,¡± he said sitting back in his seat and not acting like anything was wrong.


    ¡®Did he know how much he just made my heart beat? It was like my heart was ready to jump out of my chest just now. How would I be able to handle any situation like this again? It¡¯s like my defenses are getting weaker and weaker¡¯ Jessica had her thoughts ramble on.


    ¡°What are you thinking of?¡± he asked as he nced at her before the car hummed to life.


    ¡°Nothing¡± her voice came out in a squeak as she tried her best to avoid his eyes.


    ¡°It seems something is up,¡± he said. She did not attempt to respond. What was she supposed to say? ¡®I am falling in love with you because I have no self-control of my own?¡¯ how could she say that?


    ¡°How was the meeting with the interior designer?¡± he asked.


    She might be ufortable but at least this was amon ground that they could talk about very well.


    ¡°It was a smooth meeting. We agreed at once on the design and colors without any fuss over anything. I don¡¯t think I will have any issues with the designer. She is such a sweetheart and she just brightens up the room. Afterward treated Genevieve and Lily. Oh, Lily is her name by the way. I treated both of them to lunch nearby. They have nice meals. I was even afraid that my meals might not be good enough topete. After lunch, we came back to the house and before that, we dropped Lily off¡±


    Jessica rambled on but stopped when she saw the amused expression on his face. ¡°I talked a lot, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°I never knew that you did,¡± he said smiling more.


    ¡°I only do so with those I¡¯mfortable with,¡± she said and immediately pped her hands over her mouth. She had just slipped out for no reason.


    ¡°So you arefortable with me?¡± he said teasing her.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that. You asked for a breakdown and that was why I had to say it all¡± she told him looking down at her feet.


    ¡°I did notin,¡± he said as he took a turn.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Ice cream,¡± he said in a tone that made the question seem like it was obvious she should know the answer.


    ¡°Ice cream?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ice Cream¡±


    Xavier drove to the ice cream ce. It seemed like a hot spot for dates in Chiachester City because the tables scanned both inside and outside the big ice cream parlor and almost all tables had people on them who looked lovey-dovey. Even friend groups found their way to the ce.


    ¡°Xavier this ce is too popr. There are a lot of people here. Let¡¯s just have the department store-bought ice cream and go home¡± she said.


    Now that she knew that they were having ice cream she was very interested. It had been a while since she had ice cream and it was one of the things she loved the most. If she was going to have a chance to get ice cream then she would never pass it off.


    ¡°Why would we do that? I brought us here because I know the owner and he makes really good ice cream¡±


    ¡°Okay then let¡¯s have ours in a to-go cup¡± she suggested.


    ¡°Why would we do that? We would have the ice cream here¡± he said turning off the ignition.


    The parking lot of the ice cream ce was across the road and they had sat in the car having this back-and-forth conversation about if they woulde down or not.


    ¡°People would take pictures,¡± she said and his hands dropped from the door handle.


    ¡°Are you ashamed to be seen with me?¡±


    ¡°Of course not¡±


    ¡°Then I don¡¯t see a problem. Let¡¯s go¡± he said as she opened his door and turned around to open her.


    She stepped out after much hesitation. ¡°Am I to act like a loving wife?¡± she whispered to him.


    ¡°Just be yourself. It is just ice cream¡±


    ¡°Yes, just ice cream with the eyes of a couple of people watching our every move. Loving wife it is¡±


    He takes her hands and leads her to the parlor. As they enter eyes turn to them and whispers begin to fly around. Jessica felt her toes curl up in her running shoes, she was d she loomed decent at least.


    She was least worried about Xavier, he had been in this kind of world his all life, and everything he wore looked good. She on the other could get dragged for no reason by those who believe she did not deserve her current position and those who believed that they had a chance before she came along.


    ¡°Shall we¡± he pulls her to the ice cream counter


    They get their ice cream and navigate their way to a seat inside.


    ¡°Before I forget,¡± Jessica said pping her hands together.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he asked startled.


    ¡°Sorry to startle you, but I heard from Genevieve today that she is ill. What did she call it again?¡± she asked thinking hard.


    ¡°A fatty liver?¡± he asked taking a spoonful of the ice cream.


    ¡°Yes, wait for you already know?¡± she asked shocked. ¡°If you knew already why is she not already undergoing treatment?¡±


    ¡°Your ice cream will melt¡±


    ¡°Answer the question first¡±


    ¡°I just got to know. I asked someone to look into her. It was strange that she came home on her own after all this while and I found that just recently, do not worry I would make sure she gets adequate treatment¡±


    ¡°Okay then¡± Jessica sighed in relief. ¡°Smile, everyone is watching, you can fake it too¡± she added as her eyes caught others who were watching them.


    ¡°I do not need to fake it, I¡¯m having a good time already¡±


    Jessica almost choked on her ice cream. ¡°Why are you doing this to me?¡± she murmured with wide eyes.


    ¡°Doing what?¡± he shrugged

 Branch One Hundred and Fifteen

    ¡°What the hell¡± Emma screamed as she threw her phone at the wall.


    The entire inte was stered with images of Xavier and Jessica having a good time. At first, it was of them in Aurora Haven and now they were back in Chiachester and it seemed like they were still on a date.


    Emma had always thought that their rtionship could be a sort of contract because how was it that she went into a marriage without knowing him?


    She hated that it seemed like Jessica was higher than her now. She wanted so much to pull her down. She picked up her phone from the ground. Luckily for her, it was still usable after the fall.


    She dialed the number of her friend. She held her stomach in annoyance.


    The only reason she had settled for Burke was because Jessica so wanted him and now she wanted Xavier. She was going to do all she could to ensure that the marriage failed and that she became thedy of the Delgado family. It was obvious that Jessica was not fit for the task.


    ¡°Hello, Emma to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?¡± Steve said as he picked up.


    Steve, Emma, Burke, and Jessica knew each other from the orphanage home. Emma¡¯s haters for Jessica began when she discovered that both men in their group liked Jessica and she swore to cone in between any of the two she chose.


    She had always considered herself more beautiful and elegant than Jessica but why was it that most men were drawn to her?


    ¡°Do you still have that massive crush on Jessica or have you gotten over it?¡± Emma asked ferociously. She was like a snake waiting to attack.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    When Jessica chose Burke, Steve could not stand to be in the same space with her so he drifted apart. He went ahead to own a little publishing house that did social media news marketing.


    ¡°Is this the reason you called?¡± Steve asked angrily.


    He had tried his best to move on but it seemed Jessica was stuck on his mind even after all this while. He had even gone into rtionships that seemed to end before they bloomed. For a while now he had been okay but hearing Emma speak about Jessica triggered those emotions and he could not lie.


    ¡°You know that she is married to Delgado Xavier?¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m happy for her that she found love. Can you cut to the chase? I¡¯m very busy¡±


    ¡°No need to snap at me. I have a big scoop on Jessica that would bring her down. If we can separate her from Xavier then you can have her. You know if you are the one with her when she is heartbroken she will automatically fall for you¡±


    ¡°Emma I see you still scheme things like this. I know that you caused her separation from Burke. I would not help you¡±


    ¡°Come on, I know you want to do it. I will give you till tomorrow. If you don¡¯t reach out I¡¯ll take my scoop elsewhere¡± she said like it was a threat.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you do¡± he cut off the call and she screamed out in frustration.


    ¡°How dare him¡±


    Emma hoped that Steve had some resentment against Jessica and that he would agree to her offer. She began to plot in her mind and the first step would be to get closer to Xavier.


    She checked the messages she sent to him on a butter phone she got. It showed that he got the messages but he was not reacting to them. Instead, he was taking Jessica out on a date.


    She needed something more impactful that would strike a blow in the rtionship. It was obvious that Jessica had a clean te and past there was nothing she could say to bring her down.


    She decided then to use malicious content. How else could she do it? She had to tell lies or else she would not be able to bring her. She sent a message to Xavier again iming to release the content of his wife¡¯s secret if he did not reach out to her.


    She went ahead to make fake social media pages and then paid for followers too. She began making malicious statements against Jessica. She imed she was a club girl who had multiple children in an orphanage home.


    She knew the truth wouldter see the light of day but she hoped that she would have done enough damage to her by the time the truth came out.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you called back,¡± Emma said picking up the call.


    ¡°You know what? Jessica broke my heart into shatters and I am yet to recover so yes please let¡¯s bring her down¡± Steve said.


    Emma felt so happy hearing those words. Jessica would fall from the high horse she was currently sitting and Emma would take her ce. She would give her baby a billionaire father.


    ¡°Little One, I promise to give you a good father and a rich one too¡± she snickered and began to howler like a witch.


    ¡°Boss,¡± Brian said when Xavier picked up the call.


    ¡°Why are you calling me so much when I told you that I have already clocked out of work? ¡± Xavier asked annoyed at the constant calls he had been getting from Brian.


    ¡°Well it¡¯s because something malicious is going on on the inte,¡± Brian said. ¡°I just sent a link to the first post made in that regard¡±


    Xavier pulled the phone from his ear and clicked the link. He scrolled through and read. Jessica watched his face tighten. What could be wrong?


    ¡°Find this person¡± Xavier screamed before cutting off the call.


    He dialed another number and put it to his hard. Jessica was still watching. What could have gone wrong that made him so tense?


    ¡°Have you found the owner of the phone?¡± he barked at him.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± the guy said timidly.


    ¡°I give you two hours to get me the full details of the person. No no no two hours is too much get it to me in under one hour¡± he barked before cutting off the phone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± He said standing up.


    ¡°What is wrong?¡± she asked shocked at his sudden attitude change.


    He did not turn back to answer but kept walking ahead. She stood up and went after him. What could have happened?

 Branch One Hundred and Sixteen

    ¡°Can you calm down and tell me what is going on?¡± Jessica called after Xavier as he stormed into the house.


    ¡°Tell me¡± Xavier shouted into the phone as he put it to his ears. Genevieve came out of the kitchen to stand beside Jessica.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why does he look all worked up?¡± she asked in a whisper. He had left the house all happy so to her it did not make sense that they were back in less than an hour and now he was screaming at the top of his voice into the phone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, he received a call while we were out and he hurried back. He had been on edge since he got off the call. Also, he drove too fast back¡± she exined.


    ¡°Maybe something had gone wrong at the office that needs resolving?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I guess,¡± she said pulling Genevieve into the kitchen. To be honest Xavier¡¯s aura at the moment made her shiver. She has seen him mad a couple of times but this time it seemed like he was going to explode if it was not sorted out immediately.


    ¡°I have been able to trace a signal and it ising from a remote part of the city,¡± the investigator said over the phone.


    ¡°So why are you telling me this? Have her home into the police station immediately¡± He screamed.


    The man over the other end of the phone cowered at the sound of his voice. Xavier had always been a man who exuded great power and confidence but at the moment it seemed like he could kill tens of thousands of people.


    ¡°Jessica we need to go out¡± he added. His voice was still high but he had toned it down a notch because he did not want her to be afraid.


    ¡°To where?¡± she asked timidly popping her head through the kitchen door.


    He heard her voice but couldn¡¯t see her. ¡°We have to go to the police station immediately,¡± he told her.


    She came out with a knife in her hand. For her cooking was like therapy and he loved doing it. While Xavier was stressing about the situation she decided to make dinner. She did not know what the situation was but she knew she would most likely not be able to control it.


    ¡°Why the station?¡± she asked widening her eyes in fear and moving closer.


    ¡°Drop the knife,¡± he said lowering the hand that was pointing the knife towards him. ¡°There was a serious nder on you and you need to go in to give your statement¡±


    ¡°Roselle or whoever is there¡± Xavier called out. Angel came out and bowed her head. Xavier collected the knife and handed it over to Angel.


    ¡°Bring her things, we need to be on our way now,¡± he told Angel.


    Angel nodded and went into the kitchen. She brought out the things Jessica had put on the chair in the kitchen. Jessica seemed listless.


    She knew that she would forever get trolled but she did not know that she would face another one so quickly after the first one.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry I will make sure those who started the rumor pay¡±


    Jessica sits in the car and reads through the post made by a mysterious social media page. She also noticed that True News carried the news as well.


    She knew that Steve was the CEO at True News but what she did not understand was why he would authorize that she be attacked. She always thought they were friends. The reason for his sudden distance from them was unknown to her.


    When he confessed to her she was already in love with Xavier and had confessed to him. She turned him down and he took it in good faith telling her that they could remain friends.


    Maybe one of the page handlers saw the post and decided it was a good story to generate buzz. She felt naked all of a sudden. She hated that she was thrown into this life. What did she ever do to deserve the bacsh from people? They did not even know her.


    She looked at thements and it was obvious that people believed whoever it was that posted it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they have caught the person who made the main post and the person who spread it through True News. The police just need a statement from you¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she said distracted.


    Xavier understood he tried to keep calm now that he had told her. The both of them could not be confused as it would cloud their judgment.


    Xavier had instructed that the culprits be brought to the police headquarters where he would be meeting them. He drove carefully to the station. When they left the ice cream parlor to the house he drove so fast that Jessica feared for her life.


    This time seeing the fear on her face made him slow down and take it easy. She kept humbling incoherent words that he could not hear.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be!¡± she eximed as she thought it through. ¡°There is no way he can do it¡± she murmured as she fidgeted with her hands going into each other.


    ¡°Do you know who did it?¡±


    ¡°The thing is that I know the owner of True News. He used to be my friend from the orphanage home but I have not heard from him in a while¡±


    ¡°Do you think he could have done this?¡±


    ¡°I hope not. I have not seen him in a while and it would be wrong if this is the way we get to see each other after college¡± she said her voice low.


    ¡°Moreover Steve is such a sweet guy, he will never do something like that and even especially to me. We were friends¡± she added.


    Somehow she she was trying to convince herself that there was no way that man would do something like that to her. He had a soft spot for her and he was a sweet person who could hardly hurt a fly.


    Xavier drove into the parking lot of the station and turned off the ignition.


    ¡°I just want you to know that it doesn¡¯t matter what they are saying I believe whatever it is you have to say¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡±

 Branch One Hundred andSeventeen

    As soon as they entered the station and were led to the investigation room. Jessica saw Emma and Steve sitting there giving a testimony. As soon as her eyesnded on him he turned his head and they made eye contact.


    Jessica turned and bumped her head into Xavier¡¯s chest. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked as she pushed herself away from this chest and rubbed her forehead.


    ¡°I can¡¯t go in there¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s the one,¡± she said a tear drop falling from her eyes. She does not believe that he would do something like that. He knew her and he knew the kind of person she was. How would it be possible that she would have multiple children and work in a bar?


    Jessica knew that the rumor had begun from Emma. She was not shocked. She often wondered why she forced friendship with Emma when she did not think of her as a friend. She has often manipted and lighted her when necessary.


    She once spread a rumor about her being pregnant for Burke. This was when Burke started dating her in high school. The school was unable to determine the cause and origin of the rumor but she had a feeling.


    Since evidence was never found nothing was done to stop them. Suddenly all the maniption and disrespect she got over the years made sense in that moment. Emma has never been her friend.


    ¡°You have to go back in there and give your testimony or else they would think you are hiding because there is something to hide. Also, why are you the one running? He should be running because no one touches the Delgados without getting hurt¡± Xavier said as a stern expression climbed up his face.


    Xavier took her hands in his and took her to the desk. The cop behind the desk stood up immediately he saw him approach them.


    ¡°Good evening sir¡± he greeted with so much respect.


    Xavier nodded and looked around. His eyes fell on the both of them who were now sitting in the chair on the other side of the desk.


    ¡°You were the same one who physically assaulted Jessica thest time right?¡± Xavier said out loud.


    He never forgot what that girl had done and he promised to get her backter. He was d he did not have to go after her on his own but that she fell into hisp by herself. Now he can aggravate the issue without having any more challenges especially legal wise.


    ¡°Assault?¡± the cop grasped in fear. He pulled up her file. ¡°But she does not have any record of it here¡± he murmured. He did not want to say that a Delgado was lying outright.


    ¡°Yes, it won¡¯t appear on the file because my wife said she did not want to press charges¡± Xavier responded.


    ¡°Assault? I nevermittee something as serious as that¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, you did. I have two witnesses from that say who would ye in to tell the truth¡±


    Suddenly it dawned on Emma that she might as well be in a serious mess. Xavier had the power to make do with her whatever he wanted to do. She concluded that she executed her ns prematurely and without thinking.


    ¡°Officer we would not settle, and we are ready to go to court if need be¡±


    Xavier had made it clear that neither he nor Jessica wished to settle. He said that if he did not make Emma and her friend in crime examples to the city then others would go ahead tomit the same crime of ndering people without remorse.


    Emma who had been on a high horse suddenly felt her world crash before her. She was going to have a record left on her clean te because she tried to get back at her.


    ¡°See what you dragged me into,¡± Steve said calmly that it was almost scary.


    ¡°I dragged you into this¡± Emmaughed with a hinge of a howl. ¡°You wanted to do it if you did not want to do it when I suggested it you should have backed out,¡± she told him narrowing her eyes.


    She could not stand adding more me to what she was already feeling. As it stands she was already so out of it that she did not need any extra drama.


    ¡°If we have to pay the penalty money you would have to be the one to pay. You were the source of the information¡± Steve said again.


    He ran his hand through his head in frustration. He wondered why he gave in. He wondered why he could not ept that Jessica was not for him. He could not handle her rejecting him well.


    ¡°Oh please keep shut this is a station and not your house,¡± the cop said before Emma could get any word out.


    Xavier was d he was able to catch the culprit. He left the station after discussions with the head of the force. He wanted maximum punishment for both of them and he asked that the news be sent to the news.


    He showed the evidence of the hate messages from Emma to himself. He wanted to also file a restraining order against her for himself and his family. He knew that people who went to great lengths never knew when to stop and that she was a potential threat, especially to Jessica.


    ¡°Thank you so much for today¡± Jessica murmured as they drove back to the house.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°There is no need to thank me. She has offended the whole Delgado family by going after you¡± Xavier said.


    Jessica sighed. She looked back at her wed life. She would not be having so many difficulties if she was born into a rich home like Xavier. She would not have met Burke who turned out to be a master heart breaker or Emma who is a serial terrorist or even Steve who seemed sweet at first but then turned out to be a devil too.


    She would not have Olivia as an aunt and her life would have been better than it was at that moment.


    ¡°I won¡¯t have a child,¡± she said out loud.


    Xavier coughed ufortably. Her saying she wouldn¡¯t give birth was like saying they were already having sex and she would try her best not to bring the child into the world.


    ¡°I know that our rtionship is based solely on business and we can¡¯t have a child together. I always thought that after the divorce I would get a child through artificial insemination but now that I think of it¡­.¡± she trailed off as she thought back to her life.


    ¡°The child might face simr experiences to mine and I have no good childhood experiences. Everything was just a hardship and tears¡± she said a fakeugh escaping her lips.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that to the poor child¡± she added and shook her head. Tears fell from her eyes as she thought about it.

 Branch One Hundred and Eighteen

    The rest of the month was a blur as Jessica had to juggle actively preparing meals for everyone while trying tounch her restaurant.


    Olivia had stayed around like a thorn in the neck that just refused to go away. Everyer got used to her nagging and continuous bid to stow away money. She did not change a bit.


    Genevieve on the other hand got started in treatment to slow down the rate of the sickness. The doctor had made it clear that the treatment was not to save her life but to extend it in the best possible way ever.


    Lily had finished the interior decor and Jessica had gone for a cool indoor kind of vibe with an outdoor porch, She chose the design with the help of Leslie and Alicia who had now be closer to her than before.


    The press had tagged them as the three powerful women of Chiachester City.


    ¡°Dawson asked me to prepare for Xavier¡¯s birthday,¡± Jessica told Alicia and Leslie. They usually met to have lunch asionally.


    ¡°Ohh so is Xavier celebrating this year?¡± Alicia asked.


    Alicia seemed uptight but ever since she got into the rtionship with Jason it was like a portal opened up in her soul.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what he had in his mind but Dawson said I must see to it that he had a happy birthday,¡± she said air quoting when she said happy.


    ¡°Maybe we can have a surprise party,¡± Leslie said happily.


    ¡°What?¡± both Jessica and Alicia said in unison. ¡°No way¡±


    ¡°Why I think it¡¯s a brilliant idea. I am sure you do not know what he wants and you can¡¯t ask him because I am a thousand percent sure that he won¡¯t tell you¡± Leslie expounded popping a chip into her mouth.


    ¡°How would I be able to pull that off? I must have maxed out the card putting the restaurant in good shape¡± she replied signing and taking a huge sip out of her drink.


    ¡°Do you honestly think that the card Xavier gives you can be maxed out by the little spending you have done?¡± Alicia asked.


    She was truly surprised to hear this from Jessica. She did not evene close to the level of Xavier in terms of money and wealth but she still thought the money that Jessica had spent so far was too little to be called money.


    ¡°If the reason you are saying no to the surprise party is because of your fear of money then I think I might have to side with Leslie on this¡±


    Leslie pped her hands together happily. She smiled at Jessica and raised her eyebrow to devote seduction.


    ¡°Just family and a few friends¡±


    ¡°Jason cane too¡± Alicia added to what Leslie had said.


    ¡°Any reason to talk about Jason right?¡± Leslie teased and they allughed.


    ¡°I guess I can have a surprise party for him but you have to help me n¡±


    ¡°Definitely¡± they both screamed.


    Laughter filled the air as they enjoyed each otherspany.


    Alicia rmended a party nner to Jessica. Jessica began to speak with the nner and then she noticed that she did not know a whole lot of things about Xavier.


    They were not close but they had decided to be friends and friends should know a little bit about each other such as their favorite color and things like that.


    Jessica was sitting on the bed while Xavier entered into the closet.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± she called silently. She waited for a response but got none. She stood up and went to the door of the closet and knocked on it.


    ¡°Speak Jessica,¡± he said and she chuckled.


    ¡°So I was thinking, we decided to be friends right? And it seems like I do not know anything about you¡±


    ¡°So you want to know things about me?¡± he asked teasingly.


    She gritted her teeth and took a deep breath. It was as if Xavier had suddenly grown some kind of confidence that made teasing easy. He did it at every given chance and she did not trust herself to fight back.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied.


    Xavier was thrown off his feet. Ever since he started teasing Jessica this was the first time she responded and the fact that her response was like an interest in him threw him off bnce.


    He did not know yet what it was that he felt for her but he just wanted to see himself around her as much as he could. He had shut out Brian everytime he had said he was in love with Jessica.


    He knew love so he should know what it felt like. He knew he did not love Jessica. There was no way it was possible. He did not have an interest in women. Jessica was just a woman who happened to be a good friend to him.


    ¡°So what do you want to know?¡± he asked as he shuffled around the room.


    ¡°I have an idea, we can y a game. The one we could not y thest time when we were at Aurora Haven. I think it would be a good way for us to ask questions about each other without feeling strange about it and of course, we have to include a drink in it. The game is only interesting when we add a little bit of alcohol¡± she rambled.


    The door opened and Xavier came face to face with her. She took a step back. ¡°I thought you were giving up having alcohol?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Oh my, I did say that¡± Her face fell. She had forgotten about her promise to stop alcohol. Her attitude with drinking in the past few weeks shed before her eyes and she chuckled at herself.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind you having a drink though. You are usually cute when you have one¡± he said as he went to the vanity table to use the lotion.


    ¡°Cute?¡± she murmured and watched his head bob at her in the mirror. She knew she could turn red any moment from then.


    ¡°I would get the drink¡± she said rushing out.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.

 Branch One Hundred and Nineteen

    ¡°Okay let¡¯s start with something easy,¡± Jessica said taking a sip from her cup. ¡°Favourite color? Mine is white¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have one but if I was to pick I¡¯ll pick Blue¡± he answered. Jessica made a mental note.


    ¡°Now you ask a question¡± she gestured to him.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I can ask¡± he replied crunching up his face. ¡°What can I ask? Why don¡¯t you ask all the questions and I will just answer them¡±


    ¡®What a great opportunity for me¡¯ she thought to herself. ¡°You are the one who wanted to know more about me¡± he teased.


    She sighed. She did not like the teasing but she had to endure just until she could extort enough information from him.


    ¡°What¡¯s your favorite thing to do and do not say work,¡± she asked him.


    ¡°I do not have but if I must choose something then I would choose horseback riding¡±


    ¡°So you can?¡± she asked amazed.


    ¡°This may sound cocky but there is this rich kid course that teaches you most of these things. I skydive, ride a motorcycle, ride a sports car, y hockey, and a lot of things which do not help us in life but make us look sophisticated¡±


    ¡°So golf too?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said with a sigh.


    She let out a chuckle which was contagious and made himugh too.


    ¡°What are your hobbies?¡±


    ¡°I have none¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she said almost screaming.


    ¡°None,¡± he said again.


    ¡°I think we need to fix that. Maybe cooking? Or reading a book? Or watching a movie?¡± she asked.


    ¡°None,¡± he said again firmly.


    ¡°Okay you know how well you made that meal in Aurora Haven?¡± she asked and he nodded. ¡°I guess it would make a lot of sense if you take up cooking as a hobby. You would enjoy it so much and I think you would be good at it¡± she told him.


    He opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off ¡°And before you say no, take a moment, a good long moment to think about it¡± she told him.


    ¡°Okay¡± he said putting his hand to his chin and stroking it. He made a funny face to denote that he was thinking about it. ¡°I have thought about it for as long as it takes me to sign a business deal and I think its a bad idea¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s worth the try,¡± she said shrugging. ¡°You are supposed to have a question for me,¡± she said.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you interested in me?¡± she asked.


    ¡°As a friend¡± she added when she reyed her words in her head.


    ¡°I am, I just do not know how to ask such questions¡±


    ¡°All you do is ask what you want to know about and then I answer¡±


    ¡°Are you sue that I would get an answer? Would it be a favorable answer?¡±


    ¡°I would try my best to answer truthfully but you must tell me your answer first and if I can¡¯t answer then I will finish up that while bottle of wine on my own without your help,¡± she said pointing to the bottle in the corner.


    ¡°Anything to drink?¡± he asked in a chuckle.


    ¡°I am just trying to say would answer your question¡±


    ¡°Okay, then I guess what¡¯s your favorite song genre?¡±


    ¡°My favorite song genre?¡± she asked stroking her chin.


    ¡°I guess if you can¡¯t answer you should get started with the wine,¡± he said bringing the wine bottle closer to them.


    ¡°Wait,¡± she said before he could fill her cup. ¡°it¡¯s not like I don¡¯t want to answer the question. You did not say your favorite genre¡±


    ¡°Okay I think I like ssical¡±


    ¡°Why because as a billionaire it suits your taste better?¡±


    ¡°Because that¡¯s all I grew up listening to. Before I lost my parent my mom used to listen to country music. I am sure she must have been the odd one out of all her friends¡± he said a smile on his face.


    It was obvious he missed her so much without him saying a word. From what Genevieve said she would have been a very delightful person to meet. If she listened to country songs then her personality must have been so cheerful and heartwarming.


    ¡°What about you?¡± Xavier asked at the moment.


    ¡°I do not have a favorite genre. I listen to everything I can hear. Maybe I like pop?¡± she said in a question.


    ¡°Are you asking me?¡± he said pretending to turn the bottle to the ss.


    ¡°I like pop¡± she screamed withughter.


    ¡°Pop?¡± she nodded. He shook his head.


    ¡°What? I don¡¯t look like a pop kind of girl?¡± his face lit up in agreement. ¡°Oh stop it. It¡¯s my turn to ask a question right? Have you ever had a crush on a person before?¡±


    ¡°You did not answer the question,¡± he said. He did not want to answer the question. To him, that was like an unwanted question.


    He began pouring the wine into his cup. ¡°Do you pouring the wine mean you do not want to answer the question?¡± she asked him. He nodded.


    ¡°Stop,¡± she said stopping him before he could go any further. ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer if you do not want to. I just asked questions that are usually asked. I¡¯ll ask something else. Where is your favorite ce to have dinner? For me, it is at home. I love making my meals¡±


    ¡°For me, I¡¯ll choose at home too. You make the best meals¡±


    Jessica felt her heart skip. It was apliment and it was the kind she loved hearing the most. If she could she wanted to hug him and whisper so many thanks in his ears.


    ¡°But before I met you liked eating at the Corner Diner¡±


    ¡°They do have nice meals there but it¡¯s so expensive to get in there and have a meal. I went there once with Burke and we had to reserve a month in advance and we still got the worst seat there. The one close to the kitchen door¡± she said rolling her eyes.


    ¡°We could eat there tomorrow night, I¡¯ll ask Brian to set it up¡±


    Jessica could not believe her ears. How could it be possible for him to book it in one day? She wanted to argue with him but she wanted to see what he was actually really capable of.


    ¡°Your turn,¡± she said instead of the train of thought in her mind.


    Xavier drew closer to her. They had been sitting on the ground legs crossed. She felt her body hair stand as he inched closer. ¡°What¡¯s your question?¡± she asked her voice shaky.


    ¡°Can I kiss you? My answer is yes¡±


    Before she could say anything in response his mouth was over hers.


    ¡®Oh my God. I am kissing Xavier Delgado¡¯

 Branch One Hundred and Twenty

    Xavier pulled away his mouth hovering over hers. Why did he do it? He could not tell, he just knew that he had the urge to do it for a while now.


    Jessica¡¯s eyes fluttered open and she stared at him. She hupped and saw the corners of his lips turn up in a smile. She hurriedly stood up bumping heads with him.


    ¡°Ouch,¡± she cried.


    ¡°Let me¡­.¡± Xavier said after her as she sprinted out of the room holding her head that had bumped into his his.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± he called after her. When he stepped out he couldn¡¯t find her in sight. Jessica entered the room of Olivia.


    ¡°What are you doing here,¡± the woman asked sitting straight on her bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to sleep tonight¡± Jessica went to sit beside her on the bed using her body to nudge her to the side.


    ¡°What are you doing here when you have a big bedroom? Did you fight with your husband?¡± Olivia asked switching on the bedmp by her side.


    ¡°No we did not fight, please can we just go to bed?¡± she said as she got under the covers snuggling into them.


    Olivia shook her head before switching off the light. She was here to make sure that her niece did not ruin her chances of having a rich life ahead of her.


    She knew Jessica was oddlyfortable with some situations. She knew how kind her heart was and why she could easily be used and dumped by anyone. She sighed she knew she must get to the end of whatever it was between both parties. Ever since she hade over she had seen Jessica willing to choose to live as if she was poor instead of utilizing the money she was entitled to.


    Olivia made up her mind to talk with Xavier in the morning to fix whatever it might be that needed to be fixed. She did not know how she would get to see him because he avoided her as much as he could.


    ¡°Switch of the light I want to sleep¡± Jessica muttered her eyes closed. Olivia looked at her figure hunched on the bed and her back to her. She stretched her hand and switched off the light before paying back down.


    Jessica had her eyes closed. Her brain telling her to sleep because she probably had a long day at the restaurant but her heart and body kept reminding her of the kiss she had shared with him.


    She thought about how soft his lips were when pressed on hers. She thought about how his hands went to her waist to pull her closer. She thought about how gentle he was.


    She began to wish that her mind could clear up so she could sleep. She was confused about what to think. She knew they had gotten close, even a blind man could see that but she hated that she did not know what he felt.


    These thoughts kept her awake for a long time till she fell asleep when her mind was weary from running around.


    When Jessica woke up in the morning she felt her head bang so much she wanted toy back down. The thoughts she had carried with her all night were exhaustive and she could not think about how she could go about it.


    She needed to make breakfast but she needed to avoid Xavier. She would also need to go into the room, have her bath, and prepare to go out. Her heart pounded in her chest as she thought about what she had to face.


    She opened the door and peeked out. The house was silent except for the little noise by the staff. They were always awake before her and did their duties. They made her work easier too.


    She tiptoed to the kitchen. The reason she did that was unclear to her but she did it anyway. He could be downstairs today. When she safely made it to the kitchen she sighed in relief and closed the door. Her hand was still on the door when she a voice that startled her behind her.


    ¡°Why are you closing the door?¡±


    Of all the voices in the house she wished it was any other person apart from the one she just heard. She sighed and pulled a fake smile to her face and turned around to face him.


    ¡°I like closing the door while I cook sometimes and today I was feeling like it¡¯s a good day to close the door and have fun here in the kitchen,¡± she said.


    ¡®I would like to have fun with you in the kitchen today. What can I do to help? ¡± he said resting his back on the ind.


    Jessica had wanted to avoid him as much as she could till all the thoughts upying her mind would wear off. But here he was looking the most sexy in the morning.


    His normallyid back hair was all over the ce as if he had gotten a blow out. It looked scattered but she loved the way it looked on him. His eyes lookedzy as they stared at him. It was as if he did not sleep at night.


    ¡°There is no need to help me,¡± she said immediately making his eyebrow go up.¡±I like to have the fun by myself¡± she added. She had to avoid him by all means.


    ¡°Why? I need an activity to keep me awake. Someone made me worried yesterday so I could barely sleep¡±


    Hearing that he had no sleep like her sent a warm feeling across her. She was d she was not the only one suffering. She did not know what caused the sleeplessness he faced but after what they encountered yesterday dye was d he was in the same ce as her.


    ¡°You have coffee in hand, I¡¯m sure that would take you up,¡± she said turning to the door.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    She wanted to run away again. She would tell Roselle to make breakfast and she would run yo the restaurant. She would keep herself busy till her mind would not remember the exact details but only vaguely.


    ¡°Are you running away again? ¡°

 Branch One Hundred and Twenty One

    Hello Dear Avid Reader.


    Forgive me for being inactive for almost a week. I needed to space myself in the real world and reim myself.


    But I¡¯m back and multiple chapters follow.


    Enjoy


    ¡°Oh silly me I just remembered that I have to be at the restaurant early this morning,¡± she said hitting her head with her palm.


    He shook his head and dropped the cup to the table. ¡°I will take you then¡±


    ¡°Oh no no no no no¡±


    ¡°No?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I do not want to pull you away from your busy day¡±


    ¡°My busy day?¡±


    To him, it was how obvious she was avoiding her. His eyebrows went up and he scratched beside it. She shifted from one leg to another and murmured to herself. She has used up all the excuses she could think of and now she wanted to just escape as fast as she could.


    If she was being honest with herself she wanted to kiss him again but was it not obvious that he did that under the influence of the drink they had?


    ¡°About the kiss¡­¡± she trailed off as she blinked and took deep breaths.


    ¡°What about it?¡± he asked slowly and gently.


    Maybe he did wrong for doing that to her. Why did he think they were closer and that it was okay to do it to her?


    ¡°You know we were drunk and that is probably why you know we did that,¡± she said crossing her hand over herself and hugging herself right.


    Something in her wished he would not say she was right. She needed her affirmation. She wanted him to dispel her fears. He searched her face.


    ¡°It was a mistake¡± she ended by closing her eyes and then opening them rapidly.


    ¡°A mistake?¡± he asked with a sigh.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°If you say so then it was. I am sorry to have made that mistake¡±


    He pushed himself off the counter and walked towards her. When he was right in front of her she gulped hard and closed her eyes. Why did she tell him it was a mistake and then expect him to repeat the same action?


    ¡°Excuse me¡± he murmured to her.


    Her eyes flew open and her face flushed with embarrassment. She shifted from the way and he opened the door and left without a word. He climbed up the stars to him too and straight to the shower. He hated that she thought it was a mistake.


    ¡®Was it a mistake? Was I under the influence of alcohol? Would I do it if I was sober?¡¯


    Different kinds of questions ran through his mind as he thought about his interaction with her. He came out and called the new coach to skip the day.


    If she felt it was a mistake then he needed to skip the day with her. He did not know what he felt about her but he knew that hearing her call it a mistake made him so angry that he wanted to smash a whole lot of things.


    The feeling he had was the exact one he felt whenever he lost a client for a deal. Why would he feel that way because of her statement? It was not that big of a deal? Or was it?


    He drove out of the house to a race track. He needed to get his mind off the situation as swiftly as possible and he knew that doing strenuous activities would do the trick.


    He was going to have that alone time to get his mind off those things. Probably a day or two.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Jessica hummed and whipped her head to Leslie who was sitting there.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been out of it all day¡± Leslie exined popping some store-bought chips in her mouth.


    When Xavier had hurriedly left the house in the morning she felt weird and could not stop thinking about what he was thinking.


    ¡°Just have a lot on my mind with the opening of the restaurant¡± Jessica lied.


    These days she was getting better at lying. She used to want to tell Leslie everything about her rtionship with Xavier but how could she go ahead and tell her what happenedst night?


    She was taking full responsibility without asking anyone. She was at fault after all. She was the one that made them y that game. She should have found any other way to get the answers she needed from him.


    ¡°Jessica?¡± Leslie said with a p of her hand. ¡°You are so distracted I doubt it is the restaurant that got you like this¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a lot and with my aunt that¡¯s around. She has been a pain¡± Jessica added.


    It was true Olivia had been a pain but by now everyone in the house had gotten used to her constant nagging and snarkyments.


    ¡°I¡¯m calling Alicia¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Maybe she would be able to bring out the truth from you if I can¡¯t¡±


    ¡°What makes you think that I¡¯m lying?¡±


    ¡°All the reasons you¡¯ve given me are too small to bother you. You are not even moved by Xavier¡¯s indifference to you so¡­¡± she trailed off with a shrug.


    ¡°He is indifferent to me?¡± Jessica asked walking to her friend.


    This was news to her and she did not like the sound of it. If he was indifferent to her then why did she feel bad telling him the kiss was an error? For some reason, she felt lightweight. Just a little bit though. She still wanted it to be that there was a reason behind the kiss.


    ¡®It was definitely a mistake¡¯ she reassured herself.


    ¡°Even a blind man can see his indifference to you,¡± Leslie said in a duh tone.


    ¡°Oh wow,¡± Jessica found herself in a mixture of beingfortable and ufortable with the situation.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    It was not as if Jessica was unaware that she and Xavier were not two peas in a pod but hearing that from someone from the outside made her feel awake.


    ¡°Do you know what we can do now?¡± Jessica asked and took her away into one of the chairs on the table where Leslie sat.


    Leslie shook her head as she popped the chips in. ¡°We would order some food and then immerse ourselves in the work of choosing the menu¡±


    ¡°I thought you were going to hire someone for that?¡± Leslie gasped in tiredness. It was wrought work deciding what one was going to eat in a restaurant not to talk of being the one to prepare that menu.


    ¡°Yeah, but I changed my mind. I think it will be better to do it myself¡± Jessica said pulling out a huge sketch pad from her bag to the table.


    ¡®I need to free myself from his grip. If he is indifferent to me why do I like him?¡¯

 Branch One Hundred and Twenty Two

    ¡°It¡¯s quitete aren¡¯t you going home?¡± Brian asked as he entered the room.


    ¡°It¡¯ste?¡± Xavier asked his eyes looking to the fancy wall clock on his office window. He saw it was past office hours.


    Before he becamefortable with Jessica he had always stayed at the office long past working hours because he had always been a major workaholic as usual.


    When it seemed as if they were now getting along he left the office before working hours. But now that they had something that looked like a falling out he did not want to go home to face her.


    His assistant and Secretary had now gotten used to going home early. She called Brian to tell him that Xavier was going past working hours that day and something was up.


    ¡°The CEO has no closing time¡± Xavier murmured as he immersed himself in his work not raising his eyes.


    ¡°Is something up?¡± Brian asked.


    He knew his friend quite well and it was obvious something was up. Since he came into the office earlier than usual he buried himself in a ton of work that was not due until the next month. He barely spoke and gave no orders at all.


    ¡°What could be up with a man doing his duty?¡± Xavier shook his head lifted his eyes a little and then buried his head back Into the document he was going over.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t I think something is up? Ever since your trip to Aurora Haven, you had been leaving work earlier than normal, and then today you decided to work overtime? Something is definitely going on¡±


    ¡°You always think you are a smarty pants¡± The words Xavier spoke were barely audible but because of the proximity between both of them he heard him.


    ¡°You know if you tell me what is going on I can help you find a solution¡±


    Xavier dropped the pen onto the document pushed himself into the chair and swerved side to side. He blinked at him and pressed his lips together.


    ¡°Every time I ask you for advice you end up giving me the one I can barely use¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Brian rolled his eyes and sat down in the seat in front of the desk. ¡°It¡¯s not like I give the wrong advice it is just that you do not know how to follow them¡±


    ¡°Yen yen yen¡± Xavier mocked and picked up his pen and continued to work over the document.


    ¡°I have to ask Leslie if Jessica said anything,¡± Brian said dialing his wife¡¯s number.


    Xavier felt his ears perk up. He wanted to hear that Jessica also had a lot to worry about like him. He tried to listen to what the interaction would be.


    ¡°Darling,¡± Brian said as Leslie picked up.


    ¡°I was actually about to call you,¡± Leslie said. ¡°It¡¯s about Jessica. Did Xavier do something this time again? Jessica had been out of it all day¡±


    ¡°Hmm same here¡±


    Xavier lifted his eyes. He wondered what was the same. Were they still exchanging pleasantries or were they talking about him and Jessica? He wondered to himself.


    If he asked then he would give himself away. Brian nodded a few times before he dropped the phone.


    ¡°What do you say we grab a drink together?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I want to¡± Brian stood up and waited for his friend to take the next step.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that¡±


    ¡®After all, I need every way I can to make sure that I get the thoughts off my mind.¡¯


    ¡°A drink is not a bad idea,¡± Xavier said as he slipped on his jacket.


    Xavier finds himself drunk. Brian took Xavier to the bar with the hope of getting him drunk and making him spill the reason he was like that.


    Leslie had told her husband that Jessica had been out of it for the entire day and was refusing to tell her what was wrong.


    ¡°Life is unfair¡± Xavier slurred.


    It was a rare urrence to see him drunk. He held his liquor very well but he had ordered the strongest drink there. He took a couple of cups before he could not sit up straight any longer.


    ¡°How so?¡±


    Brian felt a little tipsy but it was only because he tried to catch up with Xavier as he drank and also tried to space himself because of carrying the drunk man home.


    ¡°Many things don¡¯t go ording to n and everything is hard¡± he continued with a slur and ended with a hup.


    ¡°Yeah no kidding, how else can life be for the richest man in the city¡± Brian rolled his eyes.


    Sometimes he envied his friend. He had ess and authority over the city just as the mayor did. Some major news some time ago was that the Delgado family had a major grip on the mayor and his family.


    Whenever Brian saw how lonely and depressing his friend¡¯s life was he did not want to think about having his life anymore. It was a weirdbination many times.


    ¡°No, hear me out,¡± Xavier said his fingerzilying up to his mouth and closing them.


    ¡°Do you want to speak to not?¡± Brian asked when he grew silent for a few minutes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to tell you because you will make fun of me,¡± Xavier said.


    Brian had never seen Xavier like that before. He began hitting his head with his hands. He hated how he was feeling. He should not have done what he did and then that way he would feel better than he felt.


    ¡°I guess I need to get you home how¡± Xavier said pulling the phone and calling for a one-time driver.


    He knew that what would make him that way was because he fought with Jessica. He hoped that hopefully with the drink he would be able to approach Jessica without any worry about it.


    The driver came and helped the very tipsy Brian take Xavier to the car. He kept murmuring incoherent words and huping.


    ¡°Are you not going with us?¡± the driver asked when Brian closed the door and stepped up to the curb.


    ¡°No, his wife would get him at home,¡± Brian said pulling his phone and dialing Jessica¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello,¡± she said sleepy.


    She had been worried that he was not back. Somehow she was used to his early returns these days and the subtle dates they had at the grocery stores, convenience stores, or ice cream ces around the city once in a while. She knew that she wanted to avoid him but she wanted to see him at the same time.


    ¡°Xavier is very drunk and on his way home. Do take care of him¡± Brian said and cut off the call.


    He was drunk? She had never seen him drunk.

 Branch One Hundred and Twenty Three

    Xavier felt his eyes flutter open and he looked around. A sharp pain surged through his head and he felt a throbbing pain.


    He raised his hand to his face and clenched his fist. ¡®I am awake¡¯ he said to himself inwardly. His eyes darted as far as the room could see while hey down. He looked beside him and saw a ck space.


    Did she note back to the room yesterday? Or was she already running about her activities? He sat up slowly and felt the pain surge through his whole body like he was dragged around the house.


    He looked around and his eyesnded on the clock on the wall. It was past ten am and he should not for any reason be at home again. His eyes fell to the table where a tray with different dishes sealed shut sat pretty.


    He stood up and felt a headache. On the tray, a note and a bottle of aspirin with water in a cup sat pretty. He picked up the note and tried to steady his trembling hands in front of him to read the note.


    ¡°Such nice writing¡± hemented out loud.


    He did not expect her to have such nice handwritten notes. They were looking better than most handwritten notes he had received from his countless secretaries in the past.


    You were sleeping so peacefully that I did not want to wake you up, but I had to go to the restaurant. I have to interview the workers today. Have this meal and take some pain relief. See youter


    He dropped the note on the table and then pulled a chair to himself and slid into it. He was unsure if she was nowfortable with him from the note but he knew he had to let it go and tell her to do so too.


    He opened up the meal tes and had everything in them. She has been so busytely that he barely had her meals and theirte night meetings made it impossible for them to have her meals together.


    He took the aspirin and decided to take a shower to feel better. He would skip work and show up at her restaurant for the first time. It was even high time that he saw the ce too.


    He would apologize for his error and attitude and for showing up at home drunk and he would see her restaurant too. He was going to kill two birds with a stone.


    He came out of his room dressed casually. Since he was not going into the office today her did not need to be all formal and Jessica hadplimented him in casuals before. He had to appeal to her for him to sessfully achieve his goal.


    His phone rang and he rolled his eyes at the name on the screen. Brian was the reason he came home drunkst night. Although he was unsure of what he did he hoped he did not do anything to offend her any further. He had to go to her to check these things before it got toote.


    ¡°Maybe you should submit a resignation letter¡±


    ¡°What did I do?¡± Xavier asked like a kid throwing a major tantrum.


    ¡°You know what you did, sending me home while I was drunk. What if I did something to Jessica?¡±


    ¡°What could you possibly do to your wife that would be so wrong?¡±


    Xavier fell silent. It was not wrong for a couple to engage in romantic activities but he and Jessica were not like that. They had never been like that. ¡°It is even your fault I was drunk. Why did you take me to that bar?¡± he asked angrily.


    ¡°I thought you needed a drink and I was damn right¡±


    ¡°Whatever,¡± Xavier said shutting him up before he could continue rambling on.


    ¡°Are you going to being into the office today? It is a little way past your normal resumption time so I had to confirm your avability for any scheduled meetings¡± Brian asked


    ¡°I won¡¯t being in today¡±


    ¡°Why? Do you have a terrible hangover?¡±


    ¡°Yes and I owe my throbbing head to your diligence to make me drunk,¡± Xavier remarked slyly.


    ¡°Then I would reschedule every meeting ted for today to next week Wednesday which is your birthday¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a year already?¡± Xavier asked feeling emotional.


    He had never been one to celebrate his birthday openly but he had a secret session where he treated himself to a very borate meal.


    ¡°Are you going to be bringing the Mrs. to the secret bash this year?¡±


    ¡°Why would I bring her? It would ruin the secret¡±


    Brian was aware of the surprise birthday party that Jessica was nning for Xavier but only because Leslie told him and he swore to never tell Xavier.


    He thought that since Jessica was nning a birthday they were getting close and that he would befortable with having her eat with him for the event.


    ¡°Okay, so I would prepare the normal birthday bash celebration then. Have a nice day¡± Brian said going off before Xavier could express himself any further.


    Xavier stood a few moments before going down the stairs to meet Dawson about to go up with Roselle pushing him.


    ¡°One would think I do not have a grandson any longer. Jessica even checks up on me better than you do¡± Dawson remarks as he sees his son step on the base of the staircase.


    ¡°Ohe I¡¯ve been busy running thepany¡±


    ¡°And going on dates¡± Roselle adds in a teasing voice.


    ¡°Dates?¡± Xavier said in a denying voice. Was Jessica telling everyone at home what they do whenever they go out? They had never termed it dates so why would Roselle call it that?


    ¡°Why am I just hearing this now?¡± Dawson said in excitement as he turned to Roselle who was behind him.


    ¡°I just heard from the drivers too that the young master anddy have been going out frequently at night these days¡±


    ¡°Oh if that¡¯s what he has been doing then I permit him. No need to see me any longer just bring a great grandchild for me¡± Dawson interrupted.


    ¡°Papa no one is going on any dates and no one is having children. I will be back in the evening and I wille to see you. I have a few things to ask you as regards thepany affairs¡± Xavier said walking away.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Have fun on your date¡± Roselle called after him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a date¡± he shouted back at her.

 Branch One Hundred and Twenty Four

    Jessica saw Xavier standing there in front of her with a box of Chinese take out in one hand a a bunch of flowers in the other.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked confused to see him there.


    Ever since she started the journey of making her own restaurant he had not visited for once and she did not think too much about it. He was busy so how could she be sulking that he refused toe see her there?


    To expand the issue they were not close if not recent. To see him there was a shock but to see him with a box of food and a bouquet of flowers was another entire ball game for her.


    ¡°I am here to see you,¡± Xavier said as he pulled himself closer to her.


    Her attitude in front of the people waiting for the interview was off-putting what if they noticed that their marriage was not love-based but contract-based?


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go to your office for lunch?¡± he asked blinking at her multiple times hoping she would get the signal he was throwing at her.


    ¡°I have to finish up these interviews¡± she answered without skipping a beat¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s lunchtime¡± he added as if he was anticipating her answers. ¡°I am sure these people won¡¯t mind you taking a break to eat food with your husband,¡± he said.


    He looked around them and the people nodded. Some wished they were in her shoes and that the richest man in the city was standing before them proposing to have lunch with them.


    ¡°Sure, yes¡± were the choruses of the people.


    ¡°See that,¡± he said.¡± Lead the way to your office,¡± he said a smile climbing his lips. He somehow found a way to have his way here too. ¡°My hands hurt¡± he added in a whisper.


    ¡°We will take a lunch break and be back soon,¡± Jessica said before turning in the direction of her office.


    The office was in the backroom and Jessica had designed it to her taste. On the door, it read Head Chef. She pushed the door and it opened a small officepared to Xavier¡¯s but a big one to her.


    He dropped the things in his hands to the center table before taking a seat on one of the couches.


    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise to see you here and by this time too,¡± Jessica said as she sat down too.


    ¡°I was too drunk, woke upte, and could not make it in time for work so I decided it would be best toe to see you, clear up any misunderstanding, and make sure I did not make a mistake yesterday while I was drunk,¡± he said trying to summarize everything.


    ¡°Well, there is no misunderstanding and you did not do anything out of the ordinary yesterday,¡± she said looking at the carton box on the table.


    She was actually getting hungry but she did not want to stop her interviews to get any food.


    ¡°But, what are the flowers and food for?¡±


    ¡°No one apologizes without a gift. I got this so you do not feel burdened¡± he told her.


    She nodded. He was correct. If he had bought anything too fanciful she would have felt too burdened to ept it. But the meal and flowers could do for now.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we eat then?¡± he asked unpacking the meal by himself.


    ¡°Sure, that¡¯s a good idea¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much for the meals. It really changes my perspective about you¡± Jessica said as she used the napkin to wipe down the table.


    ¡°Your perspective about me?¡±


    Xavier echoing what she had said back to her made her realize what she said. She was not supposed to say that out loud in any way and most especially not to him.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± he asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just drop it,¡± she said quickly standing to her feet with the box in hand and walking towards the trash can.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be nothing. Your perspective about me is important¡± Xavier said standing up to follow him.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing really,¡± she told him again and dumped the content in her hand into the trash can.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± he hummed. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that. There is no way I can believe that¡±


    ¡°Well you know my perspective of you is the same as every other person out there who knows you one on one¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to pretend that you don¡¯t know or do you really not know?¡±


    ¡°Definitely not pretense, so what is it?¡±


    ¡°Well that you are rude and self absorbed. Did you not know that fact?¡±


    ¡°No, I did not. I thought I was charismatic and a role model to everyone¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a joke right?¡± she asked augh leaving her lips.


    His expression showed he was serious. She paused herughter and watched his face intently.


    ¡°Surely someone must have told you this before¡± she murmured while biting her finger nails.


    She should have avoided the conversation as much as she could. It felt like she shot herself in the foot.


    ¡°You know but now you¡¯ve changed. I see how considerate and thoughtful you are these days. It¡¯s like you have matured¡± she said quickly.


    It felt like medicine after death but she needed to do it. He did something so nice for her but it was like she was against him or something simr.


    ¡°Wow, I can¡¯t believe it¡± he eximed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart at all, I guess most of us do not know you that we¡¯ll and that is why we jump to conclusions as such¡± she exined.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he said with a sigh.


    ¡°Are you angry by any means?¡± she asked him as he paced the room.


    ¡°No,¡± he said sharply. She hated how it sounded like a huge shut up but she swallowed it. She was the one who offended him so she should as well take it. It¡¯s the least she could do.


    ¡°You are and I am sorry. I did not mean it in any form of disrespect¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he said before she could say anything more.


    ¡°I came here to make sure I was not an inconveniencest night and you already said I was not. I also wanted to make sure you have forgiven me for the kiss too¡±


    His words sounded like they wereced with enough venom to kill. He put his hands into his pocket and looked at her. She gulped hard. She hated that it felt like whenever they make a little progress they end up going back because of her.


    He turned to the door and walked out. ¡°I am very sorry¡± she called after his retreating figure.

 Branch One Hundred and Twenty Five

    Jessica found herself watching Xavier retreat. It was not her intention to pay him back with such harsh words been he had been nothing but sweet in the past few days.


    The only reason she spilled was because he pressed. Now that he knew she felt terrible. For the rest of the candidates for the interview, Jessica had her mind wandering around to how she was going to face Xavierter that day.


    ¡°Thank you foring,¡± Jessica said as she stood up to her feet.


    The man in front of her who was applying for the position of her secretary stood up and bowed. ¡°I hope to hear positive results from you soon¡±


    She was exhausted. She has told Leslie and Alicia that she would like to have a mini-interview and that they should help her with prospective candidates.


    Alicia told her that a lot of people showed interest when she mentioned the interview was for a position at the restaurant of the wife of a Delgado. She got a greater turnout than she had expected and she was tired.


    She wondered how she was going to go over every single candidate and then make her choice in the end. Her eyes caught the clock on the wall and she noticed that it was way past working hours.


    She trudged herself to the back room where she kept her bag. She picked them up and began to leave. She has been taking Uber and taxis ever since she starteding in frequently. As she pulled out her phone from her bag her eyes caught the flowers Xavier had brought earlier.


    She could not deny he had a good memory. She wrote down in the list she wrote at Aurora Haven that she would love to receive flowers from her love interest at work and have a little office romance too. Maybe he was apologizing, maybe he was doing his assignment too.


    She picked up the flowers and inserted them into the vase she had picked out earlier for the decoration of her office. She was not expecting flowers from anyone but decided to have fresh flowers as often as possible.


    She smelt the fresh flowers and felt guilty once again for the way she let him go. She called Brian to ask if he hade into the office and Brian told her that he did not.


    By the time Jessica got down from the office and locked the door a strange figure leaning against a car startled her. It was already sote that the sun had set and she was yet to install the security lights they needed.


    ¡°Oh my gosh, you gave me a scare,¡± she said her hand on her chest trying to steady her breathing that had skyrocketed because of the strange man.


    On a closer look, she could tell who it was from the outline. She knew it well now. Three months staying together should at least let her know that much. She blinked and her mouth opened.


    ¡°I thought you had left? What are you still doing here?¡± she asked moving closer to him.


    ¡°I saw you came without a car, get in ill take you home,¡± he said as he opened the front seat for her.


    She moved quietly and quickly into the car. She sat down and he closed the door without a word. She could not tell what he was feeling but she could not help but feel so special.


    ¡°I¡¯m going now¡±


    The car ride was silent and Jessica wanted to break it. She just did not know how to do it. She waited for him to say something but he pretended like she was not in the car with him.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    She cleared her throat and her eyes darted to him several times. She saw his jaw tighten. It was obvious that he was angry but was trying his best to keep himself together.


    ¡°I thought you had left¡± she finally found herself saying in a squeaky voice that did not sound like hers.


    ¡°I was about to leave but then I realized that you did not bring a car with you,¡± he said his eyes on the road never wavering.


    She was d he was focused on driving but that he did not look at her meant that he was still very angry. She did not need a soothsayer or a fortune teller to tell her she was in the wrong.


    ¡°You should always bring a car with you. You can drive yourself or ask any of the drivers to bring you. They are getting paid after all¡± he said his jaw still tightened more than ever.


    ¡°I prefer taking public transport, I amfortable with it. I take a bus from our terminal to the nearest terminal here. It is untrekkable so I take a taxi or Uber here from the terminal¡± she exined.


    ¡°Just do as I say,¡± he tells her. His voice is low and somehow she forgets why and likes the way it sounds.


    She leans into the chairs and closes her eyes. ¡°I was extremely insensitive today. I know I won¡¯t like it if someone told me what I said today no matter how it is¡± she started her eyes still closed.


    ¡°I guess I am bing inconsiderate these days¡± she added and waited for him to dismiss what she said about herself, but she only heard the car humming back.


    ¡°I am sorry about my words. I would try my best to be more considerate about the way I speak¡± she said opening her eyes.


    She turned her face to him and saw her staring at him. She looked to the road. ¡°The road¡± she screamed when she noticed his gaze lingered and did not pull away from her.


    ¡°It¡¯s on autopilot mode¡± he whispered.


    ¡°Still, I don¡¯t think I feelfortable with that,¡± she said her hand going to the steering wheel. His hands caught hers before they could go there.


    ¡°I am also sorry,¡± he said rubbing the back of her hand slightly. ¡°I guess some of the things you said were true,¡± he said emphasis on the word some.


    She felt a tingling sensation run through her hand and settle in her stomach. She felt all the butterflies she had to wake up and begin to give her a funny feeling.


    ¡°I should be sorry¡± she murmured lowly.


    Why was he doing this? Was it intentional?


    ¡°You are deceiving the press, right? You¡¯ve been in a romantic rtionship before¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Twenty Six

    ¡°Me? Never¡± Xavier said with her hands still in his.


    ¡°Oh well, you¡¯ve got some moves. Maybe you have them naturally but I believe a man would only know how to do the things you do if he has had prior experience¡± she blurts out.


    ¡°What things?¡± he asked leaving her hand.


    The warmth she had felt was gone but she was d. She did not like the feeling she was getting from his hand over hers and at the same time, she did not want it to end.


    ¡°These things you do. You seem to flirt a lot¡± She blinked and faced the road.


    ¡°I do?¡± he said as if he was contemting what she had said.


    ¡°Yes you do and quite a lot these days¡±


    ¡°Am I not supposed to?¡±


    If she was being honest she did not know the right answer to the question. These days she was confused about even her own feelings. She knew that having them flirt can make them develop feelings for each other. She was not sure about him but she knew for sure it would make it easier for her to develop romantic feelings for him.


    But she did not want the flirting to stop. She loved the sound of it and wanted it to go on but she did not want to be the one to say it. It will make her sound desperate.


    ¡°I do not have a say on that, you can do whatever you want to do,¡± she said finally.


    ¡°Well, you can flirt back I don¡¯t mind¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to flirt¡±


    Xavier hummed as he nodded his head and tapped his fingers slightly on the edge of the steering wheel. She looked at his reaction and was curious as to why he reacted that way.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked feeling something was off as she watched him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how to flirt but you can identify one when see one?¡± he asked a smirk forming on the corner of his lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s just like how you can identify a thief if you see one even if you aren¡¯t one,¡± she told him and realized how wrong that sounded when it came out.


    ¡°It seems like today isn¡¯t my day at all. I keep making mistakes I should be sorry about. I sincerely apologize¡± she said bowing her head.


    ¡°You did not make a mistake. I actually do like your analogy. It makes sense to me at least¡±


    She sighed in relief as she heard that. She was afraid she would have to exin what she meant by it. A thought dropped in her mind at that moment.


    ¡°Dawson told me that your birthday is next week. Is there anything you would like to do for yourself?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Why? Do you want to do it with me?¡± he asked back.


    ¡°Sure I would love to. As long as it is something I can and that is if you let me do it¡± she told him.


    He got flustered and thrown aback. It was the first he experienced her being open. These days the only reason he teased her was because he felt a tad bit closer to her than the first time they met.


    ¡°You would now?¡± he asked shocked she was willing to do something she might not be interested in with him.


    ¡°Yeah sure¡±


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t actually like celebrating my birthday,¡± he told her.


    ¡°Why?¡± she asked confused.


    Yes, birthdays might be a time to spend money unnecessarily but it was a once in a year event.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I am not ungrateful for the day. I just like keeping things on a low¡±


    ¡°Hmm Okay then¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Anything you say¡±


    Now that she knew that he did not want to do anything special for his birthday she had to have the party Dawson wanted. She was going to put Jason and Brian in charge of getting him to the venue.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    She was thinking of using the magnificent courthouse of the mansion but she was not sure yet. She has been sitting on her and recently and she needed to move faster than she could imagine herself doing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s grab ate dinner¡±


    ¡°Roselle would have prepared something for us, we can just have that¡± she exined. She did not know how the house ran before she came to stay there but for the past few days, she had been busy Roselle had been doing a good job to ensure everyone for around to get three square meals no matter what.


    ¡°I just meant something light that we won¡¯t have trouble digesting¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m just worried that the food would go to waste¡±


    ¡°The house staff can always have it if we don¡¯t¡±


    ¡°Then something extremely light¡±


    Jessica liked the idea of having something else than home-cooked meals. She had always been an advocate for home-cooked meals but at this point, she too wanted to have some carbs.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have some carbs then if we aren¡¯t going for the food prepared at home,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Carbs it is,¡± he said elerating a bit.


    ¡°Oh, I feel so sore. I think I will need to take a break next week to rest before the opening. I never knew it was this stressful to open up a restaurant of my own¡± she said a yawn escaping her lips.


    ¡°Why wait till next week to rest? I can take you to the beach tomorrow so you unwind¡± he suggested.


    Tomorrow was Friday and she had her te filled with a lot of activities. Her reason for choosing next week was because of his birthday. She would be able to n it well without him getting suspicious.


    Xavier hoped she would get the hint he dropped about going on a date with him. He did not want to say it out rightly but he wanted to go to the beach.


    He remembered hisst visit and the one they had while at Aurora Haven. Sitting on the beach and talking quietly to each other always left him at peace. He loved that and how she responded.


    ¡°I have a lot lined up tomorrow and it¡¯s toote to cancel,¡± she said with a sigh of relief as her eyes darted to the dashboard clock in the car. She said it waste without being sure of the time but it waste.


    ¡°It iste¡± Xavier murmured back. ¡°And I have a full schedule next week¡±


    ¡°I am sure sometime in the future you can clear a little time and we can to the beach¡±


    The car dropped to dead silence and both of them looked away into the deadness of the road. The usual busy city road was now deserted as closing hours were long gone and it was workaholics and night crawlers who were avable now.


    ¡°Anything would do right?¡± Xavier asked as he turned into a onene road.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she said as she watched the road.

 Branch One Hundred and Twenty Seven

    Both of them had the meal they wanted. Jessica got sausages on a stick with some milkshake while Xavier got chocte milk and some hotdog too. They say on one of the chairs in front of the moving restaurant truck.


    ¡°You do like attention don¡¯t you?¡± Jessica asked.


    She noticed that ever since they both began to go out together and started being good friends Xavier always made sure to go to open and exposed ces where people could easily spot them.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± he asked confused and his mouth full of of one of the hotdogs on his te.


    ¡°I mean you only always take me to ces where we have to sit out in the open. Like now¡± she featured around and he turned to look at the whole crowd starting and whispering at them.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I see your point but I do not do it intentionally at all,¡± he said taking his cup to his mouth. ¡°This was the closest ce to where we were¡± he exined chewing on the straw.


    ¡°I mean how do you exin something that happens more than once?¡± she said in a tone that raised suspicions.


    ¡°I did not do it intentionally,¡± he said again with emphasis on the word intentionally. ¡°I did not know you wanted to go to a private ce with me¡± hemented.


    Jessica felt her face flush as blood rose up her face. She began choking loudly on the milkshake in her mouth. She was just stating an observation. She did not expect him to make such ament like that.


    She did not know the right way to deduce thatment. Was he flirting? Was he teasing her? Was he being serious? Was he implying that she wanted to do something to him?


    She could not ce the meaning but she could sense the subtle slyness in his time as he spoke. She did not know how to respond as she tried to control her choking. Xavier shrugged at her when he saw the using expression on her face.


    ¡°Water?¡± he asked his eyebrow going up as he took another bite from his meal.


    ¡°No thanks,¡± she said admitting to coughing. ¡°I¡¯m good¡±


    ¡°Okay good¡±


    ¡°What did you mean by that?¡± she asked in a whisper as if she was trying her best so the crowd around them would not know what she was saying.


    ¡°Youined that I always take you to a public ce but¡­¡±


    ¡°It was not aint but an observation. I was just making a point about how you must love the spotlight since you have lived in it forever¡± she exined still in a hushed tone cutting him off.


    ¡°Yes and I was saying that since you might not love the spotlight then we should go somewhere private for your sake,¡± he said exining to her.


    She shook her head in horror. ¡°You know it¡¯s bad to judge a book by its cover, and I can bet my money anywhere, any day any time¡±


    ¡°That?¡± he asked curious to know what she was so sure about it. His mind raced as he wondered about the possibilities of her theories and what they could be.


    ¡°That you have had a romantic rtionship before¡±


    ¡°Definitely¡±


    Xavier and Jessica finally go home and he uses the entire ride home to convince her about how he had never been in a romantic rtionship. Jessica who had been in only one all her life had a better view about such things and insisted that he was lying to her.


    ¡°Okay if you insist we would with what you said then,¡± Jessica said as she pulled the numerous pillows off the bed.


    From the bed setting it was obvious that the house staff had attended to their room today. They had changed the beddings and added the numerous pillows she had to always take her time to remove.


    ¡°You are only saying that because you don¡¯t want to talk about it anymore,¡± Xavier said as he struggled with his watch.


    ¡°I am deeply hurt that you would say that,¡± Jessica said as she walked to him and stood before him. ¡°And I am extremely sorry because it is true,¡± she said her hands going to his watch to help him.


    Xavier froze and felt it but she thought it was her imagination. She did feel her heart pounding in her chest for just making contact with him. Only her fingertips grazed along his wrist so why was she so nervous?


    It was not a crime or a wrong thing for her to help him take off his watch. After all, he was struggling with it for a while. ¡°I saw that you¡¯ve been struggling to get it off so I decided to help,¡± she said in a low tone.


    ¡°Oh okay, alright,¡± he said in a tone that she could not fix together with him. He sounded odd. She helped him and dropped the watch into his palm trying to avoid any more contact.


    She walked past him to the closet and pushed herself to the bathroom. She entered inside and closed the door putting her back to the door.


    ¡°Why are you beating so fast?¡± she asked herself as she clutched the part of her chest where her heart was meant to be. ¡°Didn¡¯t you agree to be friends? Friends can do that much for each other can¡¯t they?¡±


    She sighed as she went to stand before the mirror. She opened the tap and sshed a handful of water on her face. ¡°Wake up now would you?¡± she said harshly to herself. ¡°A year would be done and over with before you can say Jack¡± she added.


    She felt pissed with herself. ¡°Don¡¯t you always fall for the wrong guy?¡± she asked herself angrily. She blinked as she watched her reflection in the mirror. She has never considered herself as gorgeous but she knew she could not deny having those looks. She did have them after all.


    ¡°Are you alright in there?¡± she heard as he pounded on the door.


    ¡°Errm yeah, I¡¯m fine. I just have to take off my makeup and brush my teeth. I¡¯ll be right out this instance¡± she told him.


    ¡°Oh no don¡¯t rush. I was worried since I did not hear anything for a moment. I¡¯ll be down making a cup of tea to detox. Do you want one too?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said her voice reducing its intensity with every single letter.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± he said and she heard his retreating footsteps.


    ¡°Yeah, there is no escaping for you not now. You like this man and he is just unnecessarily kind to you. What are you going to do Jessica Penelope Joshua¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Twenty Eight

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to stay for breakfast?¡± Jessica asked as she watched Xavier hurry down.


    True to her word she had taken the week off and now she did not need to rush to the restaurant early and she resumed her duties of breakfast making.


    ¡°Jason showed up in the city all of a sudden for an important deal and I had no idea until this morning. I need to go see him¡± he exined.


    ¡°Oh okay don¡¯t let me keep you waiting then,¡± she told him urging him to go.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make dinner for me tonight. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll being home for a while. I¡¯ll need to settle him before I can sleep in peace again¡±


    Jessica nodded. She knew about Jasoning into town. She has asked Alicia to help her out with that. She nned to get him out of the house. Although he said he had a full schedule that week he was home almost all the time and she needed him out so she could do her work in preparation for the surprise party.


    Alicia had suggested that making her boyfriende over to keep him upied might be a good idea. Xavier values all his business rtionships and everyone knows it quite well.


    ¡°Bye,¡± she shouted after him as he left. A grin appeared on her face. It was the day of his birthday and she hoped that whatever tactics Jason was going to use would be effective. She needed to have people going in and out of the house setting up the courtyard ready for use.


    Jason had promised Jessica that he would do his best to ensure he did note home. In his exact words, ¡°He had been doing that for years¡±


    ¡°You are doing a great job with the party¡± Jessica heard Dawson¡¯s voice from behind her.


    Dawson had been quiet ofte even when Jessica tried to make him talk. He went to bed earlier than usual and slept longer hours. He looked tired even though he had good sleep.


    Jessica began to me herself. Maybe the house was stressing him a bit too much. Maybe he should have left him at the hospital. She brought him home and she could not pay enough attention to him. She thought it might be right for her to let him return to the hospital but she did not know the best way to bring it up to him.


    ¡°You gave the task to me I have to do it well,¡± she said coughing beside his chair. ¡°Dawson, are you fine? Do I need to call the doctor?¡± she asked concern overtaking her face.


    ¡°An old man like me is never a hundred percent healthy,¡± he said a cough following. ¡°It¡¯s normal for our people to be this way¡±


    His voice sounded like he was trying to convince her so badly that he was fine. She did not want to push the topic because she was unaware of how sensitive he might be to the issue but she knew it deep in her guts that he was definitely not fine.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring you a big bowl of beef soup,¡± she said standing up with the apron rope falling to her sides.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you bother, I don¡¯t have much of an appetite these days so don¡¯t bother¡±


    ¡°Which is more reasons you have to have this soup. Just have a little please¡± she said mustering the cutest fact she could have.


    ¡°I give in¡± he coughed and ended his statement with augh.


    ¡°Thank goodness¡± she muttered as she walked away.


    ¡°How is keeping Xavier away from the house going?¡± Alicia asked over the phone.


    ¡°It¡¯s harder than I thought, he is always into stuff like bncing the ount and making everything prim and proper but for some reason today he has beenining so much about the meeting¡± Jasonined.


    He had told Xavier to take a break when heined so much during the meeting. Xavier had worn his ears off with so manyints that Brian and Jason could not handle anymore.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I called. What else do you think we can do to keep him here?¡±


    ¡°What if Ie over to pitch a business? I have been trying to do so for a long while now anyways why not now?¡± Alicia asked.


    She had been trying to expand her family business so why not now? Jason could use her friendship to take her in and she could use her pitch to keep him there.


    ¡°How do you intend to get into this ce? You don¡¯t have an appointment with him do you?¡±


    To Alicia, it sounded like he was flirting heavily and she was not in the mood for that. She just wanted to help her friend out.


    ¡°I was hoping you could help me out¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes you,¡± Alicia said after a long silence.


    ¡°And how do you intend I do that?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he your friend? I expect you to use that influence to get me in¡± she said in a voice that what she said was supposed to be the obvious thing for him to do.


    ¡°I mean I can talk to him but that doesn¡¯t guarantee him agreeing to the situation¡± Jason exined.


    ¡°Whatever you do we have to keep him there until Jessica is done and ready. What kind of surprise would it be if he found out before we could do anything?¡± she asked in a tone that was slightly offensive because it sounded like she was talking to a child.


    ¡°I know what you mean but don¡¯t you think your tone is a bit off?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry about that. I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m trying to help my friend¡±


    ¡°Alicia, Baby I don¡¯t want us to fight about some other people who might or might not be our friends. And even if they are who cares? We should worry about ourselves¡± he said in one breath.


    ¡°And no I¡¯m not saying I won¡¯t help out. I¡¯m just saying Xavier might not be open to the idea so we should have a n B, C, and if possible a n Z too¡±


    Alicia felt he was telling the truth but what could she do? There was no way she would admit she was wrong to snap at him while using him of not wanting to help out.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try that first. Who knows it might be our lucky day¡±


    Jason nodded to himself as his eyes closed. He was startled back to reality by a mming of paper in front of him.


    ¡°Shall we get back to work then?¡±


    ¡°I have to go now. I¡¯ll call youter¡±


    ¡°Bye Jason¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Twenty Nine

    ¡°Jason says he is having a hard time ending the meeting,¡± Alicia said as she read from her phone.


    Jessica sighed. When Alicia had told her that Xavier was having a hard time concentrating on his work she was worried he would be back before she could prepare it all but now she was worried he won¡¯t be back at all. After all, he had told her to skip dinner preparations for him.


    ¡°I have an idea,¡± Leslie said making all heads turn to her. Jessica was nning to talk with Leslie after everything was done because she was unlike herself these days.


    ¡°What if Jessica calls him home? They have gotten closer these days so I¡¯m sure it might count for something¡± she said blinking so rapidly that Jessica was afraid she would be whisked away by the force from her eyelids.


    ¡°Should I?¡± Jessica asked in a panic as she fumbled with her phone in her hand


    ¡°Try it. I think we can get all the help we need to pull him away from his work¡± Alicia said urging her to do so.


    The work for the party preparation had been long done but they had been trying to get him home for an hour and a half already.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Oh, he picked up?¡± Alicia mouthed beside her in joy. Xavier was known to reject unimportant calls during his meetings. And by unimportant he meant calls that were not business rted or to the meeting at hand.


    ¡°Erm, Is it possible for you to get home quickly? Something urgent is up with Genevieve¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    She could not believe how easily the lie rolled off her tongue. She Could consider herself an honest person but seeing the way she lied these days she was not so sure about herself anymore.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong¡± he asked standing up in haste from the chair.


    Jessica somehow felt heartwarmed that he answered her call. She knew of his work ethic and she knew the reason why her friends looked at her like she was some kind of alien or rare stone that was just found lying around the earth.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell but you need to¡­¡±


    ¡°I am on my way,¡± he said cutting her off and cutting off the call.


    ¡°I need to go, Jason, there is an emergency at home. Maybe we can resume this tomorrow?¡±


    Jason signed but tried to mask it. He had been trying to get out of this meeting for over an hour and all it took was a simple call from Jessica. Why did they not think of that option?


    ¡°Fancy you using my name to lie?¡± Jessica was startled to see Genevieve standing there.


    ¡°How much did you hear?¡±


    ¡°Everything¡±


    ¡°I am so sorry¡± Jessica said rubbing her face with her hand. ¡°I have be a liar,¡± she said in annoyance.


    ¡°I am not annoyed at all. I know you have to get him home tonight or else the whole party nned would go to waste. I understand¡± Genevieve said walking to them.


    ¡°What I want to know is how you did that¡±


    ¡°Did what?¡± Jessica said facing Leslie. This was the first time she had seen color in her eyes the past few days of their meeting. She had been gloomy and quiet keeping to herself.


    ¡°Did that? ¡± Alicia asked. In both their voices amusement was evident.


    ¡°Did what?¡± she asked again.


    ¡°I mean, are you and Xavier now in a romantic rtionship? Like I mean are you two doing it?¡± Alicia asked her excitement showing.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Then how did you get him to pick up the phone so fast?¡± Leslie asked.


    ¡°And get him toe too?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Where is Genevieve?¡± Xavier asks as he enters the house in a hurry. Jason and Brian followed behind him closely. They were invited to the party so they volunteered to be the ones who would escort him there while trying their best to keep the show going on. They had no other choice anyway.


    He stops when he notices a lot of strange things. The house was dark but there seemed to be a light red and bright at the back of the house. He turned without a thought to the direction of Genevieve¡¯s room.


    ¡°Wait Xavier why don¡¯t we check outside¡± Jason said pointing towards the door leading to the kitchen.


    Alicia had told him to ensure to deliver him to the party and ensure he didn¡¯t go around looking for Genevieve.


    ¡°Why would I go there? I was told something was wrong with my aunt¡± he said as he tried to turn again.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Brian said. He knew he had to step in.


    ¡°What is it,¡± Xavier asked turning to face him. ¡°Or do you think she has been taken to the hospital already? I better call Jessica and ask her what happened¡± he said fumbling with his phone in his hand.


    ¡°Or we could go out there and check what that bright light is all about,¡± Brian said. ¡°At least when we know what it is we can then look for Lady Genevieve¡±


    ¡°If you say so,¡± he said walking towards the ce when the red light caught his eyes. ¡®Was it fire?¡¯ he thought to himself as he cautiously walked towards the ce with both men quietly on his trail.


    The house staff were not around. He had not seen a single soul apart from the security guards who were at the gate.


    ¡®What could be wrong?¡¯ he thought to himself as he walked to the light at the back. He found the whole situation suspicious but his mind could not wrap around the reason for the suspicion.


    ¡°He is here¡± Roselle whispered. She had agreed to stand guard for them. The door knob turned and rattled and the door opened.


    ¡°Surprise, Happy Birthday¡± the people at the back screamed. He heard the noise from all over and startled he took a step back.


    He was pushed back inside by Jason and Burke who were standing behind him. He had forgotten his birthday was today and with the early call her got from Jason his mind was out of it all day.


    ¡°What is this?¡± he asked as he moved closer to them.


    ¡°A party for you,¡± Jessica said walking towards him with a huge smile on her face and a bouquet in her hands.


    ¡°Happy birthday,¡± she said handing him the flowers. ¡°Happy Birthday¡± every other person chorused with a smile.


    ¡°You too?¡± Xavier asked as he turned back to face the men he hade with.


    ¡°Jessica asked us for help. How could we turn her request down?¡± Jason saiding from behind him to stand beside Jessica.


    ¡°Moreover my baby wanted this to walk so badly,¡± he said ncing to his back at Alicia who looked like the prettiest to him.


    ¡°Are we getting this party started pt what?¡± Leslie asked.


    ¡°First the men have to change,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Ladies take your men¡± Alicia shouted happily.


    ?

 Branch One Hundred and Thirty

    ¡°Change I need to change?¡± Xavier asked as he followed Jessica.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered wearily like it was a child she was fed up with.


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t I look nice in what I am wearing?¡± she thought he sounded like a girl who was told to change what she was wearing and had serious esteem problems.


    ¡°Well, Dawson got you a birthday suit and I am guessing it would be beautiful if you wore it¡±


    ¡°Are you going to dress me?¡± he asked as she pushed the door to the closet open.


    Jessica felt flustered at his question. ¡°Why would you ask that,¡± she said clearing her throat.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Because you brought me here and now you are going into the closet¡±


    ¡°The only reason I came with you is because I know where the suit is. I had to hide it away from you so you don¡¯t get an idea of the party¡± she screamed from inside and then merged with the suit in hand.


    ¡°Here I think it would look nice on you. Change into it I will be waiting outside¡± She shoved the suit on the dress hanger into his hand and made her way out of the room.


    ¡°You can take a quick shower too¡± She popped her head through the door. ¡°You are the birthday boy so I¡¯m guessing everyone would wait¡±


    Xavier nodded. He felt grateful for her suggestion. He did feel sticky and wearing the clothes without cleaning up would make him feel weird. He entered the shower and began to think of everything.


    He had never been one to celebrate his birthday. He had never done it before. Thest birthday with his parents he recalled they were out of the city and then died shortly after. He always hated this time of the year because celebrating his birthday made him feel sad.


    However, there was something about the way Jessica stood across from him with flowers in her hand and a huge smile across her face. There was no way he would deny that she looked beautiful but that was not it.


    Something about the way she said happy birthday to him made him want to have an actual happy birthday. He knew himself too well and was shocked he did not throw a fit at the surprise.


    He even saw the shock on his grandfather¡¯s face when he epted the flowers withoutints. He came out and did his usual routine before putting on the suit gotten for him.


    ¡°I am not a kid¡± he murmured as he admired himself in the mirror. He was good looking and he knew it. ¡°But the suit is nice¡± he added.


    ¡°You are taking a long time,¡± Jessica said from the other side of the door.


    ¡°I thought I could take all the time I want since it¡¯s my birthday?¡± he asked referring to what he had said earlier.


    ¡°I only said that to sound nice¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡± he asked as he opened the door.


    She blinked multiple times as she swallowed hard. She saw a halo shine at the back of his head and no it was not an illusion. She was sure she saw it.


    ¡°ck suits do the trick don¡¯t they?¡± she cleared her throat and diverted her eyes from him.


    ¡°I guess you look okay¡±


    After Jessica had awkwardlyplimented Xavier on the suit that Dawson gave him she decided to give him her gift before they headed downstairs. The hardest part about the whole week was choosing a gift for him.


    She barely knew him so she did not know what to get him. Whatpounded the situation was that he was a billionaire so she had a hard time picking up what he could not have.


    ¡°So your gift,¡± she said moving to the vanity table. She sat down and pulled open the drawer. ¡°I did not know what to get you because I am not aware of your preferences and also you are rich so there is nothing I can get for you that would be worthwhile¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± he asked confused.


    The only gifts he ever received were the ones his grandfather got him. He had always sternly warned Jason and Brian against giving him anything.


    ¡°So I git you this watch. It¡¯s nothing expensive because I paid for it with my own card¡± she said standing up to face him while opening the box.


    ¡°You bought me a gift?¡± he asked in awe.


    He hated the birthday gifting ritual but he loved her standing there telling him he got a gift from her for just being born.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s your birthday. It is nothing expens¡­.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± he said cutting her off as he snatched the box from her.


    ¡°Oh,¡± she said surprised at his actions.


    ¡°Ermm,¡± he said clearing his throat. He was grateful for the gift but he had never received one before so he did not know how to say thank you. He wanted to but he was finding it difficult.


    ¡°What I want to say is¡±


    ¡°What you want to say is thanks? Well, you¡¯re wee¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± he asked taking a step back.


    ¡°Because gratitude is written all over your face¡± she teased. She saw him turn red and how a quick clearing of the throat restored him to his original color.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not keep the goes waiting,¡± Jessica said as she walked to the door. Xavier pulled the watch out of the box and then put it on. He turned around and followed her.


    Jessica had prepared an intimate dinner party where they all sat down and ate all evening. The people who were there were Dawson who of course was the idea box behind the party itself, Genevieve who had been of great help, Olivia who nagged about how Jessica was making a nice mistake, Alicia and Leslie who had been great help alongside their partners Jason and Burke.


    Jessica had been the one to make the exotic meal disyed on the table. As they sat to eat, small talk,ughter, and gratitude flew around.


    ¡°Great job with the party, even with all this money I am very sure I can¡¯t throw something this beautiful¡± Dawson said out loud with the agreement of the rest of the people.


    ¡°You tter me too much¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Thrity One

    ¡°I better retire to bed so you youngsters can get the real party started,¡± Dawson said with a wink.


    ¡°What party?¡± Jessica cried as he wheeled himself away.


    ¡°Oh god, I feel so tired, I better retire to bed¡± Genevieve added standing up. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to go to bed?¡± she added when she saw that Olivia made no move to stand up.


    ¡°Oh, the party just started so why go in now?¡± Olivia asked resting in the chair.


    ¡°If you look around well enough you would see that no one here is your age¡±


    ¡°So what does that matter? We would stay awake all night drinking and ying games¡±


    ¡°Act your age would you?¡± Genevieve said pulling her up with all the energy she could muster. ¡°Now is the time for the old folks to read the room and give these lover birds some space¡± she mumbled as she pulled her away. ¡°Have a lovely party¡± Genevieve said entering the house with Olivia by her side.


    ¡°So the old folks expect us to have a st,¡± Jason said.


    ¡°And we all expect that you would take the lead on that¡± Alicia teased.


    ¡°Who else here is qualified for such a role?¡± he asked back. ¡°Excuse me¡± he signaled to one of the house staff that had been waiting on them all night.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± she said standing behind him.


    ¡°Can we get six shot sses, some champagne sses, a bottle of champagne, and any alcohol you can find?


    ¡°Okay sir,¡± she said before turning to the house to get their order.


    ¡°Why so much? Are we trying to lose our livers tonight?¡± Lesliemented quietly.


    ¡°If we could then we should. This is the first Xavier is celebrating in all my years of knowing him. It¡¯s quite exhausting¡± Jason said back.


    ¡°I just think we should be careful about drinking. we might have to go to work tomorrow. I will not but Brian will¡± Leslie responded rubbing her husband¡¯s shoulder.


    They both had expressions that one could not exin on their faces. They had been unusually quiet. Jessica promised herself to check on her friend after the whole euphoria of the birthday blew over. She did not look too good.


    ¡°I am sure that Xavier would be kind enough to extend a day off to him,¡± Alicia said making everyone turn to Xavier who was busy savoring the desert.


    ¡°Wait?¡± he asked his eyes wide.¡± Sure yeah,¡± he said when he called the whole scene back in his head.


    ¡°Great,¡± Brian said. His voice was supposed to sound excited but they could all hear theck of enthusiasm in them. It was like he was forcing it.


    ¡°So first game, we ask a question if you answer it then you can ask your question to any other person in the group but if you don¡¯t want to answer you have to drink the whole cup¡±


    ¡°What kind of game is that? We would all be drunk¡± Leslieined.


    ¡°That is the goal of the game¡±


    ¡°To get us drunk?¡± Jessica asked as she drank from her water.


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°The next question goes to Brian,¡± Alicia said happily.


    The drink has started kicking in but Alicia had high tolerance. The drinks they had caused asional hups among the group and random fits ofughter that no one could exin.


    ¡°Did you not just ask him a question?¡± Leslie slurred as she looked Alicia¡¯s way.


    ¡°No I did not,¡± she said blinking rapidly.


    ¡°Yes you did,¡± Leslie said trying to make her voice sound as firm as possible.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Honey¡± Brian said holding down his wife. ¡°What is your question?¡± he added turning to face Alicia who was beside him.


    ¡°Did you always love Leslie? Even when she was in love with Xavier?¡± she asked.


    The whole group turned their eyes to Brian waiting for his answer. His hand fumbled to the shot ss in front of him.


    ¡°What was so hard about that question?¡± Jason said blowing a raspberry as he looked away.


    Leslie snatched the cup from his hand and chugged it down. She felt her throat burning as the strong liquor burnt through. She squeezed her face and looked away.


    ¡°Saved by a knight,¡± Xavier said. He had been quiet all the while. He only spoke asionally.


    He and Alicia were the only ones who were yet to be tipsy. Although Alicia was already showing signs Xavier seemed to be going strong.


    ¡°Next question is for Jessica,¡± Leslie said as she took a sip from her wine ss.


    ¡°Me¡± Jessica slur as her hand could not stay on her chest for a second.


    ¡°Yes you, Do you like Xavier?¡± she asked.


    Jessica felt her cheek burn. Leslie was sitting opposite her. She felt her eyes clear as if she was sprinkled with freezing water. She blinked and then bent her head. The whole group was waiting for her response.


    Was Leslie expecting that she would say yes? If she said yes then they would tease her all day and how will she face Xavier the next morning?


    She stretched her hand to her ss and pulled it to herself. The ss tipped over and poured all over Xavier¡¯s trousers.


    ¡°Oh my god,¡± he said rushing to his feet.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Oh my god,¡± she said as she stood up too.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you out of this and get the stain off¡± she slurred.


    It was a mystery to every other person how she was still able to keep the same coherent sentence when she was so drunk.


    Xavier began to walk towards the house and Jessica tried her best not to stumble as she followed him. He climbed up the stairs and she followed.


    ¡°I am sorry¡± she called as they entered the room. She bowed her head as he shuffled to the closet.


    She entered the closet and stood as she found herself huping.


    ¡°Are you going to stand there and watch me change?¡± he asked his voice low it did things to her stomach.


    ¡°Wait?¡± she said raising her head. Her cheeks turned bright red it was hard to miss.


    ¡°What?¡± he said moving to stand in front.


    ¡°What?¡± she said back. He took a step closer and then burst intoughter.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind you watching¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Thirty Two

    ¡°I want to watch¡± Jessica confessed printing her bottom lips.


    Xavier blinked. Ever since he started teasing her this was the first time she boldly came at him. He knew it was the drink talking and that she would embarrassed if she remembered the following morning but he could not help but feel teased himself.


    ¡°I want to watch,¡± she said again the pout not leaving her face. ¡°Take it off¡± she added her hands going to his chest.


    ¡°Oh so solid,¡± she said as she giggled. She covered her mouth with her mouth.


    ¡°You are drunk¡± he finally managed to say when he got his voice back.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Drunk?¡± she said with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m not drunk, I just had a little to drink¡±


    ¡°Come on let us get you to bed¡±


    ¡®Really Xavier get her to bed?¡¯ he asked himself inwardly when putting her to bed was his only solution to what seemed like harassment to him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± she said crossing her hand over her chest as she closed her eyes.


    ¡°You can¡¯t watch me get out of my clothes¡± he stated as he cleared his throat and scratched his Adam¡¯s apple ufortably.


    ¡°Then why did you suggest it?¡± she asked.


    He blinked again as he looked around the closet. She did have a valid point. What was he supposed to answer to that now? He was teasing her?


    ¡°You know you need to stop saying things you don¡¯t mean. From now on I will only take your words seriously¡± she slurred.


    For a moment he forgot she was drunk because her voice seemed steady enough to call her sober.


    She turned around and walked out of the closet. Xavier followed after her and shut the door locking it from within.


    ¡°Sheesh, so he can get flustered too?¡± she said as she sat down on the bed.


    She felt her head throb as she sat down. She had never done well with alcohol so she wondered why she always went back to it when given the chance.


    She was at the point where any more drink would cause her to do something she might be embarrassed for the next day. She knew she needed to stop.


    Maybe going to bed like he suggested would be the perfect thing to do. ¡°But what do I do about my guest? Should I send them home?¡± she asked herself out loud.


    ¡°If you are tired of the party then we should end it now,¡± Xavier said.


    He suddenly appeared in her line of vision and she squinted so hard to see him.


    ¡°Can I?¡± she asked sighing. ¡°I am actually so exhausted from nning and I don¡¯t want to get drunk too¡± she exined.


    ¡°Then get into bed, I will ask Roselle to prepare a room for them all and then we could say goodbyes in the morning¡± Xavier exined standing up.


    ¡°I better go with you¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry I will take care of it all¡± he said standing by the door and then winking at her. She flushed and nodded.


    As Xavier climbed down the stairs he met Jason at the base of the stairs.


    ¡°Uhmm, why are youing back home?¡± he asked as he saw Xavier descend alone.


    ¡°Jessica is quite exhausted so I let her rest. I will ask Roselle to prepare a ce for you to stay overnight. It¡¯s well over past midnight so just stay here¡±


    ¡°So the party is over?¡± Jason asked. The disappointment was evident in his voice.


    ¡°There would be nice no drivers again by this time seeing it is a weekday,¡± Xavier said ignoring his question. It was obvious that one could not easily change.


    The urge to party all night was still a strong part of Jason and he could not shake it off. He sighed disappointedly when he realized he would be forced to go to bed.


    Xavier entered the kitchen where Roselle was helping clean up. The party had caused them to use ten times more dishes but Roselle was more happy than she could be.


    After watching Xavier grow up and continuously reject anything that had to do with birthdays. She was d that Jessica was able to sessfully throw him one.


    ¡°Roselle,¡± Xavier said to call the attention of the busy woman lost in her world.


    ¡°Yes young master,¡± she said wiping her hand on a napkin and then facing him.


    ¡°You are already so busy, maybe you could send someone to get two of the rooms ready for them to stay¡±


    ¡°Two rooms?¡± Roselle asked.


    ¡°Yes, Brian and Leslie will stay in one since they are married¡±


    ¡°Would young master Jason and Youngdy Alicia stay in one then?¡± Roselle asked.


    Xavier scratched his nose. He was unaware of the status of their rtionship and sincerely he did not want to know.


    ¡°Yes Roselle we will stay together¡± Jason replied. ¡°Can I get a cup of honey water too?¡± he asked taking his seat on the ind.


    ¡°You and Alicia?¡± Xavier said clearing his throat.


    ¡°Yes Alicia and I are together¡±


    ¡°I knew that,¡± Xavier said shuffling on both feet.


    ¡°So why the face? It seems like you are judging us. Do not tell me you are old school?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by old school?¡± he asked moving to take his seat beside him on the ind.


    ¡°Just an advice from your friend,¡± Jason said suddenly. ¡°There is nothing like the right and perfect time. Just go for it how¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Thirty Three

    Jessica found herself awake by the crack of dawn. She felt her head ache but it was bearable. She was d she had listened to Xavier and gone to bed before she took any more drink.


    She loomed beside her and he was sleeping so peacefully with his hand on the chest that moved in a rhythm as if he was making music. She smiled to herself as she watched him. She might not be able to stay by his side longer but she could at least in the little time she had with him be a good friend to him while having a one sided crush on him.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    She decided to do so. After all normal people crushed on celebrities and they were still able to live very productive lives without the celebrity knowing who they were. She was lucky, his crush knew her. He might not know her that well but at least he knew her.


    She stood up and decided to make breakfast. She might have to make a huge meal since they had guests stay over at night. She needed to amaze them once again with her cooking skill set. She had a quick freshen up of herself when she saw her reflection in the mirror.


    She looked like a zombie and she knew she was tired but the fact that she had a lot to do or so she thought woke her up so early.


    ¡°Good morning everyone,¡± she said as she skipped into the kitchen.


    ¡°Youngdy,¡± Roselle said in a scolding voice. ¡°I thought you would sleep in and enjoy the rest. You had been busy all day and then you still stayed up to party¡± she maintained the tone.


    She wanted her to know she was not all that pleased that she decided toe put.


    ¡°Come on, how can I sleep when I know that there is a lot to do here?¡±


    ¡°Youngdy, there are a lot of staff here to do the work and if we are not enough we can get some more anytime,¡± Roselle said picking her words one after the other. ¡°So you don¡¯t need to feel obligated to help out here. Moreover, you are thedy of the house¡±


    ¡°Lady of the house my foot,¡± she said walking towards the coffee maker. ¡°I¡¯ll be making coffee do you want a cup?¡±


    ¡°I want one¡± Jessica heard a voice from behind. She turned to see Leslieing in. Like her she also looked like a big mess. It did serve them right for drinking some much like they did not care for their livers.


    ¡°A big ss of bitter ck coffee¡± she addedzily sitting on the counter stool.


    ¡°Any for you Roselle?¡±


    ¡°I am a fine Youngdy¡± Roselle answered bowing.


    ¡°Oh my, I feel like my head is about to split into two¡± Leslie groaned running her hand through her head.


    ¡°Did you have more to drink after I had left?¡± Jessica asked feeling concerned for her friend.


    ¡°Hmm¡±


    Jessica had a hard time trying to know what the answer was. Did she drink more or not? It seemed like Leslie was not in an okay ce and she said not want to push it any further. She woulde around after a while or Jessica could simply bring it up when things seemed less tense from her end.


    ¡°I will make breakfast soon enough so you can take some aspirin,¡± Jessica said diverting the topic.


    ¡°I am sure you will be fine after some¡±


    ¡°Do you do this every morning?¡± Leslie asked as she helped Jessica who had been busy the whole time.


    She still had this stiff aura to her but after the morning coffee, it seemed like she rxed a bit.


    ¡°Not every morning. Some days it¡¯s less extravagant and some other days I¡¯m too busy to make one¡± Jessica exined as she flipped the cinnamon pancakes in the pan.


    The aroma of her cooking a storm filled the atmosphere.


    ¡°Why?¡± Leslie mumbled. ¡°You have house staff for all that. You can kick back and rx¡±


    ¡°I am used to cooking my meals myself. It seems like I have been doing so for a long while now. I just extended it a little to feed Dawson and Xavier too¡± she said pouring new batter into the pan.


    ¡°Moreover I now do it as an appreciation for them allowing me to stay here and taking care of me in many ways¡± Jessica added silently.


    Her mind cast back to the days and weeks before that time. It seemed like Xavier was always finding a solution to everything that came up with her. When Emma spread malicious lies and ended up in the police station.


    Surprisingly she ims to be anti people but he always knew what to do to instantly make her feel better. She concluded that it was his fault she fell for him. If you want a girl to fall for you you must treat her nicely. Then only would she look your way.


    Girls like being treated nicely more, especially girls like her who barely got any love growing up and then ended up in a situation where another man ripped their heart off and broke it severally ways they never thought possible.


    ¡°So you do this as an appreciation? Do you also pack him a lunch box?¡± Leslie teased.


    ¡°No I do not but that is a very good idea. I should look into it¡± Jessica said pouring thest of the batter into the pan.


    ¡°Oh fresh, ¡± Leslie said walking away. ¡°I¡¯ll get the table set then¡±


    ¡°I will help you out,¡± Angel said as she heard what Leslie said.


    ¡°Oh thanks, I really needed the help¡± Leslie whispered with a false smile on her face.


    ¡°Oh my gosh, we could barely sleep because of the wonderful aromaing from here,¡± Alicia said as she rubbed her eyes entering the kitchen.


    ¡°But why are you just waking up now?¡± Leslie said. A tint of disappointment could be heard in her voice.


    ¡°I thought it was such a vivid dream I was having¡± Alicia countered dragging her feet to the nearest stool she could find.


    ¡°Are you sure you are fully awake now?¡± Jessica asked waving the spat in her face.


    ¡°Yes I am,¡± she said holding her hand still and staring at her. ¡°Coffee¡± she murmured after a long silence between both parties.


    Jessicaughed as she freed herself from her friend¡¯s grip.


    ¡°Sure how do you like yours?¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Thirty Four

    ¡°Jessica I must say you make great meals,¡± Jason said as he leaned into his seat.


    Jessica had outdone herself with the breakfast making a nice spread that was only seen in movies. The men Jason and Brian devoured the meal so quickly that there was barely anything left on the table.


    ¡°I feel so stuffed. Thank you¡± Brian said.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I think I need to take Jessica with me back and allow her to teach my staff to make such lovely meals¡±


    Xavier looked up and stared at Jason intently. What did he mean to take his wife somewhere?


    ¡°Calm down Mr. Delgado, I only said so because she is such a good cook¡± Jasonmented in a sly voice.


    ¡°Jessica what I mean is that I am sure your restaurant will do very well,¡± he said facing Jessica. ¡°You can trust me I am a business expert and I know when something will do well¡±


    ¡°Thank you all for the generouspliments¡± Jessica replied faking a bow which made everyone burst into small giggles.


    Angel and another house staff began to clear the table as they sat. ¡°Does anyone want coffee?¡± Xavier asked as he watched the girls do their thing clearing the table.


    ¡°I had one already,¡± Leslie said absentmindedly.


    ¡°Same here¡± Alicia adds.


    ¡°Same here,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°So youdies went ahead to have coffee without us?¡± Jason asked with a fake annoyance in his voice


    ¡°We woke up early and we needed it¡± Alicia replied.


    ¡°Get us coffee,¡± Xavier tells Angel as shees around to get thest of the dishes.


    ¡°Since I have had coffee, I better check on Dawson to see why he did note down for breakfast today,¡± Jessica said dusting her dress before standing up.


    ¡°Maybe you could take breakfast to him?¡± Xavier asked and she nodded.


    ¡°I will do so, I just need to know what he wants so I can make it for him,¡± she said before exiting the room.


    She had the thoughts of Dawson falling seriously ill weighing on her mind. What if he was so sick and she was unaware because she was busy with every other thing except checking up on him?


    She was the one who convinced him to leave the hospital and get a breath of fresh air but she could barely keep him in that breath of fresh air.


    ¡°Dawson?¡± she said quietly as she tapped on the door and pushed the doorknob open.


    She entered to see him lying on the bed. He struggled a little to sit up when he heard her voice.


    ¡°Let me,¡± she said hurrying to help him sit up properly.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he asked coughing a little.


    When her hand touched the bare part of his skin she recoiled a little because of how hot he felt.


    ¡°You are having a fever, a high one at that. We need to get you to the hospital this instant¡± she said as she rushed back to the door.


    ¡°If you were sick you should have said so¡± she murmured as she walked away.


    Jessica rushed downstairs to call Xavier who was now having a light conversation with Jason and Brian.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said trying to catch her breath.


    Xavier stood up to face her. Was something wrong? Why was she panting so much? ¡°What is it?¡± he asked holding her shoulders.


    ¡°It¡¯s Dawson,¡± she said trying to steady her breathing. She could barely get another word when Xavier was flying out of the living room to the staircase.


    ¡°Wait,¡± she said as she hurriedly tried to catch up with his speed. As Xavier took two steps at a time over the stairs he prayed in his heart that nothing was wrong with Dawson. His heart sank in his chest. His gut feelings did not seem alright to him and he hated them.


    He pushed open the door and saw Dawson sitting in the position that Jessica had left him. His face looked pale. From a distance, it was obvious that he was not fine.


    ¡°Papa¡± Xavier said cautiously as if he was trying his best not to scare him.


    ¡°Why are you so loud?¡± Dawson said almost lifeless. ¡°Why did she call you here? With some rest and a little food, I¡¯ll be back on my feet again¡±


    Xavier knew what his grandfather was trying to do. He was trying to make light of the situation when it was obvious that he was not fine.


    Xavier did not wait to hear anymore he had Doctor Ross on the other line ringing. Do they need to bring him in or was the doctor going to being home to take a look at him?


    ¡°Hello Mr. Delgado,¡± Ross said over the phone.


    ¡°My papa does not look so good, should wee over?¡± Xavier asked skipping the pleasantries.


    ¡°Bring him immediately. He could be having a fever due to the cancer. We need to keep him under observation¡± Ross exined.


    Xavier¡¯s mind stopped processing whatever the doctor was saying after the word immediately.


    ¡°What did the doctor say?¡± Jessica asked from behind him. This was what made Xavier aware of her presence. She spoke softly


    ¡°We need to take him in¡±


    Dawson groaned as he watched them speak. ¡°I¡¯m okay, just ask them to prescribe something for me¡±


    ¡°Let the driver prepare one of the cars¡± Xavier said ignoring whatever his grandfather was saying.


    He walked to him and put him in the wheelchair.

 Branch One Hundred and Thirty Five

    Xavier prayed to all the gods he could remember. He was not one to believe in religion or practice them but he felt the need for a power beyond his control.


    His grandfather had been sick for a while and had now outlived the predicted time by the doctors. It was indeed a miracle so maybe out there somewhere there was a power who would help keep his grandfather until he was ready to let go.


    ¡°Can you be faster?¡± Xavier screamed at the driver.


    Jessica who sat beside the driver nced back at Xavier and Dawson. Dawson had his eyes closed and his hands crossed across his chest while Xavier looked tense it was impossible to miss it.


    ¡°Can you stop screaming?¡± Dawson mutters slowly. ¡°You are giving me a headache¡±


    Dawson had proved stubborn and had refused to go with them to the hospital. It took the begging and coaxing of everyone who was avable to get him to go.


    They promised to bring him back but Xavier swore to only bring him back if the doctor had cleared that he was well and perfect once again.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado?¡± the driver said. His voice was shaky and unsure. It felt like he was not going to be able to deliver a coherent sentence. Could anyone me the man? Xavier was known to be a beast when he was in this state.


    His emotions were all over the ce and the people around him felt it. He hadshed out more than once on the driver and the driver was not having it easy.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xavier asked back. His voice was low because of Dawson¡¯sints of a headache but it was firm.


    ¡°The GPS says our shortest route to the hospital has a serious traffic jam because of an ident that urred,¡± he said gently hoping that she would understand that the ident caused it and not him.


    ¡°I was wondering if I should take the longer route or if we should call for an ambnce.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that, let us get the ambnce here. I think it will be faster if we don¡¯t that way, ¡± Jessica said before Xavier could answer.


    ¡°Sure¡± Xavier nodded.


    Jessica had her phone in hand ready to get the ambnce there immediately. She med herself for the situation. If she had left Dawson at the hospital and not insisted on himing home then he would not be going through all this stress now.


    The nurses would have noticed and treated him. They had been so wrapped up in their own activities that they did not notice that he was sick.


    Shortly after an ambnce pulls up and takes Dawson to the hospital. Xavier goes with the ambnce while Jessica and the driver follow behind.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    They could barely keep up with the rush of the ambnce and drove at the rmended speed.


    Jessica prays as hard as she can. All she can think of is that he should be fine. She was not worried about his fever but she was worried how it would affect the cancer in his liver.


    Her phone vibrated in her hand and it was Alicia. She sent a text wondering what was going on. Jessica replied to keep her updated on the situation. Alicia promised to make it there soon.


    The doctor took Dawson in and assured both parties who looked frightened that it was a fever and it was sure toe down with fever reducers. Ross however said that they needed to keep him in and monitor his temperature all night.


    Ross cleared them to go home and Dawson insisted on it. With so much hesitation both of them went home.


    While they were in the car Jessica felt the need to apologize. ¡°Xavier,¡± she said when she finally plucked up her courage. Her voice however sounded like a squeaking mouse.


    Xavier opened his eyes and nced her way. Her face looked tightened and not because she had undergone any procedure but because of the scare that Dawson had given her earlier.


    ¡°I really do not know how to say this,¡± she said clearing her throat and sitting up.


    Xavier¡¯s expression was clearing telling and assuring her to say it. His expression put her at ease but she did not know how he would react when she said it. She closed her eyes and tried to steady herself.


    ¡°If it¡¯s that hard to say why don¡¯t you just say it when it¡¯s easier to say,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°No no no,¡± she said waving her hand in the air. ¡°I just wanted to say sorry. This wouldn¡¯t have happened if I had not insisted on moving Dawson from the hospital. I am sorry that my stupid mistake almost¡­¡± she trailed off as she cut off the thoughts in her mind.


    ¡°Dawson was happy andfortable at home,¡± Xavier said as he rested his head on the headrest. ¡°I think you made a very good decision by bringing him home,¡± he said with his eyes closed.


    ¡°And moreover nothing happened to him¡± he added.


    Jessica sighed in relief. She felt a big weight being lifted off her chest. She hated her earlier feelings and she was d that it seemed like Xavier understood her initial intentions.


    Hospitals could be very stuffy and being there all alone was the worst of it. ¡°Thank you¡± she murmured also closing her eyes.


    She wanted to say something more but the exhaustion from the previous weeks caught up to her and she felt herself being drawn into the dreamnd.


    When the driver parked at the entrance of the car, Xavier turned to Jessica when he saw that she made no effort to unbuckle her seatbelt.


    He saw that she was sleeping ever so soundly. ¡°She must have been tired¡± Xavier whispered as he helped her to unbuckle the belt.


    He opened his side of the door and then turned to her side. He opened the door and bent to the car level. He carried her out of the car bridal style.


    If she had single handedly nned such a party and she was doing all the work for her restaurant by herself then there was no way she wouldn¡¯t be so tired. He carried her inside and then up the stairs. He tucked her into bed and then prepared to go out.


    He was going to clear his head.

 Branch One Hundred and Thirty Six

    Alicia had received a message from Jessica where she assured her that Dawson was alright. She did not need to go there anymore.


    Jason suggested a date since he was flying back the very next day. The only reason he came was because of Xavier¡¯s birthday and Alicia.


    Alicia agreed because it was an opportunity for her to spend with Jason. Ever since they became a couple they had never been on an official date and although Alicia had said out loud that she did not mind it did bug her a bit.


    She had barely been in a rtionship and the longest her rtionshipsted was a month. She knew she was serious about Jason and that she wanted to be with him but the fact that she had to be in a long distance rtionship for her first serious rtionship did bother her.


    She thought of so many possibilities. If Jason were to ask her to marry him, was she to leave everything she had worked on and follow him just to be his wife?


    She lived with him and that was one thing she could not deny but the fact of leaving her career and every single thing she worked so hard to get behind to be a wife and probably a mother was too far fetched for her.


    She wanted to discuss these things with him but felt it was still too early in the rtionship for them to do so. Jason may even think that she was jumping the gun and worrying herself.


    What if he did not even see a future together? What if he just liked her at the moment? She took a deep breath as she tried to finish up her make up.


    Jason had returned to the hotel he lodged while she went home. They were to meet after a brief rest and freshening up so they could have their date.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am you have a call,¡± Evelyn said bringing her phone close to her.


    She nced at the name tag of the caller and it was Jason. She nodded and Evelyn understood what she needed to do. She picked it up and put it on loud speaker. She dropped it to the vanity table and then bowed before excusing herself.


    ¡°Babe¡± Jason said as the call connected.


    ¡°Baby¡± she responded.


    The both of them did not hold back in showing their love to each other. It seemed like they had been starved of this love for a long time and now they were finally receiving it.


    ¡°Are you ready? I want toe pick you up¡±


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry just stay where ever you are. My driver would pick us up¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Jason sighed. He liked her so much but sometimes hated how independent she was. She barely depended on him for everything.


    ¡°The man should be the one to pick the woman up,¡± Jason said trying to steady himself.


    ¡°What kind of old rule is that?¡± she asked with a smallugh.


    ¡°It will mean a lot to me if I am the one to pick you up¡±


    She thought for a while before she nodded to herself.


    ¡°Okay then I¡¯m just adding the finishing touches to my makeup, you cane to pick me up¡±


    ¡°What do you think of the restaurant I picked?¡± Jason asked.


    He was frequent at Chiachester City so he knew all the cool ces but he wanted to really impress Alicia.


    ¡°You really know these things, could it be because you were once a yboy?¡± she asked taking the spoon to her mouth


    ¡°Why would you say something like that and hurt my feelings?¡± Jason asked with a smirk.


    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t stay in Chiachester and you are still the biggest yboy here. Or you were. I¡¯m guessing you no longer do things like that¡±


    ¡°Of course I don¡¯t. I now devote my entire life to you¡± he said and she felt herself blush. She cleared her throat and looked around.


    ¡°Your entire life?¡±


    ¡°Yes my entire life¡±


    Aliciaughed and bowed her head. How could one not blush? She now saw why girls always fell for him. It was like he had a natural knack for saying the right things.


    She found out that all their virtual dates always left her with smiles and dreams of being with him. The fear she had earlier resurfaced. They were having a good time and she did not want to ruin it but her mind bugged her so much she wanted to know.


    ¡°Have you ever thought about settling down?¡± she asked. If she were to know there was no way she would ask him directly.


    ¡°With you? Sure¡± he said as if it was the normal answer.


    Alicia choked and his hand immediately went to the cup in her front and he gave it to her. She collected try cup from his hand while giving him a side nce.


    ¡°Thank you¡± she murmured as she put it to her mouth and took a sip.


    ¡°You have always been my dream. I always wanted to settle down with you and build a family,¡± he told her. ¡°Lots of children¡± he added in a whisper.


    Alicia shifted in her seat and gave a half-hearted smile. ¡°Always?¡±


    ¡°Yes, when I first got to know you I was not good enough for you so I gave up. That¡¯s why I tried my best to be someone worthy of you. I worked countless nights and turned myself into a workaholic.


    I had to give up because I heard you were in a rtionship at a point and I was almost led to depression. Bing a yboy was born out of the need to be with you¡±


    Alicia gulped hard and took a sip of her water again.


    ¡°I am so d I took courage and asked you out thest time I was here else I would still be regretting it by now,¡± he said before filling his mouth with meat from the lobster.


    ¡°So that assured I¡¯ll ask you to spend eternity with me soon¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t been dating for that long,¡± Alicia said.


    ¡°Does the length matter? We can keep dating when we get married¡± he replied with a wink.


    ¡°If you ask me to marry you, I don¡¯t think I can move¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Thirty Seven

    ¡°What?¡± Jason asked startled at her sudden confession. He was thrown back. What did she mean by what she just said?


    She took a deep breath. She was prepared for his worst reaction but she was not sure she could handle it. If it were her she would be very furious too.


    ¡°You won¡¯t move?¡±


    ¡°Would you move if you were me? I would have to leave all my grandparents and parents have built over the years. All I have done to ensure it remains standing¡±


    Jason¡¯s face shows that he is still trying his best toprehend her words. He was confused. Why did shee to the conclusions and most importantly why did shee to that conclusion?


    ¡°Can you do it if you were me? Leave all the produce of this hard work and move across the world?¡± she asked raising her eyebrow.


    Her hand went to his over the table. She covered his with her hand and squeezed it gently. ¡°I love you and I really mean it but¡­¡± she said as she trailed off.


    ¡°If you love me I don¡¯t see why this should be an issue,¡± he told her.


    ¡°Would you move here instead?¡± she asked. She could the difort visible on his face. ¡°You don¡¯t want to move here? But I¡¯m expected to pack up my entire life and move in with you in a strange and foreignnd?¡±


    None of them were eating and their voices were getting louder with each sentence. They were lucky it was not close to dinner time yet else the entire restaurant would be packed up with people and their goes their secrets.


    ¡°It¡¯s different. Asking me toe here and all¡± he tried to exin. He could not even convenience himself. He felt he was not being fair but the thought of him packing up the centuries worth of work and moving here was absurd and his parents must never hear of it.


    Alicia was one who was known in the high society circle and she was not favored because of her high drive to work and seed in the business field, unlike the otherdies. If his parents heard him say he wanted to move it would be more reasons for them to oppose the rtionship and tell him to break it off as soon as he could.


    ¡°How is it different?¡± she asked plopping her hand on the table and resting her chin on it. ¡°You are a person who owns a business and I am just the same as you. If you can¡¯t leave yours why did you think I would be willing to do it?¡± she asked as she felt herself get teary eyed.


    Being treated differently even though she was in business was not something new to her. She was always treated differently because she was a woman. Somehow she wished there was a way around the current issue. She wished he had handled it better. She knew there was no better way to handle it but she wished there were.


    ¡°I think the best thing to do now is to take a break,¡± Jason said.


    Out of everything she thought he would say this was not it. Did he want a break?


    ¡°It¡¯s been barely a month¡± she whispered as she dropped her hand to her legs and her head too.


    ¡°We don¡¯t even see eye to eye. Why not end it now?¡± he asked.


    She stood up and looked at him. ¡°Let¡¯s split the bill then I¡¯ll pay my part up front,¡± she said before she stormed out.


    When Alicia stepped out of the restaurant she felt her chest constrict. She hated what she was feeling. She hated looking like a fool. She hated the nces of everyone who passed by. She wanted to cry but why would she do it on the road?


    She med herself. Why did she for a split second think he was different? How did she go around deceiving herself? Her hope really did make fun of her, didn¡¯t it? Since she came in his car she had to get a cab.


    As she got into the car she called Leslie and Jessica. She neededfort and they had to be the ones because they were the only ones she could count on.


    ¡°Hello Girl,¡± Leslie said.


    Since it was a group call Jessica took note of the brightness that had made its way back to Leslie¡¯s voice. She sighed of relief inward. She was d that it seemed she was better. She would make sure to know what went onter but for now, she was d she was okay.


    ¡°I need you guys,¡± Alicia said as her voice cracked from the other side.


    ¡°Alicia?¡± Jessica said jumping into full mother more.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Leslie followed.


    ¡°Jason just broke up with me,¡± she said.


    She could no longer control herself as tears flowed down her cheeks. The rtionship did notst one bit and she was left heartbroken. Was this not the reason she avoided rtionships like this in the first ce? ¡±


    Jessica and Leslie calmly waited for her as she went into a full sobbing mood. She was pouring tears but she did not mind the weird stares of the driver. She did not care if he recognized her or not.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± Leslie asked.


    ¡°In a cab,¡± she said amidst her tears.


    ¡°Let¡¯s meet at the Delgado mansion, I am on my way there too,¡± Leslie said before cutting the call.


    ¡°I¡¯m still here, I will be on the call till you get here,¡± Jessica said assuring her.


    Jessica did not know what to tell her or what to say. Alicia felt a bit relieved to hear that some people cared for her. She sighed and thanked Jessica.


    ¡°I will stop over to get ice cream,¡± she said with the tears still flowing.


    ¡°Are you going to go in public with your make-up probably all ruined and tears on your face?¡± Jessica asked.


    Alicia sniffled as she thought about it. Was it not bad enough that the cab driver had seen her st full tears? She was supposed to be that icon for strong young girls. But it seemed like men were always the problems that women had.


    ¡°I will go tell Roselle to get someone to get ice cream. Do you have a favorite vor?¡±


    ¡°Everything¡± Alicia responded with a strained voice.


    ¡°Okay, let us hang up for now¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Jessica cut off the call. As much as she was worried for her friend she still somehow cared about whatever it might be that Jason would be facing. She needed to tell Xavier so he wouldfort his friend.


    Since he woke up on the bed she noticed he was nowhere in sight. She went down to ask Roselle to get ready for the ice cream and also know where Xavier had been all day.


    ¡°Roselle I need a favor please help¡±


    ¡°Yes, youngdy whatever it might be¡± Roselle answered waiting to be sent.


    ¡°I need ice cream in various vors and if you could help clear out a room. Thedies areing over¡± she exined.


    ¡°Consider it done. Would that be all?¡±


    ¡°Where is Xavier?¡±


    ¡°The young master has been in the study all day¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Thirty Eight

    Jessica knocked slightly on the door and pushed it open. She barely entered the study because she was mostly not invited and books were really not her thing.


    Xavier raised his head to meet her eyes and he smiled. ¡°What brings you here?¡± he said standing up from behind the huge table that sits pretty at a distance from the door.


    ¡°Nice room¡± shements looking around at the magnificent lined wall with shelves of different structures and types lined with books of all interests.


    ¡°Is that why you came here?¡± he asked with a smirk.


    ¡°No but I like the feel of the room¡± shements and moves to sit on one of the sofas. He sits opposite her and waits for her to state her case. She obviously came into the room for a reason.


    ¡°I just got off the phone with Alicia and she ising here soon¡±


    ¡°You can have guests over, I don¡¯t mind,¡± he said as he rubbed his n together. If she had guests over she would not be too bored. She could have those who would keep herpany. He was always busy and he could not do that for her.


    ¡°Thank you?¡± she said in a question format. She was not there to ask him for permission to have them over.


    ¡°Anytime¡±


    ¡°Well, the reason Alicia ising here is because Jason just broke up with her. I don¡¯t know the reason for the breakup but I think you should check up on Jason too¡± she said before rubbing her skirt.


    She stood up and waited for him to a anything. When he did not speak she nodded and started walking toward the door. ¡°I¡¯ll see myself out then,¡± she said out loud with our turning back.


    Xavier was shocked at the news he had just received. Of all things to happen that was not what he had expected to hear. He could not say he had experienced true love from a female counterpart before but it seemed like what Alicia and Jason shared was real enough for any other person to believe in love.


    He pulled out his phone and contemted. If Jason was the one who did the breaking up then he might not need anyone to check on him. He thought hard when the phone ringing in his hand startled him back to reality.


    Jason¡¯s name shed on the screen as it stared at him. He took a deep sigh and put the phone to his ear.


    ¡°Do you want to drink?¡± The question came to Xavier as a cry for help.


    ¡°Drinking two days in a row? That¡¯s a suicide mission. Why don¡¯t you have pity on your liver?¡±


    ¡°It is not as bad as you are painting it to be,¡± Jason said with a hup.


    ¡°Are you drunk already?¡± Xavier asked shocked.


    The sun was barely going down and it seemed like Jason was already fully drunk. ¡°Where are you?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°Are youing for a drink? Don¡¯t you worry all drinks on me, I will be sponsoring it¡± he slurred.


    ¡°I aming to take you out of there. At this rate, you might turn into an alcohol addict¡± Xavierined.


    ¡°Why are you nagging so much? It¡¯s giving me a headache¡± heplied as he banged his fist on the table. ¡°Don¡¯te¡± he shouted before cutting off the call.


    Xavier sighed in frustration. He was unable to get the information as to the whereabouts of Jason and he knew that if left alone, he wouldn¡¯t stop drinking until he could not take it anymore.


    Jessica entered the room prepared by the house staff. It was said they got a whisper of what was going on. The room was cozy. She waited outside until Alicia for there and she led her to the room.


    ¡°I feel so stupid,¡± Alicia said sniffing. She did feel stupid. She was not anti-love but it seemed like her original stance to be an independent woman because she knew if she was to get married she might have to step down from all she loved. How did she think he would be different?Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I mean can¡¯t I be a woman and shine?¡± shemented as Jessica who was beside her kept rubbing her back forfort. ¡°Being a woman sure is hard isn¡¯t it?¡± she asked faking augh as she looked down.


    She could not control the way the tears kept leaving her eyes. Leslie pushed the door open and saw them sitting in the bed.


    ¡°What happened? Tell me, tell us¡± Leslie said removing her coat.


    Alicia took a deep breath and looked up at her


    The tears kepting down her face and then she sniffled. ¡°What is wrong with me? Why am I crying so much?¡± she said out of loud as she sniffled trying to control the tears.


    ¡°We spoke about getting married and I told him I don¡¯t think I will be able to leave my work and here to go to Crescent Bay. He did not seem pleased. I told him to leave his work ande over to Chiachester but that did not please him either. He¡¯s expecting from me what it was that he could not give¡± she exined amidst tears.


    ¡°So what led to the breakup?¡± Leslie asked.


    As Alicia was slowly telling her tales she made her way to the bed where they were and sat beside Alicia making her sit in between them.


    ¡°I hate it when men make women feel obligated to be the one to drop everything. He suggested the breakup. I thought he was different¡± she broke into h sobbing again.


    ¡°Why did think he would be different? He should have known that before he approached you. I mean does it make sense? He knows everyone knows how faithful and good you are at your job. Why then should you give it up? Because of a marriage that you might have to give up one day?¡±


    Leslie¡¯s full rant seemed like her energy was directed from somewhere else. Both girls looked at her in awe. She was usually cheerful and bubbly but the fact that she spoke that way meant something was wrong.


    ¡°We are here for me but it seems to me that there is trouble in hour paradise too,¡± Alicia said cleaning her face with the handkerchief in her hand.


    By now she knows that her make-up is gone. She had spent so much you on makeup. She wanted him to like it. She wanted to look beautiful in his eyes. Why did she want to do so with someone who did not value or in the slightest respect her dreams?


    ¡°There is nothing like that,¡± Leslie said looking away.


    ¡°I was going to wait until everything blew over before I said it but now that Alicia had pointed it out I might as well speak about it,¡± Jessica said.


    She went to the mini fridge in the room and opened it up. Roselle had delivered as she asked and it was full of a variety of kinds of ice cream.


    ¡°Any preference?¡± she asked as she picked a small bowl of vani ice cream.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care just give me a big bowl,¡± Alicia said.


    ¡°I will have chocte then¡± Leslie murmured.


    Jessica turned to them with her hand filled with the ice cream bowls.


    ¡°We are going to have an intervention now¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Thirty Nine

    ¡°So here is what we would do, what is bothering us we say it here and now. I mean we are friends so why are we hiding anything from each other?¡± Jessica said as she sat down.


    She distributed the ice cream to each of them and Alicia wasted no time to open hers and begin to lick. ¡°Ahh brain freeze,¡± Alicia said tapping the left side of her head.


    ¡°Let it sit fit a few minutes¡± Jessica advised.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you get a brain freeze? Were you ice cream starved before now?¡± Leslie asked.


    The threedies looked at each other and a briefughter fell out their mouths. The room became dead silent and they all looked away ufortably.


    ¡°I will start first then,¡± Jessica said dripping the bowl onto the small table before them.


    ¡°I discovered recently that I am falling in love with Xavier. Before you gasp or whisper about it. I just discovered it. These days he has been such a nice and kind person. Not the same person I met at the start of the marriage. He has been considerate. I know I have to leave after a year but I am having second thoughts. I don¡¯t know¡± she said rubbing her palms on her face in frustration.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t want to leave?¡± Leslie asked. She has been the greatest supporter of their love. She wanted it to bloom and for them to end up together. She has told Brian a couple of times that Xavier and Jessica did look good together.


    ¡°I know I¡¯m supposed to¡­.¡±


    ¡°You are not supposed to. I do not know what is wrong with you and Xavier. Marriage is not for going in and out. You are not supposed to wed and then set a divorce date¡± Leslie said. Her voice sounded scolding enough.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± Jessica found herself stammering. All that Leslie had said was true. ¡°What do I do now?¡± she asked confused. ¡°I fear that if I leave, he might find love and get married to her and live happily¡±


    ¡°Ever after? Is that it?¡±


    ¡°You are so frustrating¡± Alicia did dropping her spoon for the first time. ¡°What you need to do is tell him how you feel¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like you don¡¯t actually understand. We signed a contract stating that none of us can fall in love with the other¡±


    ¡°What does a piece of paper have to do with this? This is about your feelings for one another. Who knows he might share mutual feelings¡± Alicia said.


    ¡°Do you think so? I have been scared of losing him and being on my own again¡± Jessica said picking her bowl back.


    ¡°Then you have to do what we advised,¡± Leslie said. ¡°Is it my turn then?¡± she asked as she looked around the room.


    ¡°As you all know Brian and I have been married for a while now. It¡¯s not news¡± she said as she shrugged.


    ¡°Well, we have been trying to have kids and it¡¯s been taking a toll on me. Brian says I¡¯m doing too much and I should just let nature take its due course. I do not know what to do¡± she sighed.


    ¡°Maybe three of us should free ourselves from men and be the power couple. After all it seems the men are the problem¡±


    ¡°Alicia¡± Jessica and Leslie cried out. Alicia gave a smallugh with a half-hearted smile.


    ¡°Come on Alicia,¡± Leslie said.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± Alicia said pouting. ¡°It just seems like you both have minimal problems whenpared to me. I just broke up with my boyfriend of barely a month. Your problem is that you don¡¯t know how to confess your feelings¡± she said turning to Jessica before turning to Leslie


    ¡°While you, your problem is that you want to have a baby but can¡¯t¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to belittle your problems but I wish those were my worries. If the media gets a whiff of us breaking up they will write all sorts of articles ming me because it has to be the girl¡¯s fault every single time¡± she went on ranting.


    ¡°I never wanted to break up, I have had that crush on him for a while but we can¡¯t even stay together,¡± she said as the tears fell to her cheeks again.


    She was even shocked at herself. She did not know that her tear ducts produced so many tears. She had been crying for such a long time that she felt a headacheing on.


    ¡°You¡¯ll give yourself a headache,¡± Leslie said her hand going to get shoulders and rubbing them lightly.


    ¡°Do you want to get back with him?¡± Jessica asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said without missing a beat. ¡°Or no, I am not sure,¡± she said bowing her head and then bawling her eyes out.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that I want to be with him because I love him but at the same time that would mean giving up all I had worked for¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°What matters to you? Your work or Jason?¡± Jessica followed with a question. ¡°It¡¯s not toote to reverse the break up if that¡¯s what you want¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I want,¡± she said amidst the full-blown tears. ¡°I hate my life,¡± she said dropping her back to the bed and staring up at the ceiling.


    ¡°I have an idea,¡± Leslie said suddenly as if a light bulb went off in her head.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Jessica asked when Leslie did not follow up with any more words.


    ¡°Alicia has always wanted to go international. I think your marriage might be a good way for you to do so. All you have to do is transfer your headquarters to Crescent Bay¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long shot,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°But it can work. Yes, it can definitely¡± Alicia said as she sat back up. ¡°Leslie¡± she cried as she went in for a hug.


    ¡°Did you just give me a grand solution?¡±Alicia continued with the cry while hugging her. ¡°I better call him and tell him about it now,¡± she said breaking the hug and searching through her bag.


    When she pulled her phone out of her bag she saw a lot of missed calls. ¡°He has been calling nonstop. I am sure he must be regretting letting me go¡± she said in a cute voice.


    ¡°Same with you. Now I call him¡± Jessica said pushing her off the bed.


    She stood up and called him. ¡°Hello,¡± she said when he picked up.


    ¡°Hello, this is the bar attendant at Moonlit Bar, he is passed out here, can you pick him up?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± she said before cutting off. ¡°He drank to get over me,¡± she said facing them. Her face said it all. She loved his actions so very much. ¡°How do I look? I need to go pick him up now¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Forty

    After Alicia had run to her love Jessica was left with Leslie who looked sad. Jessica assured her that she would soon get pregnant. Leslie left and Jessica decided to make a snack for herself.


    As she entered the kitchen she met Xavier holding a ss of juice in hand.


    ¡°Did you talk with Jason?¡± she asked as she walked to the cupboards to put out what she needed.


    ¡°He was drunk¡±


    ¡°And you did not go to get her?¡± she asked turning to face him.


    ¡°I could not locate where he was because he never did tell me. Moreover, I knew he would be alright. He is like a citizen here. Everyone knows him. He will be safe¡±


    ¡°I was not worried about his safety. I was worried he neededforting just like Alicia did¡± she exined.


    ¡°Ohh,¡± he said as if he was just learning something new.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she repliedzily. ¡°I am going to make some brownies do you want some?¡± she asked as she pulled out a big ss bowl from the drawer.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said as she took a sip from the ss in his hand. ¡°Do you need help? I can be a great kitchen assistant¡±


    ¡°You want to help me?¡± she asked shocked.


    ¡°Why not?¡± he said dropping his ss and rolling up his sleeves


    She watched his forearm and gulped hard as she watched him. She diverted her eyes from him so she did not feel so self-conscious.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting hot isn¡¯t it?¡± she asked coughing and looking around.


    ¡°I guess?¡± he said in the form of a question as he moved closer to her. ¡°What do I do first?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Wash your hands,¡± she said pointing to the tap.


    ¡°Yes Boss,¡± he said moving to the tap and turning it on.


    ¡°Boss?¡± she said as she felt her cheek warm up. Was he calling her boss that fascinating? Why did she feel the need to smile stupidly and blush?


    ¡°Yes, Boss because I¡¯m your assistant for the afternoon. Do not hesitate to tell me what you need¡± he said as he dried his hands with the towel.


    ¡°I learned this brownie recipe from my mother. It is the only remaining thing I can use to remember her. So when I miss her I make these. I miss her so much today. I barely remember what her face looks like now¡± she ranted on.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s make this brownie shall we?¡±


    She nodded at his enthusiasm and smiled inwardly. How could she not fall for him? Aside from the unnecessary facade he put out to others, he was really warm at heart. He just had a hard time processing those feelings. His face too was just as beautiful as his heart.


    ¡°Thank you¡± she muttered


    ¡°For what?¡± he asked as he collected the bowl from her hand and dropped it to the counter.


    ¡°I have not even started yet. I am going to show you all my skills today¡± he said and she found herself blushing


    ¡°I might be forced to offer you a job if you keep going this way¡±


    Jessica had the best time cooking with Xavier. She barely cooked with others and this was a great opportunity for her to bond with him.


    ¡°I am putting this into the oven now¡± Xavier announced as he held the tray. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to open up the oven door?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Ohh,¡± she said as she rushed to open it up for him. ¡°When you said you were putting it in I thought you would do it to the end¡±


    ¡°Oh my hands were filled up,¡± he said as he slid the tray in. She let go of the door and it closed.


    ¡°I will have to clean up now. Thank you for helping me. You can rest now¡± she said as she turned to the sink.


    ¡°I helped you make the brownies. I must help clean up too¡± he said as he followed her.


    ¡°I guess the CEO does not do a lot inpanies these days,¡± she said. She wanted to tease him so bad and she wanted to know why he had not been going to work.


    When they were newly married he barely made it home. She went days without seeing him. But recently she saw him more times in a day than she saw her own reflection in a mirror.


    ¡°I have a lot¡±


    ¡°Uhh yeah,¡± she said in a sarcastic tone.


    ¡°I am serious. I do a lot at work¡± he said trying to defend himself.


    ¡°I know that,¡± she said continuing the sarcasm.


    ¡°I do a lot of work, even more than my workers do,¡± he said. He felt the need to defend himself.


    ¡°I know that. I believe you¡±


    ¡°Your tone says otherwise,¡± he said as he put his hand into the water. ¡°Why do you think I do nothing?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been home a lot so I thought maybe you do not have work to do and that when we got married you were just running away from me,¡± she said.


    She did not know where she found the confidence to say all that. Was it perhaps the pep talk that her friends gave her earlier that gave her so much confidence?


    ¡°Well, I would say you are partly right. It was not as if I was running away. I just wanted you to feelfortable. It must have been a lot going home married to a stranger¡± he said sighing.


    ¡°I only did it for yourfort so you don¡¯t have to feel ufortable about the situation. But then I guess I started enjoying yourpany and that is why I am home more. Moreover, I am the CEO I can delegate the duties and get everything done without going to work¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± she said nodding. She wanted to jump up and down screaming. He just said he enjoyed herpany. If it was not aint then she wondered what one was.


    ¡°Yeah, and I still bring work home with me. I was working when you came to the study¡± he added.


    ¡°I was just worried about yourpany. It will be an error for the great Braxton industry to crumble because the new owners do not care about it¡± she said.


    ¡°Do not worry, I would keep Braxton industry and make it better¡±


    ¡°You better do¡±


    ¡°Of course, I want to impress you¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Forty One

    ¡°You want to impress me? Why would you want to do that?¡± Jessica asked.


    She was flustered but was trying her best to keep her cool. The warm water from the tap helped stabilize her body temperature. she wanted to jump around and squeal but she could not do it in front of him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe to win your favor. We started on the wrong foot¡± Xavier said.


    He was trying his very best to steady his breathing. He wanted to win her favor so badly. It was not like her favor would help him win contracts or have more money but he wanted to always feelfortable with her.


    The thought of the divorce scared him so greatly but he was the one who suggested it. She had told him previously that she was not bothered about divorce. What if he was the only one feeling this way about the situation? Why if she ept whatever the situation would be?


    ¡°You have my favor then¡± she smiled as she turned to face him.


    ¡°Oh the aroma is so lovely,¡± Roselle said.


    Her words broke the staringpetition between them. Roselle pursed her lips together as she turned around. ¡°What did Ie in here for?¡± she mumbled as she hit herself in the air.


    She wanted toment on the tightness in the air and the loving gaze she just experienced between both parties. One would think that since Jessica had been in a romantic rtionship she would know this thing but she was just as hopeless as Xavier who had never been in one.


    ¡°Young Lady, you can go on in, I will clean up here,¡± she said when she noticed how ufortable they both became.


    ¡°You know I like cleaning up after myself. Clean up is a part of the cooking process¡± she said and Roselle nodded in agreement. ¡°Xavier you can go rest now, I will deliver the brownies to you once they are ready¡± she added facing him.


    He nodded and rushed off the soap from his hand under the tap before cleaning it dry with the napkin. ¡°I better resume back my work,¡± he said walking to where he dropped his juice.


    ¡°It¡¯s no longer cold¡± he murmured as he sipped and walked away from the kitchen.


    Roselle walked up to Jessica to assist her. Jessica has shaped down all the dishes and all that was left was to rinse thempletely with water.


    ¡°I think the young Master fancies you a great deal,¡± Roselle said.


    ¡°Why would you say that?¡± she asked her as she rinsed the tes under the tap.


    ¡°Well he rarelyes in here but since you made this ce your headquarters he hase in here so much I think he is beginning to love the kitchen¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s because of me¡± she murmured.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been alive a long while now. I knew Xavier¡¯s father when he was just fifteen years of age¡± she said as she turned to face her.


    ¡°This means I know love when I see one and I greatly believe one is brewing between you two¡±


    ¡°Why did you call me here?¡± Burke asked as he took a seat in the coffee shop in front of Emma.


    She had sent a message to him telling him that she had important news. He was skeptical abouting until she mentioned the baby.


    When she told him that she was pregnant he was ready to take responsibility for the baby but she had demanded a very high-priced wedding which he could not afford.


    Although he was trying his best to ensure that he gave her what she wanted so the baby did not have to grow up in a broken home.


    He had never known his parents so he decided a while ago that if he happened to have a family he would ensure that the child grew up in a lovingly home.


    He had always thought for sure that Emma loved him but the recent events indicate to him that the only thing she loved was being in a cat race with Jessica who was unaware that she was in it.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while. I thought you would call¡± she told him silently.


    ¡°How could I have called? Yourst words to me were pretty insulting and a huge bruise to my pride as a man¡± he told her before taking a sip from the drink in front of him.


    ¡°I thought you loved me and would chase after me but it turned out I was nothing to you after all,¡± she said.


    This time her head was raised and she smiled bitterly. ¡°I know you might not want to get back again so that is why I arranged this meeting to talk with you¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I came so I can hear what you have to say,¡± he told her taking a sip again.


    ¡°Since as would not be getting married, I want to terminate the pregnancy. I would book an appointment and do it the right way¡± she told him.


    She had made up her mind as regards the issue. If she was not going to be married to him, the child would bog her down and she might not be able to see a man who would marry her and lift her out of the shackles of poverty.


    ¡°What? Why would you make a decision like this all by yourself when it concerns us both?¡± he asked shocked. Of all the things his mind ran around thinking she might say this was not a part of it. How can she be so ruthless and take it so far? Why did she think of doing that?


    ¡°If it is because you are afraid of how to raise it I will make sure to pay my part in making the childfortable,¡± he said.


    ¡°How can I bear your child when we are not together?¡± she asked shaking her head.


    ¡°Does it matter if we are together or not? This is a child, a person how can you think of taking the life?¡± he asked feeling his blood rise.


    He wanted to have a mature conversation but it seemed like they might not be able to. If her reason for an abortion was because they were not together then there was no way he would be able to reason with her.


    ¡°I have made my decision. I just thought to let you know since you are the father¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Forty Two

    ¡°If I¡¯m the father should I not have a say over this?¡± Burke asked.


    The shock of what he had just heard could not leave his face. How could she think of doing something like this?


    ¡°Maybe you can make decisions like that when you are the one who carries the baby¡±


    ¡°Okay here¡¯s what we will do, give birth to the baby and give it to me. I¡¯ll take care of the baby¡± he said.


    If he did not know about the baby he wouldn¡¯t have cared but now that he knew he had to make sure the baby received as much love as hecked growing up.


    ¡°I won¡¯t carry this baby,¡± she said tapping the table.


    ¡°Why?¡± he said almost crying.


    ¡°Because carrying this baby means I would devote at least a year of my life to tending to it and at least six months to get back into my shape. That¡¯s a long time¡± she said in a tone that suggests that he should know this and not ask her such questions.


    ¡°And?¡± he asked confusion at what she was driving at.


    ¡°And I don¡¯t have that time. No man would approach me if I am pregnant and then how would I meet someone?¡± she asked frustrated that she had to exin everything to him.


    ¡°Is that your logic? Because you want to meet a man you decide to kill an innocent life?¡± he asked.


    The disgust on his face was seen visibly by her but she did not mind. She did not care what he thought about her. She would be the one carrying the baby. If she was a single mom no man would want herpany.


    How then was she to enter the high society as she wished to? Was she continue to live beneath Jessica? Just because he wanted the baby to live?


    ¡°If you want a child so much, get yourself a wife who would be okay with your poverty and knock her up. I only told you out of respect for being the father. I did not expect you to give me this bullshit¡± she said angrily as she stood up.


    ¡°I will pay for the coffee. Consider it as myst treat to you. Good Bye Burke¡± she said as she walked away.


    Burke was confused. What could he do to stop her? He needed to do it. He hated thew at that moment. How could they license taking the life of a baby?


    He looked around him and closed his eyes briefly before he stood up and went after her.


    ¡°Wait Emma,¡± he said as he jogged towards her.


    ¡°What? I have said what I wanted to say and you have said your piece too. What else could you want to say? There¡¯s nothing you can say that would make me change my mind¡± she rambled on. Her mind was made up after all.


    ¡°Hear me out first¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get married. That way I can protect the baby¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°What?¡± Emma said.


    ¡°Marry me, let¡¯s give the child a proper home,¡± he said again.


    Emma took a step backward and then burst intoughter. ¡°Nice prank,¡± she said as she could not control herughter.


    ¡°I am serious¡±


    ¡°Oh no way, it must be a prank,¡± she said as she wiped the corners of her eyes.


    ¡°I am very serious,¡± he said again. ¡°The child does not need to die or grow up in a broken home. We love each other and can be together¡±


    ¡°Burke there is no way I would think of marrying a pauper like you. Love? I love you. There was never a moment like that¡±


    ¡°So you chased me around for years and you did not like me?¡± he asked perplexed that he took a step back.


    ¡°I only chased you around because Jessica liked you and I hated Jessica. She was always too happy even though there was nothing joyful about our situation. It also seemed like people naturally liked her. I had to put in effort so others like me and it always did not end up well¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It was always so frustrating. Remember our history teacher in high school? He liked Jessica and faced her good grades and extra workload to boost her GPA. He never did the same for me¡± she said with a dark expression on her face.


    ¡°How could I overlook her? I needed to teach her a lesson¡±


    ¡°So are you now going to go after Xavier Delgado too?¡± he asked in amusement.


    ¡°That¡¯s my goal¡±


    ¡°Even after you were embarrassed thest time?¡± he asked.


    ¡°How did you get to hear about that?¡± she asked looking around. ¡°It actually does not matter how you heard it. I don¡¯t care the method I use as long as I achieve my goal then I¡¯m good¡± she snapped at him.


    ¡°Emma snap out of your madness. There is absolutely no way Xavier woulde to you. He would leave Jessica ande to you? Come on¡±


    ¡°Burke, how do you think I made you think you loved me? You were delusional when you loved Jessica thinking you loved me? I am doing it as long as I put my mind to it. I will make sure Jessica leaves that mansion and that I take her ce as thedy of the Delgado family. The only child I will be bearing is that of the Delgado family¡±


    ¡°Wake up Emma. This is just a wild dream. What do you think this is? A movie or a book? There is no way that is happening. So juste to me ill give you afortable life. I already began to apply for jobs¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you do with your life anymore¡±


    ¡°Emma¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to stand here and listen to you downy what I am about to achieve. Why don¡¯t you sit back and watch¡± she said cutting him before he could say anything more.


    She tapped his shoulder gently before she proceeded to walk away. As she walked away she tapped on her phone trying to call a cab. Burke watched her retreating figure as he shook his head. What did she have going on in her mind?


    ¡°I pity her¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Forty Three

    Emma entered the maternity center of the hospital. She wanted to go all the way and she was going to make sure of it. The hospital was not the same one she usually went to. She changed hospitals when she heard that Dawson Delgado was hospitalized there. She might have a real chance of running into Xavier there.


    After a brief consultation with the doctor they set a date for the procedure and she took her leave. Since the day was just beginning she decided to wait in the lobby. She might get to see him today if she got lucky.


    A few minutes after she sat down she watched as Jessica came in the hospital and walked right to the elevator. She waited for the door to open before she went in.


    ¡°Did shee alone?¡± she said loudly to herself. Her questions were soon answered when Xavier walked in a few minutester. They came together? She felt her jaw tightened but she tried her best to ignore the situation.


    She stood up and brushed her skirt before she patted her head down. She walked to the elevator and stood casually behind him. The door dinged open and they both got in.


    ¡°Oh, Mr. Delgado?¡± she says pretending to see him for the first time.


    He looked at her and immediately remembered her. How could he forget after what she did to Jessica? He pressed his lips together and then gave her a brief nod. He pressed the VIP button on the elevator and stood at the far left end.


    She entered inside and the door closed. ¡°Are you not going to press the button?¡± he asked as she did not make a move to do so.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°You already did,¡± she said and he nodded.


    However, he was skeptical about that because the VIP floor was only open to those who were extremely rich. The price for a room overnight ran into millions. He doubted if she knew anyone who had that kind of wealth but it was none of his business.


    ¡°How is Jessica?¡± she asked as she looked back at him.


    He raised his eyebrow at her. Was she asking that question of a truth or was she just trying to strike up a conversation with him?


    ¡°Don¡¯t take it the wrong way but I want to know how she is doing. What I did thest time was horrible and despicable of me. I felt it stupid after the whole situation came to an end¡± she went on rambling.


    Xavier paid no attention to her and she was fuming inside. She had to put on this great show and he did not seem impressed at all by her. What was his deal anyway?


    ¡°I have been trying to reach her all these while but it seemed like she has blocked me even on social media too¡± she continued.


    She looked back at him and watched as he did not attempt to show any emotions. The conversation was getting on her nerves. She would call one like a dialogue instead.


    ¡°I want to apologize to her for the other day I was really at fault,¡± she said as the elevator came to a stop and dinged open.


    Xavier got off the elevator and put his foot between the door to stop it from closing. He started at her that she felt ufortable.


    ¡°If you are asking me to help you with Jessica it won¡¯t work¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I was the one who asked her to block you¡±


    ¡°Hey papa,¡± Xavier said as he entered the room.


    Jessica was sitting so close to his bedside and they were both giggling in happiness. He was kind of jealous at the sight of things but he also did not mind since it was Jessica.


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± Dawson said as he eyed his grandson from head to toe.


    ¡°The elevator ride was slow¡±


    He wanted to tell Jessica about who he encountered but he did not want to worry Dawson.


    ¡°So are you here to take me home?¡± Dawson asked happily.


    ¡°No,¡± Xavier said taking his position on the couch.


    ¡°What why? You promised to bring me back with you if I came. Are you going back on your word because I am a weak helpless old man?¡±


    ¡°First off, Papa the emotional ckmail will not work, you are not a weak helpless man. You are old yes but weak and helpless?¡± Xavier started.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± Jessica said cutting his rant off. ¡°That¡¯s not the point¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, the main point¡± he shifts the upper part of his body from relying too much on the couch and sits up straight.


    ¡°You can not go home. I spoke with Doctor Ross over the phone and he said the fever caused an infection in your liver and it can cause seriousplications so they need you to stay here so they can observe you¡± Xavier exins.


    ¡°You know there is something called outpatient¡± Dawson started.


    ¡°No way¡±


    ¡°Come on Jessica help me out here,¡± Dawson said turning to Jessica and taking her hand.


    ¡°Not this time Dawson,¡± she said with a sorry expression across her face.


    ¡°Wait what is this? Jessica, are you taking Xavier¡¯s side over mine? Are you two now in love?¡± he asked


    ¡°Come one Papa what are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Dawson I am siding with Xavier this time because he is right and we don¡¯t want any harm toe to you¡± she exined.


    Although she wanted to let him know that she was in love with his grandson there was no way she would do that in front of Xavier. It was a one-sided love and it would remain as such.


    ¡°But what is this great chemistry I sense?¡± Dawson said diverting the topic. At the moment he felt like if Xavier could end up happily with Jessica then he would also happily cheer them on from the hospital room.


    ¡°Dawson,¡± Jessica said in a singsong voice. ¡°Nothing is what you think is happening¡± she exined.


    ¡°Why not? I support it wholeheartedly¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Forty Four

    Jessica and Xavier spent a little more time with Dawson until they both decided to go to work. The air between them was awkward because Dawson had teased them both saying he could smell love. iming he was old enough to recognize one when he saw it.


    Xavier offered to drive Jessica to work even though the air was tense. The road trip was quieter than one would think.


    ¡°Your friend,¡± Xavier said out of the blue.


    ¡°My friend?¡± she asked turning to him. She was d he broke the silence. It was better for them to talk to each other than to allow the air to loom heavy on their necks.


    ¡°Yeah, the one at the police station that time,¡± he said.


    ¡°You mean Emma?¡± she said. The name alone left a bitter aftertaste in her mouth and she hated it. She had not seen what Emma did to hering. She always regarded her as a friend so she wondered why she did that.


    ¡°So that was her name?¡± Xavier said looming onto the road with a little morning traffic. ¡°Did you block her?¡± he asked.


    When Emma had said Jessica blocked her Xavier was unaware but he had to side with his wife. This woman seemed dangerous and she was moving around freely. He felt worried for her.


    ¡°No, I did not. I forgot to¡± she added immediately in case he was thinking she left it open on purpose. ¡°I will do so now,¡± she said pulling her phone from her bag on herp.


    ¡°I saw her and she said she wanted to apologize¡± Xavier skipped out the part of her saying she had been trying to reach her.


    He had established that Emma did approach him on purpose. What was she trying to achieve anyway? Why did she lie?


    ¡°Where did you see her?¡± Jessica asked looking up at him.


    ¡°I ran into her on the elevator and she kept trying to strike up a conversation with me¡± Xavier exined. He did not want her to have the wrong opinion about the situation.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Jessica said blinking. She wondered what it was she was ying at. After the recent outy by Emma, Jessica concluded that Emma always had her mind working on a ploy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry, I will not be picking up her call¡± Jessica said. Xavier did not know if she was trying to assure herself or if she was telling him her decision.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s the best decision to make concerning her. Avoid her at all costs¡±


    ¡°Sure¡± the car from in silence. The traffic on the road was making the journey much longer than it should be. ¡°I will be making ate lunch for Dawson. If you want some I could bring it over to you¡±


    Xavier turned to face her briefly before putting her eyes on the road back. ¡°Do not worry I usually catch lunch at the hotel restaurant¡± he said.


    ¡°Since I am already making one I might as well make one for you. I will quickly wrap up what I have to do at the office and then go home to make it¡±


    When she saw that he was about to protest, she raised her hand to his face ¡°I insist¡±


    The rest of the ride was with a little chat from both parties and a little silence alternating both ways until he finally dropped her off.


    She put some things in ce before she returned home to make lunch. She concluded that since she could not take Dawson back home with her she might as well give him home-cooked meals.


    She made a quick lunch and then packed it. One of the things Xavier made sure to hammer on was that she should note out without having one of the drivers take her out.


    ¡°They are not for decoration. I pay them sries every month, you should make good use of their services¡± in his exact words.


    She had Ian drive her to the hospital first. It was closer and she wanted to make sure that he ate first. By the time she entered the hospital room, she met a sleeping Dawson and a caretaker who told her that he had fallen asleep not quite long.


    She dropped the lunch box and the caretaker promised to ensure that Dawson ate the meal once he woke up. She left in a hurry to deliver the meal to Xavier. She did not want him to starve any further and she did not want to deliver cold food to him.


    ¡°I have told the chef to prepare your lunch as per usual,¡± Brian said as he stood in front of Xavier¡¯s desk.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be eating there today,¡± Xavier said once and then bent his head.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be eating there? Does this mean you are thinking of skipping lunch?¡±


    ¡°No, I am not¡±


    ¡°Then are you ordering from a different ce? Is this one of those cases where you decide to feel out of thepetition?¡±


    ¡°You get excited at the littlest of things,¡± Xavier asked crossing his hand over his chest. ¡°This is not one of those cases¡±


    ¡°Then you are skipping lunch?¡±


    ¡°I already told you that I am not¡± Xavier replied. He was running out of patience with the back and forth between both of them.


    ¡°You have changed a lot¡± Brianments suddenly.


    ¡°I have?¡±


    ¡°You would not have had the patience to make it this far in the time past,¡± Brian said and thenughter followed.


    The Xavier of three months ago would have hollered in anger at Brian and made him leave the room.


    ¡°I like the new Xavier. I guess I have Jessica to thank for this. Xavier is growing so much thanks to her¡± he added.


    Xavier rolled his eyes at his friend when the inte buzzed.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado, your wife is here,¡± the woman from the ground floor said. ¡°Oh, she is saying she would leave something down here for you¡± the woman continued.


    ¡°Let her in,¡± Xavier said slowly.


    ¡°Okay sir,¡± thedy said before the song went off.


    A few minutester Jessica was knocking on the door before she pushed it open. ¡°Hi Jessica,¡± Brian says in excitement when he spots the lunch box in her hand.


    ¡°Hello Brian,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°I did not mean to interrupt your meeting. I just wanted to stop this for Xavier but the receptionist insisted that I bring it up myself and there might not be enough food for the both of you¡± she said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry, Brian was just on his way out to eat lunch¡± Xavier said and then turned to Brian ¡°Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah it is¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Forty Five

    ¡°I know you are very busy and I did not want to take up much of your time but thedy downstairs told me I must deliver it myself so here I am. I will drop this here and be out of your hair¡± she ranted.


    ¡°It¡¯s lunchtime why would anybody be busy?¡± he asked as he stood up from behind his desk.


    ¡°I thought you were having a meeting with Brian?¡± she asked as she watched him walk towards her.


    ¡°He was asking me out to lunch,¡± he said and she nodded.


    ¡°Are you not going to sit? This is your first time here and you are in a hurry to leave?¡± he asked as he sat down on one of the chairs.


    She looked at him as if she was searching for extra approval before she took her seat. She sat on the same sofa as he did but she put a little space between them.


    ¡°This is the lunch I brought for you,¡± she said dropping it on the table before them.


    ¡°Have you had lunch?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Not yet, I n to have some when I get back to the mansion¡± she replied.


    ¡°We can share this one,¡± he said nonchntly as he opened up the box and began to empty the content containers onto the table.


    ¡°This might not be enough for you alone¡±


    ¡°I had a big breakfast thanks to you and l also had a snack when I got to the office, so I think I will not need to eat so much¡± he lied partly.


    He had a big breakfast indeed. It had been established that Jessica did not hold back when it came to meal preparation. He never had a snack. He had even barely drank water since he came into the office.


    ¡°I must say your eating habits have improved¡± shemented.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°When I first came you did not eat at all but now you eat all three important meals of the day, you even eat snacks too¡±


    ¡°Well you began to make delicious food that I can¡¯t resist¡±


    ¡°Thank you for calling my food delicious¡± Of all thepliments to her the ones about her food were the ones that she cherished most. She loved hearing them so much. It was what pushed her to be a better chef.


    ¡°I brought my one set of utensils,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be an issue now can it?¡± he asked winking


    ¡°Are we going to share one?¡± she asked as she gasped and covered up her mouth.


    ¡°If you want to, but that was not my thought. I will ask them to bring a new set from the cafeteria down¡±


    ¡°Oh okay,¡± she said as she felt so stupid about what her lone of thoughts were.


    Xavier stands up and goes to his desk. He pushes a button on the inte. ¡°I need a pair of cutlery. Please make them new and please hurry, my wife has not had lunch¡±


    The word wife from Xavier¡¯s mouth was all Jessica needed to have butterflies swimming around in her stomach. She cleared her throat to hide her excitement.


    Thedy she had seen on the deal outside of his office came in a few minutester with a new set of cutlery. Jessica thanked her as he left the ce.


    ¡°Have I told you?¡± Xavier asked as Jessica wiped down the table with the disposable napkin she put in the lunch box.


    ¡°That?¡±


    ¡°You do make the best meals,¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Better than your hotel staff?¡± she asked teasingly.


    Of course, she was not expecting him to agree. It would be a lie if he did. Those chefs were trained in the biggest and most prestigious schools in the world. All she ever did was go to a small college where she could barely learn anything.


    Most of what she knew she taught herself by practicing with uploaded videos on the inte. A vague recollection of her days in college shed before her eyes. She remembered having to work part-time and then using the money she got to buy luxury ingredients to make those dishes.


    ¡°Well,¡­¡± he said as he began to speak.


    ¡°Don¡¯t answer that, I was only teasing you. How can I cook better than them? They were enrolled in better schools than I have¡± she said as she smiled.


    ¡°What if you learn some more?¡± Xavier asked a big n forming in his head.


    ¡°Learn some more?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it can be very helpful to your restaurant,¡± he said. She faced him and the expression she saw on his face told her that a n was brewing heavily in his mind.


    ¡°What is it? Your face looks like you are plotting something¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a plot but a n,¡± he said slowly. He did not want to be misunderstood by her. ¡°And I mean this in the most respectful way possible¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked.


    ¡°What if we get some famous chefs toe to teach you a thing or two, I am sure you can upscale your skills¡±


    ¡°I thought you said I made the best meals?¡± she asked. She did not know what she felt. Was he helping her or was he showing off his wealth? She could not ce the feeling. Learning from world famous chefs from around the world would be a dreame true for her. Could she ept this?


    ¡°See this as an investment opportunity from me. I Xavier Delgado am willing to invest in your business. You should take it as this is purely business¡± he said when he saw the difort on her face.


    ¡°So it¡¯s an investment opportunity?¡± she asked as she tilted her head to make it look like she was thinking about it. He nodded at her question and she narrowed her eyes. ¡°And I have to pay you back right?¡±


    ¡°Of course, how would it be an investment if you don¡¯t pay returns?¡±


    ¡°Okay then Deal,¡± she said stretching her hand to him.


    ¡°Deal¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Forty Six

    They shook hands on their new deal. ¡°I thought you were going to draft a contract?¡± Jessica asked.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You know like the one you did when we first met,¡± she said as her voice trailed off.


    ¡°I should have but I want payment for the investment in another way¡±


    ¡°What other way¡± she said dusting her hands together and turning to him.


    ¡°Well, that you would be the one to cook my breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a very long time¡±


    ¡°Are you asking me to still cook for you even after the divorce?¡± she asked shocked. ¡°Well I guess that is fair, you are paying to upgrade my skill and you want me to cook for you for a while then I ask that it is fair enough, Deal,¡± she said ranting away.


    ¡°That is¡­.¡±


    ¡°Well, I guess I could always get the meals delivered to you. The meal would not take up much of my day¡± she continued cutting him off.


    ¡°Jessica,¡± he said hovering over her hand before cing them gently on her.¡±That is not what I meant¡±


    ¡°What did you mean? She asked gulping hard.


    ¡°I am not sure of myself these days. I can¡¯t understand my emotions. Well, I guess I have not been able to understand them ever before¡± he said.


    Jessica was lost. What was he driving at? They just began to speak about her repaying him for his money but he was talking about feelings? She looked around in case she had been transported to another dimension. She did not believe in such existence but it might make a bit more sense considering the words she was hearing.


    ¡°These days I long to see you and whenever I don¡¯t I get angry at myself. I don¡¯t know what is wrong but everyone around says it¡¯s love. What I meant when I said that you should cook for me for a long time was that we should go beyond the contract and see how far we can go¡±


    She gulped as she stared at him. She wanted to pinch herself to ensure she was not in some sort of drunken dream where she was in deceit. She wanted to make sure her mind was properly functioning and that she was not misinterpreting what ever it was he was saying.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what these emotions are, but why don¡¯t we go with it and see where it eventually leads?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Her sweaty palm made her try to remove her hand from his grip but he tightened it and started her straight in the face. ¡°You don¡¯t like it?¡± he asked. His voice was low and she found that situation dangerous to her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say¡± she started when he inched closer to her. The smell of his cologne engulfed her nose.


    ¡°Are you confessing and saying we should break off the contract?¡± she asked.


    He blinked multiple times. He did not know why he was saying either. What did he want? He did not know but he knew that he wanted to be with her, to be able to see her like this, to hold her hand too.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if what I feel is love yet but I know that I do not want to let you out of my sight even if it is for a moment. Lately, I don¡¯t know what has been going on with me. I hate it when you speak andugh in front of other men¡± A smile crossed Jessica¡¯s face as she heard that.


    That line was something that one would hear in a movie. ¡°It drives me crazy. Very crazy¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I understand your proposition very clearly yet¡± she murmured. ¡°Are we trying to be a couple? Is that what you want?¡±


    ¡°We should try to be a couple¡±


    ¡°Is that what you want?¡±


    ¡°Yes that is what I want,¡± he said and she bent her head. How would she exin her extremely red cheeks to him? ¡°So what do you say?¡±


    ¡°We can try but¡­¡± she said as she trailed off.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°But?¡± he asked when he saw her reluctance to speak.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know it feels weird to say we are trying to be a couple now. What are we going to do? Go on dates?¡± she asked


    ¡°We are going to do everything a couple does¡±


    ¡°Everything?¡± she asked feeling her stomach churn as hot blood rushed through all over her body.


    ¡°Yes everything¡± he inches closer to her and hovered over her mouth.


    ¡°Including things like this?¡± she asked angling her head up to see him.


    ¡°Of course, things like this are a necessity¡± he murmured. She could not believe it. She was going to try and be a real wife to Xavier? ¡°You are yet to answer me¡±


    ¡°Was this your proposal?¡± she asked trying to suppress the growingughter in her throat. ¡°I thought the billionaire CEO would have a grand proposal in ce¡±


    ¡°Then I will prepare a grand proposal just for you¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she asked in smallughs that wanted to erupt into a full-fledged one. ¡°If you propose to your wife after the wedding won¡¯t others say you are nuts?¡±


    ¡°Who cares what others say? As long as my wife is pleased with me¡±


    ¡°So a grand proposal it is¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said as he moved in for a kiss.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado..¡±


    Jessica pushed Xavier away and bent her head in shame. His secretary had walked in on them. She wished for the ground to open up and swallow her whole. She waited for the girl to retreat.


    ¡°I am sorry sir, I forgot that your wife was here,¡± she said going back and closing the door behind her.

 Branch One Hundred and Forty Seven

    ¡°I better be on my way then,¡± Jessica said standing up and looking around in a haste.


    ¡°Leaving already?¡±


    ¡°Your secretary just caught us trying to kiss,¡± she said in a whisper as she put her face close to his.


    ¡°And so? I can¡¯t kiss my wife?¡± he asked and she felt herself blush so hard. She raised her head and cleared her throat.


    ¡°At the office? No. I am sure that by now the whole office knows what has happened here¡± she said.


    ¡°Let them know, who cares? That way nody can approach me¡±


    ¡°You do not care but I do,¡± she said picking up the lunch box on the table and turning to leave. He grabbed her hand before she could take a step forward.


    He held her hand firmly and stood up. ¡°So are you going to leave without actually kissing me?¡±


    ¡°Let go, Xavier,¡± she said with a giggle as she tried to wiggle out of his grip.


    ¡°You always have to finish what it is that you start¡±


    ¡°What did I start? I never started anything you did¡± she said pointing it out to him.


    ¡°And that¡¯s why I want to finish what I started¡±


    ¡°Complete itter,¡± she said in a firm tone ¡°after you havepleted the grand proposal¡±


    His grip on her hand loosened. ¡°I will make sure to make that proposal today,¡± he said sounding determined.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she said wiggling, and then his hand dropped from her hand.


    ¡°Can I at least walk you to the car?¡± he asked looking like a lost puppy.


    ¡°No,¡± she said in a hushed whisper.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because people would gossip¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind them gossiping¡±


    ¡°Well I do,¡± she said and turned to face the door. She turned back to him and saw his face more cute than before. His pout was so enticing that she felt bad for turning him down.


    ¡°Okay only to the car it is then,¡± she said and he lit up and walked to her trying to hide his excitement.


    As soon as they stepped out the secretary stood up and began to speak ¡°Mr. Delgado, I am sorry about¡­¡± she said and trailed off when she got a look from him.


    Luckily for her, she had been working with him for a while so she understood what his look meant so she bowed her head and watched them retreat.


    Jessica hastened her steps to the elevator she hade up with. Xavier holds her hands and pulls her to his own private elevator.


    ¡°Why at you so fast?¡± he whispered into her ears.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m embarrassed¡± she whispered back.


    ¡°Of what? Of me?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. I am embarrassed to face her¡±


    ¡°This is my private elevator ensure to use it next time,¡± Xavier says as they enter and the door shuts.


    ¡°Next time? What makes you think I will being here next time?¡±


    ¡°You just promised in there to deliver food to me since I¡¯ll be investing in your talent,¡± he said in a duh tone.


    ¡°Yes but I can use a delivery service to achieve that¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare¡± he said as he narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°So you want me to hand deliver every lunch?¡±


    ¡°Yes and of course you cane in to visit me once in a while too,¡± he said.


    ¡°Come on Xavier, using a delivery service would be faster and that means I don¡¯t have to leave work¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to have lunch together?¡±


    ¡°It would be a nice idea¡±


    ¡°Then why are you turning me down?¡± he asked perplexed.


    ¡°When did I?¡±


    ¡°Me saying you should hand deliver every lunch is a way of me saying we should have lunch together every day from today. No matter what it is I will clear my schedule to have lunch with you¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Jessica cleared her throat as she stared at her reflection in the sliver-ted walls of the elevator.


    ¡°So what do you say?¡±


    ¡°I have to think about it. Everything is happening and it¡¯s happening faster than I can handle¡±


    ¡°I will expect an answer tonight¡±


    ¡°Tonight? already?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said taking her hand and intertwining his in hers. ¡°I feel like I have lost a lot of time with you. I can¡¯t regain the lost time but I don¡¯t want to lose another second¡±


    His words like magic made her feel like she was floating. He did have a way with words. Little wonder he was not a yboy. He would do well if he were.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said as she noticed the elevator approach the underground parking lot. ¡°Next time you have to clearly tell me what it is that you want otherwise I might not be able to know¡±


    ¡°Uhh?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what is going on in that pretty head of yours¡± she added. For some reason, Xavier felt ted to hear her call him pretty.


    ¡°So you think I have a pretty head?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an expression,¡± she said in an exasperated tone. ¡°How did you even arrive at that conclusion?¡±


    ¡°Whatever you said my head is pretty and I am sticking with that¡±


    ¡°Xavier¡± she cried out loud and heughed. ¡°The elevator is here,¡± she said as the door opened.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I am going back to work there is still a lot to be done before the opening. I am thinking ofunching the next month. What do you think of that?¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s a fantastic idea,¡± he said as they both walked to the car.


    ¡°Take her to the restaurant and then go home,¡± Xavier told the driver as he opened the door for Jessica.


    ¡°Why? You were the one who told me to be using the cars¡± she said in a protest.


    He bent his head to her level and whispered with a wink.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the one picking you up¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Forty Eight

    Alicia and Jason had made up. Jason was open to the idea so much so that he epted. He confessed to Alicia that deciding to break up was a foolish decision. Since they had made up he stayed an extra night where they spoke about their dreams together.


    ¡°Do I have to go back today?¡± he asked as they stood in the airport. He had taken the night flight so he could spend a little extra time with her all day.


    ¡°Must you?¡± she asked pulling up her cutest face ever. ¡°I will miss you, very much,¡± she said holding his hands.


    He sighed and hung his head. His flight would be boarding soon and he did not want to go. ¡°What if Ie to Crescent Bay?¡± she asked and his head went up as his eyes lit up like a child being offered candy.


    ¡°Since we will be moving the headquarters our staff would need to be visiting the town for many meetings and the like so I¡¯ll tag along¡±


    ¡°With every single trip?¡± he asked.


    ¡°If I do that I will barely get any work done at all¡± she replied. ¡°But I will visit as often as I can¡±


    ¡°What else can I do than propose to you and speed up the marriage process?¡± he asked staring her in the eyes.


    Alicia wondered to herself how he was able to control himself all this while. Sheughed to herself and nodded.


    ¡°I will leave the proposal to you okay? I hope you can do it soon enough¡± she whispered.


    The first boarding announcement is heard over the speakers and Alicia feels teary-eyed that she would have to say goodbye there and then. She does in for a hug and holds onto him so very tightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll miss you¡± she muttered close to his ears.


    ¡°Same¡± he muttered back. With so much reluctance she lets go and goes in for a kiss. The people around them watch in awe.


    Jessica was so sure that she would see her name stered on the blogs that night but she did not care. She was not doing anything illegal so it would not hurt her business.


    ¡°Bye,¡± she waved at him as he approached the esctor. She feels tearsing out from her eyes and she does not want to cry, no not here. She watched him leave and watched his back until she could not see it again.


    She turns to leave the airport. She was happy with herself. She was happy she was able to sort out the issues with him before he left. She might have been left heartbroken if she could not do it.


    ¡°I better get back home¡±


    ¡°You are home early tonight¡±


    ¡°Xavier had to leave early,¡± Brian said.


    ¡°He has been leaving early these days, maybe something is going on?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Not that I know of,¡± Brian said yawning. ¡°I am so exhausted so I will be going in for a shower¡± She watched as he left the living room and climbed up to their room.


    She stood up and went after him. ¡°Do you want to order in or should we cook something?¡± she said sitting on the bed as he shuffled around the room trying to remove his clothes.


    ¡°Any you want,¡± he said and Leslie frowned.


    Since they found out that they were not pregnant that month again Brian had been distracted and distant and she hated it. She wanted her husband back. He had said work was what was taking a toll on him but she was not sure anymore.


    Was he acting that way because she was unable to get pregnant? ¡°Brian¡± she called. Brian sighed he knew he was in trouble. She usually called him by his first name whenever he had offended. He could also tell by the tone of her voice.


    She sounded firm like she was about to scold him. ¡°Can I at least take a shower first?¡± he asked like a child who was about to throw a tantrum.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she said as she pursed her lips together and stood up as he entered the bathroom. She turned around and left the room. Shutting the door with all the strength she could muster.


    ¡°What is so hard about answering a simple question?¡± she muttered to herself as she climbed down the stairs.


    She had been starving but decided to wait for her husband so they could eat together but it was obvious that he was not in the mood for that. She entered the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    If he was not going to eat she might as well eat something since she felt very hungry. She saw a leftover pizza that they had a few days ago and she sighed with relief. She pulled out the pizza and took it to the oven.


    As she waited in the kitchen for the pizza to get warmed io she scrolled through her social media to catch up on thetest news when a headline caught her attention. The poster imed to have seen Xavier and his wife kissing passionately.


    She knew the situation of things with them and she was wondering if it was true. She knew that if it was she would be d for her friend but she was worried about the poster. If the person was using the Delgado name to be rich she was afraid of what Xavier would do to the person.


    After a while, the oven dinged to signify that her pizza was ready as she tried to stand up to go get the pizza a strong hand engulfed her from behind.


    ¡°I need to get the oven¡± she murmured silently.


    ¡°Are you trying to have dinner without me? I refused to go on a team dinner to ensure that Ie home to have dinner with you¡± he whispered into her ears.


    ¡°I also waited to have dinner with you but you did not seem interested so I thought to have it by myself¡± she responded.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t I want to have dinner with my beautiful wife?¡± he asked as he loosened his hand over her and turned her to face him.


    ¡°I was just exhausted and I apologize¡±


    ¡°You seem tired a lot these days. It makes me worried. Maybe I have done something wrong¡±


    ¡°You have not¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Forty Nine

    ¡°Then why do you constantly try to make me feel like I have done such a thing? Since we took the pregnancy testst week and it came out negative you have been avoiding doing all the things we do together. Is it my fault I am unable to get pregnant?¡± she ranted as tears streamed down her face.


    They had visited the hospital and the doctor had assured them that there was nothing wrong with the both of them. The Doctor told them to keep trying and that they could get lucky.


    ¡°Okay, I admit it. I was a little disappointed¡± Brian replied. ¡°But not at you¡± he added immediately when he saw the expression on her face.


    ¡°Then at who?¡±


    ¡°At nobody, I was just disappointed that we would not get to have a baby soon. I was disappointed that it was taking more time than we had anticipated. I was just disappointed in myself. I saw you in such great pain but there was nothing I could do to help stop it¡± he said.


    Leslie lifted her hands to his face as she caressed it. She too felt disappointed not to have a baby and she was angry at herself for how much it seemed to be hurting her husband. Brian lifted his hand and gripped hers tightly.


    ¡°I am sorry that my actions made it feel that way. I have never ever med you for the situation. I see how much it hurts you whenever the testes and I am angry that I can not do anything to stop the torment¡±


    Leslie felt tears drop. It wasn¡¯t until the hot years streamed down her face did she know that she was crying. ¡°I hate seeing you cry¡± he whispered as he used his hands to wipe the tears from her face¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should stop trying and remove the unnecessary pressure from ourselves. Maybe we would feel more rxed?¡± she asked.


    It was obvious that the actions were hiring both of them. How could both of them continue to live so miserably? She hated it. If it meant giving up on having children for them to go back to the way it was before they began to have aspirations for having a baby.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Brian asked.


    He did want a family with her, he had thought about stopping before but he saw what it meant to her and he did not want to crash her hopes. He wanted to see her happy but not in pain.


    ¡°Yes, we could adopt a little one,¡± she said smiling through the tears.


    ¡°And you will be fine with that?¡±


    ¡°You are more than enough for me¡± she whispered. Brian nodded.


    ¡°I would very much love to adopt a little one too¡± he murmured over her lips. He went in for a kiss and both their lips melted into each other. It was as if they were made to fit.


    ¡°I love you¡± he murmured in between.


    ¡°I love you too,¡± she said back.


    He pulled away abruptly and sniffed the air. ¡°The pizza is probably burnt now¡±


    ¡°Oh my God, the pizza¡± she shouted as she ran towards the oven.


    He erupted into aughter that consumed her too.


    ¡°It¡¯s all burnt now¡±


    ¡°Since it¡¯s all burnt now why don¡¯t as order another one?¡± Leslie asked.


    ¡°Or we could go on a midnight date?¡± Brian suggested.


    When they had nearly gotten married they went on all sorts of dates which included running around on the main street in the middle of the night.


    ¡°It¡¯s been such a long time since we did that¡± Leslie walked up to him.


    He put his hand on her waist and pulled her closer to him. She shrieked a little out of excitement and put her hand on his forearm.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we doing something such as a vow renewal? This is me proposing to have an all-night date with the most beautiful woman in the world right now¡±


    ¡°Two years and you still know how to make me blush?¡± she asked hitting him so lightly that it could not hurt.


    ¡°Leta go change,¡± he said lifting her.


    ¡°Put me down,¡± she said in shock at the way he suddenly lifted her.


    ¡°Why? You used to like it when I carried you¡± he asked his voice sounding disappointed.


    ¡°I still like it it is just that I must have gained a ton of weight so I must be heavy as a sack of rice,¡± she said and he smiled and spun her around.


    ¡°You are heavy¡± hemented which made her hit his back a little. ¡°Ouch,¡± he cried in a fake manner.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You are supposed to say I am not heavy but light as a feather¡± she corrected as she put her hand over his neck.


    ¡°You did not let me finish in the first ce¡±


    ¡°Oh, I am sorry, carry on¡±


    ¡°You might be heavy but you are the right weight for me to lift any time I want to¡±


    ¡°An¡± she drew out as he began to walk towards the stairs.


    ¡°If we would be going on this date then you need to get changed¡±


    ¡°Is there something wrong with what I am wearing?¡± she asked.


    Brian knew Leslie so well, one would think she was trying to pick up a fight but she was only teasing him. And also her lovenguage was words of affirmation. She did love hearing him say how beautiful and enough she was. He did not have a problem saying it because to him those words were true, they were his reality.


    ¡°If you go out looking like this, those billionaires of Chiachester City would take you away from me and wed you at once,¡± he said and she giggled like a school girl from the eighties movies where she was just told she looked like a flower.


    ¡°And I want you to be as warm as possible too¡± he added as he pushed the door to their room open. ¡°It¡¯s time toe down¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t I stay like this all night?¡±


    ¡°Should we stay indoors then?¡± he whispered into her ears.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to get food?¡±


    ¡°Maybe we can order in, I suddenly have the urge to make love to my wife,¡± he said his voice deep and low.


    She tingled in his hands and pushed her head towards him. She nted a kiss on his cheeks. ¡°Let¡¯s order in¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Fifty

    ****** It is earlier in the evening and Xavieres to pick Jessica up from her restaurant ******


    ¡°Just give me a minute and I will wrap all that I am doing and we can be on our way,¡± Jessica said ushering Xavier to one of the restaurant chairs she had received earlier today.


    ¡°Is that it?¡±


    ¡°Is that what?¡± she turned back at him confused at his question.


    ¡°I was missing you so bad that I wanted the day to be over so I could run to you but it seems like it was only me missing you. You did not miss me at all¡± he murmured.


    ¡°Why did you arrive at that conclusion?¡± she asked as she walked slowly towards him.


    ¡°Because you greeted me with so much courtesy I almost thought we were transported to the pce¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she asked with augh. She could barely believe her ears. So he knew how to speak in such a manner.


    ¡°I mean, when couples see each other they usually hug it out or kiss but you almost gave me a handshake. Now you are hurrying back to your work¡±


    ¡°I only wanted to hurry up so we could be on our way home. I am very sure you must be exhausted¡± she told him.


    ¡°So a hug and a quick kiss would prevent you from doing your work?¡± he asked pouting.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I am new to all this¡± she murmured under her breath. ¡°What made you this way anyway?¡± she asked out loud facing him.


    ¡°You did,¡± he said as he came closer to her.


    ¡°I did? When?¡± she asked perplexed.


    ¡°You just came into my life one day and began to draw around it in crayons and watercolor¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a strange analogy¡±


    ¡°But it is true. I never realized how bleak and dark my life was until you came into it. I realized at the surprise party that you are just a rare breed¡±


    ¡°The more time I waste theter we can get home. Can I just do something real quick?¡± she asked suddenly. She loved how heplimented her but she did not know how to react to it.


    ¡°After a hug from you¡±


    ¡°Just a hug?¡±


    ¡°Since you seem not to like it¡­.¡±


    ¡°I never said I did not like it¡± she cut him off.


    ¡°Then what are you saying?¡±


    ¡°That I am not used to it yet and that we should take it slowly¡±


    ¡°Slowly it is¡±


    Jessica had barely spent a second in the hug when she tried to peel herself from Xavier. ¡°It¡¯ste already why don¡¯t we just go home?¡± she asked rushing to the back room to get her bag.


    ¡°Already? What of the work you said you had to wrap up?¡± he asked following her.


    ¡°I was personally curating the menu, I will finish it up tomorrow,¡± she said meeting him at the door with her jacket in one hand and bag in the other.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go then¡± Xavier collected the jacket from her and intertwined their hands together. ¡°I just want to hold your hands¡± Her hands rxed into his and then they began to walk towards the car. They sessfully closed up the ce and entered the car


    ¡°What can we have for dinner?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°I can whip anything you want quickly when we get home¡± Now when she said home it felt like home. It felt warm and cozy to her.


    ¡°I was asking so we can go on a date in a fancy restaurant. I already booked so you can¡¯t refuse or else all my money will go to waste¡±


    ¡°I thought you were the richest in the whole city? A few bucks won¡¯t hurt you or would it?¡± she asked turning to face him.


    ¡°Of course they won¡¯t but I really want to have this dinner with you. It would count as our first date¡±


    ¡°Our first date?¡±


    ¡°Of course¡±


    ¡°I like the sound of that¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°So do I¡±


    Xavier backed out of the parking lot and drove to the restaurant. It was the same one they hade at the start of the marriage when a scandal broke and they had to do damage control.


    ¡°This ce holds so many memories for me¡± she exims as they pull up to the valet stand.


    ¡°I think this is a good ce to start,¡± he said and she nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Thest time we came here I was so focused on the scandal and you being so annoying that I barely was able to enjoy the meal,¡± she tells him. ¡°But their meals looked so delicious then¡±


    ¡°Are you still working now?¡± he asked when he saw the smile on her face.


    ¡°Not at all, I am on a date with my husband and I n to enjoy it,¡± she said and he felt a smile climb up his face. ¡°And the good food too¡± she added in a whisper which made himugh out loud.


    He opened his door and rounded the caring to her side and then opened the door. ¡°Shall we?¡± he asked stretching his hand hand to her.


    She smiled and took his hand and stepped out. She was d that once upon a time she took Leslie¡¯s advice about dressing ssy. If she did not wear branded clothes today she would have felt so out of ce and as if she was embarrassing Xavier.


    Her clothes did give her confidence and she loved it.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado, shall I give you the same table as thest time?¡± the manager asked rushing up to him.


    ¡°No we want some privacy,¡± he said facing Jessica who had her hands draped on his.


    ¡°A private room¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Fifty One

    By the time they had gotten back home the whole house was asleep already except for the security guard that was on duty.


    ¡°They are all so cold in this house. They did not see us but did not bother to check on us¡± Xavier said loudly as they entered the dark house.


    ¡°Shhhh,¡± Jessica said putting her hand against his lips.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked still in a loud voice.


    ¡°The whole house is sleeping, it will be unfair if wee in by past twelve and then decide to wake them all up. If it were me ill also be mad¡± she continued in a whisper.


    ¡°Don¡¯t they care about us?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m very sure they do, let¡¯s go to bed now,¡± she said pulling him towards the stairs.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they do¡± he murmured as she pulled him.


    ¡°They must have been working all day they need to sleep,¡± she told him like he was a child who was unaware of try way the world works.


    ¡°I wanted to give them the good news,¡± he said putting his foot down firmly and refusing to move.


    ¡°What good news¡± she maintained her whisper while his loud voice prevailed.


    ¡°That we are a real couple now¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Do you feel shy?¡±


    ¡°No¡­.. Yeah I do, let¡¯s just go to bed now. The whole city saw us out on a date so I am pretty sure that the news would be out everywhere by dawn. They might even see it before we tell them¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± he murmured and lifted his foot when she pulled him again.


    ¡°Are you not feeling exhausted? Because I am. I have had a long day and I want to just go in and have a long nap¡± she said turning back and walking up the stairs.


    ¡°You did have a long day, I am sorry¡± he whispered and followed her.


    ¡°I thought you did not know how to whisper?¡±


    ¡°I was only talking loud because I wanted them all to wake up¡±


    ¡°When is Genevieve going to start her treatment?¡± Jessica asked. The whole activity had made them forget about that important fact and the fact that she had been quiet in all of that without making a noise about it baffled Jessica.


    ¡°I spoke with Ross yesterday and when we go visit Papa we can take her along so she can get treatments done¡±


    ¡°Okay, I think that is a good idea then¡± Jessica murmured as they pushed open the door.


    ¡°You can use the bathroom while I try to take off my makeup¡±


    ¡°Am I getting first right privileges?¡± he asked like a child excited for a new toy.


    ¡°I need to remove my makeup so it¡¯s only efficient if you shower now and I do so after you¡± she exined sitting on the vanity table small stool.


    Xavier nodded and went to freshen up. The weather was changing but it was still very hot. He had barely sweated some part of the day but he still felt sticky.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going toe to bed?¡±


    ¡°I will be there soon, I just need to finish up my night routine¡± Jessica had started using extravagant skin care products after Alicia had sponsored an all-expense impulse paid trip to the store that sold skin care products.


    Jessica was skeptical at first at all the long steps and processes she had to take to maintain good skin but after Alicia¡¯s one hour¡¯s worth of speech on how to maintain one¡¯s skin and why one should do it she and Leslie decided to give it a shot at least.


    ¡°Who else are you trying to look pretty for? I already think you are pretty enough¡±


    ¡°If I can get prettier I should do so,¡± she said staring at him from the mirror.


    ¡°If you get prettier then I might not befortable with you walking around. Men already shoot flirtatious eyes toward you wherever you go¡± he grumbled.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice for a woman to feel pretty¡± she exined as she rubbed thest of her routine.


    ¡°Juste to bed, missing a day of the process won¡¯t kill you¡±


    ¡°Well ording to Alicia I must not miss a single day¡±


    ¡°Are there going to be any consequences if you do?¡±


    ¡°Who knows?¡± she shrugged and stood up. She stared at the bed, up until that moment they had always slept on separated sides of the bed. Was she supposed to snuggle to him?


    She knew she liked him or maybe she loved it but was it not too early for them to do things like this? It was barely twenty-fourplete hours since he had told her he wanted to try this out.


    ¡°What are you thinking of so intently?¡± he asked flipping the covers over from himself and waking towards her.


    ¡°Nothing, just the situation¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to think? Juste to bed¡± he pulled her with him and she allowed herself to be pulled too. She wanted this but a part of her could not bring herself to ept the situation.


    She climbed into bed and turned the other way as usual. She did not want to jump the gun. She did not want to force it on him.


    ¡°Am I going to stare at your back all night?¡± he grumbled again.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the way it has always been?¡± Jessica asked without turning around to see him.


    ¡°But what did I say today?¡±


    ¡°That we should try and be a couple?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yeah, that is what I said¡± he answered in an obvious. ¡°And what do you think that meant?¡± he asked again.


    ¡°Xavier, I think we should take it slowly. I mean we should get to know each other better¡±


    ¡°I think I know you a little better now. I know you do want to be in my hands but you are fighting it¡±


    ¡°Whhaattt?¡± she stammered pretending she did not understand what he meant. How did he know this fact anyway?


    He turns her to face him and pulls her into his hands. He bent to her ear level and whispered into it¡±Just do what your heart tells you to¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Fifty Two

    Jessica melted into Xavier¡¯s hands and she loved the way it felt. ¡°Have I ever told you?¡± she murmured into his chest.


    ¡°That?¡±


    ¡°Your scent is one of the most memorable scents ever. I am able to identify it from a mile away. I love it, it¡¯s unique to you and I can go on sniffing it all day¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°That way you can easily find me in a big crowd¡±


    ¡°You sure do have a way with words don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Let us go to bed¡± he said changing the topic and patting her slightly on the arm.


    She snuggled closer to him and buried her nose in his chest. ¡°I am going to take it all in,¡± she said after a few minutes. Her voice was dropping as it was obvious she was exhausted from the day¡¯s activity.


    As usual, Jessica was awake early. Sometimes her body rm was a blessing other times it seemed like a curse to her. Why did she have to be awake so very early?


    She tried to stretch when she realized a hand was holding her firmly. She looked up at his sleeping features and smiled. A flood of the happenings of yesterday came back to her mind and the smile grew bigger.


    She had never expected such a confession from him. She thought about confessing her love to him but thought it wise to do so when she was leaving the house that way he wouldn¡¯t have an obligation to try and love her back.


    She plopped her chin over one of her hands and her back was elevated so she could see his face very clearly. ¡°So handsome¡± she murmured as she gently traced his jawline.


    She started a few more minutes before she tried to push herself off the bed. His strong hands pulled her back down and a shriek left her mouth.


    ¡°I want you to be the first person I see every morning¡± he murmured as his eyes fluttered open. ¡°I mean you stared at me for a very long time now didn¡¯t you?¡± he asked smirking.


    ¡°Well I did but I have to go clean up and then do a little exercise before I head down for breakfast preparation¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you stay a little longer? The staff would prepare breakfast¡±


    ¡°I thought you wanted me to pay you back with my meals?¡± she asked as she watched him try to keep his eyes open.


    ¡°That was just a way of saying let¡¯s stay together longer than we intended¡±


    ¡°I still need to make breakfast¡± she muttered.


    ¡°I felt so warm having you sleep so closely beside me. I loved it¡± he continued with a sleepy voice.


    ¡°And you are still sleepy, don¡¯t let me keep you awake. Why don¡¯t you sleep and then I can go make breakfast ready?¡±


    ¡°I slept well because you were beside me and you were warm,¡± he tells her again.


    ¡°Come on Xavier loosen your grip¡± she demanded.


    ¡°No,¡± he said and then closed his eyes.


    ¡°I never knew you were this clingy. You act all independent and mighty but you love to cuddle?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said without missing a beat. ¡°I love to hold you, I just realized it is my second favorite thing in the world.


    ¡°What is your first?¡± she asked shocked. She was pretty high on the list.


    ¡°You¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± she asked shocked again.


    ¡°Yes you¡±


    How is that possible?¡±


    ¡°I should be asking what you did to me. I always think about you, no matter the situation. It seems like you are always in my mind¡±


    ¡°I have never heard something so cheesy before¡± she giggled.


    ¡°I have never said something so cheesy either¡± he snickered and both of them burst intoughter.


    ¡°Okay I have to get up now,¡± she said again.


    ¡°Okay fine, I will let you go because you have asked so much¡±


    Jessica felt his grip loosen and she raised her head to his cheek and nted a short kid on it before she hurried out of bed.


    ¡°If you do things like this I am afraid it might be difficult for me to let you go next time¡± he yells after her as she enters the closet.


    ¡°Then do not¡±


    ¡°Good morning, Youngdy¡± Roselle greeted Jessica as she entered the kitchen. ¡°I did not expect to see you in here so early,¡±


    ¡°We came back verytest night, it was hard to get out of bed¡± she lied.


    ¡°Why were you both back sote? I was worried because I did not see you both but I had to retire to bed. I am an old woman who needs rest¡±


    ¡°We were out on a date,¡± Jessica said causally. She wanted to see her reaction to the new information, she knew about her feelings for Xavier anyway.


    ¡°Even if you were out on a date you ought to call¡­.¡± she trailed off when her mind finally processed what she was saying.


    ¡°You were out on a date? A real one? Not one to dispel scandalous rumors?¡± she asked happily like a high school teenage girl waiting to be given thetest tea.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jessica said nodding.


    ¡°How did this happen?¡± Roselle asked. She was quick to gather herself together to prevent her from squealing so happily in front of herdy.


    ¡°Xavier suddenly suggested that we go steady like a real couple,¡± she told her and Roselle gasped in awe.


    ¡°So what you are trying to say is that young master made the first move and not you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is exactly what I am trying to say,¡± Jessica said nodding her head.


    ¡°The young master?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Xavier¡±


    ¡°He is not like what the blogs say after all¡± Jessica added.


    ¡°I am so happy, I need to tell the chairman immediately,¡± Roselle said skipping out to go get her phone. She stopped by the door frame and turned back to face Jessica. ¡°It is okay if I tell the chairman right?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I think,¡± she said shrugging.


    ¡°Because both of us have been nning how to bring you two closer. I think the honeymoon at Aurora Haven did do the trick¡± she said and left the kitchen without waiting for a response.


    ¡°Congrattions¡± she heard a voice from behind her.


    She felt like someone who just got a wedding proposal. The happiness and excitement in the faces of the people around her made her morefortable and confident in saying it.


    ¡°Did you overhear the whole conversation?¡± she asked Genevieve who entered the kitchen and began to walk towards the refrigerator.


    ¡°Not everything but most of it. I was able to tell that things are going well with you and Xavier?¡± she asked as she pulled out milk.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she responded shyly. ¡°What is the milk for?¡± she asked.


    ¡°It is for cereal¡±


    ¡°Why would you have cereals when I am about to make the most extravagant three-course breakfast?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I can barely keep anything down these days,¡± Genevieve said truthfully.


    Jessica already knew, in fact, the whole house was aware of the situation so there was no need for her to hide.


    ¡°Why did you not say anything earlier?¡± Jessica asked concerned as she walked towards her.


    ¡°It was a celebratory event I did not want to dampen the mood with my sickness. I bought this upon myself so I should bear it alone shouldn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Come one Genevieve, I am sure the reason you came back was to have a family to lean on. If you don¡¯t want to tell Xavier or Dawson anything you can tell me anytime. I will always be willing to hear you out¡± Jessica said massaging her shoulders slightly.


    ¡°Thank you, I feel more at ease because of you,¡± Genevieve said.


    ¡°Let me help you get a bowl for that cereal then,¡± Jessica said walking to the te drawer rack and opening it up.


    ¡°We will go see Dawson today, you shoulde with us,¡± Jessica said out of the blue.


    ¡°Are you sure he would appreciate my presence?¡±


    ¡°Yes and I am a hundred percent sure of it¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that¡± she trailed off as she thought of the difort she must have caused the family before this time. Nobody shunned her but she still did not feel wee as the guilt was eating her up.


    ¡°While we are there, you should see the doctor¡±


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t¡±


    ¡°Just do this for me¡±


    ¡°Please¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

 Branch One Hundred and Fifty Three

    ¡°This is such a big spread. Are we celebrating anything?¡± Olivia asked as she sat down.


    ¡°Yes there is always a reason to celebrate in this household,¡± Genevieve said as she passed by the dining table.


    ¡°Of course, in such a prestige household why won¡¯t there always be something to celebrate?¡± Olivia asked taking her spoon up and digging into her te. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to sit for breakfast?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have much of an appetite and I need to go get ready to go out¡± Genevieve replied Olivia as she walked out of the room


    ¡°How can you not have much of an appetite after seeing this spread?¡± she murmured as she ate.


    ¡°Please do not eat while talking. It is one of those basic rules taught to us while we were younger¡± Jessica murmured as she sat down.


    ¡°All you do is scold me,¡± she said chewing louder than before and giving her a sly look.


    ¡°When are you going to move out?¡±


    ¡°Why are you so mean? I have barely been here a long time and you are eager to throw me into the streets¡± sheined dropping her spoon to the table.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Meanwhile your husband¡¯s aunt has been here longer than me and you do nothing about it. Jessica, I am your only blood left¡± she added hitting the table lightly.


    ¡°If you are my aunt you will know I am ufortable with you here, Genevieve has every right to be here. This is her family house¡± Jessica tells her before biting into her bread.


    ¡°Why are you ufortable? If she is family then so am I. I am rted to you after all¡± she said before picking her spoon up.


    ¡°Forget all this gibberish and pick a day and move out as fast as you can. You should not be here when Dawson moves back in.


    ¡°Give me a huge sum of money and I will move out before you can think of it,¡± she said and Jessica felt annoyed being that statement.


    Olivia had only known how to be a serious pain I¡¯m the neck to her. She had on countless asions taken all she had without remorse.


    ¡°A huge amount. Let us say twenty or thirty million?¡±


    ¡°I will never give it to you¡±


    ¡°I can not give you the money because I don¡¯t have such an amount. Why can¡¯t you open your eyes to see the business I am trying so much to build?¡± Jessica asked in a crying voice.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t give me my demands ask your husband, I¡¯m sure he has more than that to spare. Give me the money and I will be out of your hair in no time¡± she said picking on her food.


    ¡°And why would I do that?¡±


    ¡°Because he is your husband and I heard families carry each other¡¯s burdens or some shit like that¡±


    ¡°I know you very well okay? If I give you this money you would go for some time and then squander the money on drinks and gambling and you would be back soon¡±


    ¡°What else is life for if you can¡¯t have a good time?¡± Olivia asked with a sinister smile on her.


    ¡°You just said that families are meant to carry each other¡¯s burdens. You are the worst of all the people I have met. When others betrayed me I was not too angry at them because they did not know me and they were not rted to me. But every single time you made me sad and to think you were my family.


    I hated my childhood because of you. I had to cover up for my loneliness and scars by trying to be a happy little child. Each time I think I have ovee your madness and your grip you somehow find a way to go around that and hurt me once again.


    To you, I must be your meal ticket to surviving life. Why must I give you money when you never took care of me? All you did was spend the money my mom left behind for me. And when that was exhausted you found a way to take more and more¡± Jessica ranted and then stopped to take a breath.


    She was letting go of all the thoughts she had held to her heart all this time. She had hated Olivia¡¯s madness but she had never for once taken the courage to stand up to her. Now that she did it she felt both weirded out and relieved.


    ¡°So please while I still have my sanity can you please just get out and stop making my life ufortable?¡± she asked standing up and storming out of the room.


    In annoyance she bumps into Xavier¡¯s chest who immediately steadied her by the shoulders. ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said with an unstable voice.


    It was obvious that if she was pushed a step further she would be pouring her tears everywhere.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, but are you okay?¡± he asked softly as if he was afraid of scaring her away.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said shortly and turned sideways to go upstairs.


    Xavier was about toe in when the conservation started. He did not want to make them feel ufortable or butt into the conversation so her waited outside till they were done. What seemed like an earlier normal conversation then turned into a life history story with Jessica did not hold back on saying how she felt having her as an aunt.


    Xavier cleared his throat and entered the room. He wanted to go after Jessica but it was obvious that she needed some time to herself.


    ¡°Why did you make my wife cry?

 Branch One Hundred and Fifty Four

    Olivia was startled she did not see Xaviere in. ¡°What do you mean cry? We were only having a mature conversation and she went to report me to you? Just wait I will soon have a husband of my own whom I can report to too¡± she saw and Xavier sighed.


    He wondered deep within himself what gibberish it was that she was saying and then took a deep breath.


    ¡°She did not need to tell me. I saw her with my own eyes and heard the conversation you had with her¡± he tells her and waits for her to make a case. He had been against his grandfather bringing in the woman but he did not want to be seen as inconsiderate when she had epted his aunt with open hands.


    ¡°We don¡¯t get to choose our families because we get born into them unexpectedly,¡± Xavier said and she turned to him confused as to what he was trying to say.


    ¡°Yeah, but we should be good to them anyway¡± Olivia replies.


    ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they are supposed to be the people who would stick with us no matter what it is that happens to us¡± she exins and takes a full spoon of her breakfast into her mouth.


    ¡°So why are you the way you are?¡± Xavier asked and she began choking on her food.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Careful now,¡± Xavier said dropping the cup of water in her front. Her hand hurried to pick up the ss and she chugged down the water with wide eyes.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± she countered immediately she felt a slight bit of relief. ¡°That is a grave usation¡± she added and Xavier snorted before taking his seat to breakfast.


    ¡°You know how you try to milk Jessica dry by taking all her money because she is kind enough to give it to you every time? That thing you do is not what families do to each other¡± he said casually buttering his toast.


    ¡°I am your senior and you would treat me with respect¡± Olivia shouted when she did not what to say to defend herself.


    ¡°I believe that respect only goes to those who are due of it. If you felt like I was throwing disrespect at you then I guess you don¡¯t deserve it¡±


    Olivia was shocked. She had never heard Xavier talk she knew at that moment that she preferred the silent Xavier to this one who suddenly had a lot to say concerning her rtionship with her niece.


    ¡°Olivia,¡± he said catching her attention as her eyes roamed the whole room with confusion. She pulls her eyes and fixes it on him.


    ¡°My wife won¡¯t be giving you a single dime this time around,¡± he tells her and she in response hups. ¡°I will make sure of it¡± he added in a whisper that made her shake a little in her seat.


    ¡°I was not asking for mo¡­¡± she begins but trails off when she sees his hand up in the air gesturing for her to stop.


    ¡°I heard everything, there is no need to lie about it¡±


    Olivia Stood up and stormed out of the room in annoyance. She entered the room prepared for her and kicked the table and she recoiled in pain.


    ¡°Oh shit¡± she murmured and plopped into the bed.


    ¡°What do I do now?¡± she questioned herself. She has gotten herself into a pickle and she thought this was her easy way out.


    They were all grand talk but were stingy even with the amount of money avable to them. She needs a miserly sum of money but the billionaire was blocking her from getting it. She was running out of time and she needed the money as fast as possible.


    As she sat back up her phone vibrated on the bedside stand and she shivered in fear. She picked up the phone and put it close to her ears.


    ¡°Darling this was not our agreement¡± the man over the line draws out.


    ¡°I already promised to get you the money by the end of the month¡± she answered shaking in her seat.


    ¡°But you are taking too much time to do so, it is just seven days to the end of the month,¡± he said andughed over the line.


    ¡°I would get you the money,¡± she tells him trying to make her voice firm. Although she was sure it wasing out as a squeak to him.


    ¡°Did you not say your niece married a billionaire¡¯s son? Get the money from her then¡± he said.


    ¡°I am working on it and you would leave my niece¡¯s name out of your mouth¡±


    ¡°I have no business with your niece but I might have one if I don¡¯t get my money in the next seven days. Do you think they would pay a twenty million ransom over her head?¡± he said as he snickered.


    ¡°You would do no such thing, I will get you the full payment before then,¡± she told him feeling her temperature boil.


    ¡°Twenty Million,¡± he says happily. ¡°In seven days¡± he added before cutting off the call.


    She sighed to herself. She has spoken so confidently about getting the money but here she was not knowing where she was going to see such a high amount of f money in seven days.


    She had thought her usual ckmail trick would work well on Jessica but it turned out she was grown now. She sighed as she turned back and forth.


    She knew she couldn¡¯t get such an amount of money. The bank would not give her since she has bad credit with them. An idea brewed in her mind. Of all the things she has done in time to get money, this was the worst. She wanted tomit theft and forgery.


    ¡°Yes I think that would be the best way to go about this,¡± she tells herself nodding.


    ¡°All I need is a document stating a transfer to me or a checkbook or a wired transfer and Xavier¡¯s signature,¡± she said out loud to herself.


    She stood up and watched herself in the mirror. She nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a piece of cake. I can do it¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Fifty Five

    Xavier climbs up the stairs after Olivia has stormed out on him. He has a lot more to say but could not get to say it when she went out. He enters the room to see Jessica sitting on the bed and staring into space.


    ¡°Jessica,¡± he says slowly trying to get her attention. She whips her head to him and smiles.


    ¡°I did not hear youe in¡±


    ¡°Are you fine?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why do you ask?¡± she asks back standing up and walking to the vanity table.


    ¡°Because you were in tears a moment ago and now you are sitting here staring into space,¡± he tells her as if it was the obvious answer.


    ¡°I am fine¡±


    ¡°You know since we are going to be a real couple we might as well go all out,¡± he saiding to stand behind her.


    She squints her eyes and waits for him to go on. She did not know where he was going with that statement and she did not want to assume.


    ¡°You know what I mean don¡¯t you?¡± he asked and she pulled up her most puzzled face so he knew she did not get it.


    ¡°You know the way couples tell each other everything without hiding anything,¡± he said emphasizing the word everything.


    ¡°I told you already that nothing was wrong¡± She nced at him through the mirror. ¡°Moreover it is not something I can¡¯t handle¡± she added in a whisper.


    ¡°And if I help you out you could handle it faster¡±


    ¡°You heard that?¡± she asked shocked.


    ¡°Did you not say it so I could hear it?¡± he asked back.


    She shuffled on both feet and turned to him. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to be bothered by such minor things. I would make sure she leaves very soon. She was demanding a ridiculously high amount of money but I am sure that if I offered her a few bucks she would leave¡±


    ¡°And thene back a few monthster for more?¡± he asked. He knew very well what that kind of situation she was in. He had his own fair share of madness with his aunt.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    She came asionally and tried her best to get the best out of the situation and then she disappeared for some time only to reappear when she was low on cash.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± Jessica confessed honestly.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I said we can do this together¡±


    She feltforted by his statements. She knew how hard it was for her to face those things on her own for a very long time.


    ¡°What do you think we can do to stop her froming back?¡± she asked ready to do anything to free herself.


    ¡°Leave that to me,¡± he said as his voice came low.


    ¡°You won¡¯t share the n with me?¡±


    ¡°Well I have not thought of a n yet but when I do I will make sure to let you know¡±


    She nodded as she wanted to put her trust in him hoping that all would turn out good and nice.


    ¡°Now smile¡± hemented and she looked up at him weirdly.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked feeling aughing up her chest. She was going tough because she found the situation strange.


    ¡°You always look better when you smile and I have seen your frown for way too long¡±


    ¡°I am just going to ignore that so I can get ready so we can go see Dawson¡±


    As Jessica turned to leave Xavier grabbed her hand. ¡°Xavier,¡± she said in a yful tone.


    ¡°I would not let you go until you smile,¡± he said and she felt her tummy start a butterfly wing ppingpetition.


    ¡°There,¡± she said opening her mouth to disy her teeth while showing the weakest smile ever.


    ¡°Jessica,¡± he said. The tone his voice took was yful and warning at the same time.


    ¡°Xavier, we will bete and I am sure sometime during the day my mood will improve,¡± she told him.


    He nodded and released his grip on her hand. ¡°I want to see youe out of there with smiles¡±


    Sh hurried from his grip into the closet and she closed the door behind herself as she put her hand over her chest as if that was to silence her rapid heartbeat.


    She closed her eyes to steady her raging breath. When he stopped her she had the urge to run her fingers through his hair and dig them down and she nted a kiss on his lips.


    ¡°Jessica get yourself together¡± she whispered as she opened her eyes.


    She entered the bathroom and took a quick shower to subside the sweat she had worked up in the kitchen while cooking. When she came out of the bathroom she wore one of the clothes she was yet to wear that she had gotten from Alicia¡¯s store.


    She came out and met Xavier sitting on the bed. His eyes followed her from the door of the closet to the vanity mirror where she sat down.


    ¡°Are you going to make up?¡± he asked as she sat down and stared at herself in the mirror.


    ¡°Just something light¡± she replied rubbing on some lotion to her body.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡± he said his voice firm and demanding.


    ¡°Why? ¡± she asked as his hands suspended in mid-air close to her face.


    ¡°You are already so pretty, I don¡¯t think anyone would be able to take them off you. If you make up any further you would be too pretty you might have to be a god¡±


    Jessica cleared her throat. She stared at herself in the mirror and she wondered how she was not redder than how she looked. No one had ever said something of such to her before.


    ¡°I want to be prettier¡± she replied and picked up her powder case on the table.


    ¡°I guess I will have to keep you at home all day then¡± he replied standing up and starting to walk slowly towards her.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that,¡± she told him and continued to pat her face with the powder pouch.


    ¡°Do not make me do that¡± he said going down on his knee.


    She felt his hot breath on her neckbone. She shuddered under how she wanted him to stop and how badly she wanted to have it. She was confused and she did not want to deny it.


    ¡°Xavier, I have to get ready, Genevieve is waiting downstairs for us and we have to go see Dawson,¡± she said slowly her voice low.


    ¡°I did not say anything to stop you from getting ready¡± he told her as he watched her from the mirror.


    She gulped hard and closed her eyes. ¡°Okay fine,¡± he said kissing her back and standing up.


    ¡°Get ready,¡± he said walking to the door.

 Branch One Hundred and Fifty Six

    As Xavier stood outside he took a deep breath to steady himself. He looked around to ensure nobody was there. However, the house staff rarely came up except when they had a job to do there or if they were requested by a family member who stayed up there.


    He knew that it took his will to resist the urge to kiss her senselessly. He wanted to be kissed by her too and he wanted it so badly, it was like his entire body itched for it. He shook his head with his eyes closed and then walked in the direction of the balcony.


    He felt the bilge in his trousers. He had never felt that before but here she was giving the urge he found it so hard to control just by looking at him. What about her was so special? He asked himself as he stood there allowing the breeze swaying the giant trees in the distance hit his cheeks as well.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± Jessica said when she noticed his figure standing still on the balcony.


    She took long strides towards him. What could he be doing there? He rarely went there and so she did. She was not sure she had stepped foot into the balcony.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± she called again when he did not turn to face her.


    Xavier took in a deep breath as he turned to face her with a smile on his face. He wished himself extreme luck because he knew that he needed it.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± she asked and he stared at her for a moment. It was as if he was not able to hear her voice but he could only see the beautifully and carefully crafted features on her face.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± she said snapping her finger in his face.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± he said as if he had just snapped out of a trance.


    ¡°Shall we go?¡± she asked and he nodded. She turned around and began to walk towards the stairs. She turned around just in time to see that he had not moved an inch from where he was standing earlier.


    She sighed and walked back to him. ¡°Xavier,¡± She said this time pping slightly to get his attention. ¡°Is something up at work? Do you need to go fix the situation? It¡¯s okay if you can note with us, we can manage¡± she rambled on.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    His facial expression looked worried and she did not like it at all. ¡°Oh no nothing at all,¡± he said absentmindedly.


    ¡°Are you fine?¡± she asked


    ¡°Yeah I am,¡± he said nodding.


    ¡°Well, let us go¡±


    Xavier and Jessica walked downstairs and went towards the prepared car with Genevieve. One of the drivers offered to drive but Xavier said he was going to do it himself. Genevieve entered into the back seat and Jessica was about to follow suit when Xavier stopped her.


    He closed the door and winked at her. ¡°I volunteered to drive so you could sit by my side,¡± he said before opening up the passenger seat up front for her.


    She grumbled some incoherent words before sliding in and the door shooting behind her. ¡°I never knew Xavier was such a considerate man,¡± Genevieve said.


    As Xavier slid into the car he heard only thest two words of what she had said. He cast a questioning look the way of Jessica and she shrugged as she put on her seat belt. Xavier narrowed his eyes at her before putting his seat belt on.


    ¡°I will be going now¡± he announced before backing out of the front of the house towards the gate.


    Jessica looked back at Genevieve to ensure she was okay. ¡°Are you good back there?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Sure I am do not worry about me¡± she answered back. She felt like a third wheel on a date between an extremely lovey-dovey couple. Jessica nodded before turning back to face the road. She felt a heavy start on her but she believed that it was impossible for Xavier to be staring at her while he was driving.


    She shifted in her seat and turned her attention to Xavier who kept staring at her and the road back and forth. ¡°Eyes on the road¡± she tried to whisper so Genevieve could not hear them.


    ¡°My eyes are the road but they rather be somewhere else¡±


    She froze in her seat as she turned to face him. ¡°I don¡¯t think you would like it very much if I kept staring so hard at you¡± she whispered back.


    She tried to keep the conversation private but it was obvious he had no intention to do so. His voice was louder than it should be.


    ¡°Just eyes on the road¡± Jessica replied when she became lost for words.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡± he replied in a working tone.


    ¡®Since he did not mind you checking him out you might as well do so too¡¯ her brain whispered to her.


    He was wearing a button-up shirt with no tie. The sleeves that were supposed to be long were rolled up to his forearm and she wanted to rightly confess he love for that part of his body but she gulped down hard.


    When her eyes traced their way back up to his face he winked at her and mouthed to her ¡°You like what you see?¡±


    And then cue the hups.

 Branch One Hundred and Fifty Seven

    Jessica turned her head to the window by her side looking out the busy road while she felt an ufortable coughing on. Yes she told Xavier to stop staring and then she began hers but that did not mean he had to put her on the spot like that.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Genevieve asked when the cough did not seem to go down. ¡°I have an unopened bottled water in my bag¡± she added digging into it and merging with a bottle that she thrust to her.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jessica said opening the bottle and taking a big gulp out of it.


    ¡°I want some water too,¡± Xavier said and Jessica immediately whipped her head to face him. ¡°Water,¡± he said stretching his hands towards her.


    She gave him the bottle of water and somehow he ensured to make a long but quick body contact with her before snatching the bottle from his hands. There was a sly expression on his face and she knew he was teasing her but why was he doing so with Genevieve right behind them?


    ¡°Let us listen to some news¡± Genevieve suggested from behind when try car fell too silent for too long.


    She was not in between them but she felt the tension so bad she wanted it toe to an end. Why did she agree to ride in the car with people who just professed their love for each other? She was sure all they wanted to do was rip off their clothes from each other and have a go at it right there in the car.


    She did not miss the flirtatious looks and the ufortable res, the smirks and the sly looks that went on between both of them.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jessica said her hand fumbling with the radio. She did not know how to use the radio so she had not yet been able to switch it on.


    ¡°Here I got it,¡± Xavier said cing his hands over her hands before going on to switch it on. She cleared her throat once again.


    ¡°Can you increase the volume?¡± she asked dropping her hands on herp. Xavier nodded and did so. The remaining ride to the hospital was filled with the intense edited voice of the news anchor and frequent advertisements.


    As he pulled up to the parking lot of the hospital and clicked the door open for them Jessica flew out with the first chance she could get. Once she stood outside she started trying to use her hand as a fan to stop her red flustered face.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Genevieve asked as she stepped out.


    ¡°Yeah I am, the air conditioner air was too stifling for me,¡± she said as she held on to the arm of the woman.


    ¡°We will go ahead while you park the car,¡± Jessica said to Xavier who had rolled down the window. He nodded because he had no choice but to park the car. He watched as Jessica helped Genevieve walk towards the elevator.


    Just as Jessica stepped out of the elevator while holding on to the hands of Genevieve she met Dawson sitting in his wheelchair while waiting. a huge ass smile appeared on his face when his eyes fell on both of them.


    ¡°What are you doing out here?¡± Jessica asked rushing to him. Genevieve Was left all by herself. It was not as if she could not walk by herself but Jessica did it just because.


    ¡°Waiting for you¡± Dawson replied. His expression showed and he could not hide the joy that was radiating within him.


    ¡°I never told you I wasing today,¡± she said trying to chastise him for waiting outside.


    Although the waiting room of the VIP lounge was not as busy as the normal floors there were still some people going around. Why did the Chairman of Braxton Industries have to sit out there?


    ¡°I waited because I knew you would check on me before you head out to the restaurant but I did not expect to see you bring Genevieve I thought you woulde with Xavier¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Three of us came together,¡± Jessica said choosing to ignore the disappointment in his voice when he spoke about Genevieve and the subtle excitement when he spoke about her and Xavier.


    She knew that Roselle had very well delivered the message she somehow heard this morning.


    ¡°Oh,¡± he drew out while wiggling his eyebrows.


    Jessicaughed in amusement at the old man. ¡°Let us go inside,¡± she said turning the wheelchair towards try direction of the room. Genevieve followed behind so quietly.


    ¡°Why did you go outside?¡± Jessica murmured as she got a thick nket to ce over his legs.


    ¡°Some good happened today Genevieve,¡± Dawson said which caused Genevieve to be shocked. Dawson was never hostile to her but he mainly avoided her. She understood because she would not know if she might have been able to behave as mature as him if reversed were the case.


    ¡°Me?¡± she asked cing her hands on her chest. Her eyes were wide in shock.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know about it yet?¡± Dawson asked rolling his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry, I will tell you about it soon enough¡± Genevieve nodded because she didn¡¯t know what to reply with.


    The door opened and Xavier walked in. His eyes immediately fell on Jessica and he winked at her. Dawson watched him closely and then cleared his throat.


    ¡°Xavier I am so d you are here now,¡± Dawson said.


    ¡°You are d I am here?¡± Xavier asked. ¡°I thought to liked to see Jessica more than you liked to see me?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I am always happy to see you, seeing you gives me great joy but seeing you today gives me even greater joy¡±


    Xavier tried to wrap his mind around what his grandfather was driving out but he could not. He nced at Jessica hoping her expression might give something away but her face was nk.


    ¡°I heard the news,¡± Dawson said when nobody said anything again.


    ¡°What news?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°About you and Jessica¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Fifty Eight

    ¡°What about us? We are married aren¡¯t we?¡± Xavier asked confused as to where his grandfather was trying to go with the question.


    ¡°Oh I see you want to keep your grandfather in the dark don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°In the dark?¡±


    Xavier could not be more confused. The words and the sequence of everything his grandfather was saying did not make sense to him.


    ¡°I know that you and Jessica have decided to be a real couple,¡± Dawson says and it finally dawns on Xavier what he had been trying to say. ¡°The kind that can give me great grandchildren¡± he adds in a whisper.


    ¡°Dawson?¡± Jessica draws out in a warning tone.


    ¡°What?¡± Dawson said casting her a look. ¡°I mean it is what I had always wanted so it¡¯s like a dreame true. Jessica I leave my dreams in your hands please do ensure that theye true¡± he added again.


    Jessica bent her head in embarrassment. She wanted the conversation to be over soon.


    ¡°Is the doctoring soon? We need to get Genevieve settled in so she can run some tests and start treatment immediately¡± Jessica said trying to change the topic.


    Xavier could notice how ufortable she was talking about it. Even though he wanted to talk about it he helped her change the topic. They would talk about it when it feltfortable for her.


    ¡°Let me get Ross over the phone so he can have a good talk with Genevieve¡± Xavier continued.


    ¡°Changing the topic aren¡¯t you?¡± Dawson mumbled as he wheeled himself towards the vast window that overlooked the city.


    ¡°The doctor would be here soon,¡± Xavier said putting his phone back into his pocket.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± Jessica said settling into the sofa in the room. Genevieve did the same while Xavier stood in a corner. Dawson kept watching the city from the window.


    The door to the room came open and Ross stepped out. ¡°Mr. Delgado, who do you feel today?¡± Ross asked walking towards Dawson by the window.


    ¡°Ehn, the same as always¡± Dawson answered.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the bed so I can examine you,¡± Ross said wheeling him towards the bed.


    ¡°Do we need to step out for the examination?¡± Jessica asked standing up.


    ¡°No need will be real quick about it¡±


    Jessica said back down. She knew quite well that nobody was allowed in the wards during rounds or examinations. The realization that she was in a different social ss than them kept hitting her often.


    ¡°How does this feel?¡± Ross asked and Dawson responded. He spent a few more moments on Dawson before shaking his head. His eyes diverted to Xavier and he nodded in acknowledgment. Xavier understood that they needed to see.


    ¡°I will take a look at you in my office,¡± Ross said to Genevieve after Xavier had reminded him about her.


    Genevieve and Ross walked away. ¡°I will be back soon¡± Xavier turned to tell Jessica. She nodded and watched him walk out. She watched the interaction between Ross and Xavier and she prayed earnestly that all was well.


    After Ross sessfully essed Genevieve and handed her over to ten nurses for extra tests he invited Xavier in.


    ¡°The serious expression on your face tells me that there is something wrong¡±


    ¡°I guess you know me too much for my good then?¡±


    ¡°I have known you since I was a child. You were the one who pronounced my mom dead and a little while after my dad¡± Xavier said.


    Ross was stunned, this was the first time that Xavier was bringing up his parents. Maybe time does really heal wounds. Maybe he was finally growing up. Maybe his wife had an impact on him. He did not know what it could be but he was grateful that it seemed like he was healing.


    After the burial of his parents, Ross had suggested therapy for Xavier but he never opened up and never was able to get the help he deserved. He watched him go from a lovely nice young boy to a closed up shell.


    ¡°So what is up?¡±


    ¡°Well, I always hate to be the bearer of bad news but I am a doctor and a doctor has to do what a doctor has to do¡±


    ¡°You are stalling,¡± Xavier said and Ross rubbed his palms together. ¡°It¡¯s about papa isn¡¯t it?¡± he added.


    ¡°The medicine from the clinical testing that was reducing the rate of the deterioration seems to be less effective now. I fear that if we keep feeding them to him, his immune system would get used to it and begin to fight it as though it were a virus¡±


    ¡°What other options do we have?¡± Xavier asked.


    He felt fear overwhelm him but he did not want to show it. He wanted to keep himself together and believe that all was well when in fact all was not.


    ¡°We chose this method because that was the safest method for an old man as try chairman. As it stands it is already toote to start any other treatment method since we don¡¯t know how his body might react to it¡±N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°So you are saying that nothing can be done and that I should prepare for the worst right?¡±


    ¡°I hate to be the one to say it but yes, the tablets and injections can not stop the pain again and so we would stop them in his treatments¡±


    ¡°so I should begin my goodbyes? How many months at met do we have together?¡±


    ¡°Two months¡±


    Authors Note: Hey guys, please I am not a medical student so the way I wrote the scene might be incorrect but please bear with me since it is not a real life situation but rather a book. Thank you all for yourments and follows. I wish I could reply to allments individually but I am so busy with so many things at once.


    My Readers are my pride.

 Branch One Hundred and Fifty Nine

    ¡°What took you so long? Shall we go?¡± Jessica asked Xavier immediately after he entered the room.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said absentmindedly.


    ¡°Dawson, I¡¯ll see you soon, I¡¯lle visit,¡± she said as she walked to the door.


    ¡°I know you will¡± Dawson teased and Jessica rolled her eyes at him. Xavier Walked out of the room without uttering a single word. Jessica knew from the expression on his face that something had gone wrong. She wanted to ask but she did not want to be seen as pushy.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Genevieve going with us?¡±


    ¡°No, she still has a lot of tests to go through and it might take a while. I have phoned home and they will send a driver to take her home¡± Xavier replied.


    ¡°Oh okay,¡± she said when she could not think of anything better to say.


    She was d he was still responsive. She did not know what to do or say to him to make him feel better. They entered into the car and Xavier began to drive.


    She hated the silence in the car. He had acted all flirty when they were on their way there but all of a sudden his mood had changed and she could not wrap her mind around it.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she finally managed to bring herself to say.


    ¡°Yeah, I am,¡± he said shortly as if he had been expecting the question and he was eager to answer it.


    ¡°You do not seem to be, you know you can share with me too¡±


    ¡°I said I am fine¡± his voice sounded firm.


    ¡°You just told me this morning that couples were to share their worries with each other and no do not give me that bull crap of you being fine. You are not fine. If you were you won¡¯t be reacting that way to me¡± she said all at once and then took a breath.


    ¡°Jessica, can you please drop it?¡± he asked.


    She opened her mouth up to speak but she decided against it. So she was to trust him but he could not do the same with her? He would go on hiding ten situations from her.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Can you drop me off somewhere here, I will find my way to the restaurant¡± she said suddenly.


    Xavier did not expect her to say something like that so he kept driving because he thought she was not serious.


    ¡°Xavier park the car now and drop me off,¡± she said making her voice sound firm enough. She did not want to be in the same space with him while she was worrying about him, he was not trusting her enough to share anything with her.


    ¡°Jessica, calm down¡­¡± he began to say.


    ¡°I do not want to listen to anything you have to say, so please drop me off and let me go to work. I have a lot to do today and it seems like I am alreadyte¡±


    Xavier parked the car and she removed her seatbelt. ¡°Do not think of picking me up today, I¡¯ll bete and I want to go on my own¡± she said getting off and mming the door. As she got off she watched the car race into the main road.


    Jessica watched as the car rushed into the street and got lost in the numerous cars. She felt her blood boil and she gritted her teeth. How dare he drop her off here?


    She called a taxi and it took her to the restaurant for the first part of work she could not concentrate as her mind kept going back to Xavier. Although she was pissed at him she could not help but worry about him and why his mold suddenly changed.


    Her phone chimed on the table. She has been trying her best to curate the perfect menu for her restaurant. It was Xavier and he was asking for his lunch. Her eyes flew up to the clock. It was an hour left to lunchtime.


    She stood up and then sat back down when she realized. Why was he demanding lunch after the way he treated her this morning and yet his text had no atom of repentance in them? She found the nearest restaurant to his office that did delivery.


    She ordered his meal and asked it be delivered to him and told him to pick up his lunch from the front desk because she had had it delivered. He had the audacity to ask for lunch after the way he had treated her and he did not even bother with an apology.


    She narrowed her eyes when her phone vibrated and his name shed on the screen. She chuckled to herself at how she saved his name. Mr Xavier Delgado. She waited for the call to disconnect before she tried to concentrate on what it was she was doing.


    The phone screen shed on again and he was calling once again. She sighed and it picked up putting the phone to her ears.


    ¡°How can I help you, Mr. Delgado,¡± she said trying to sound as annoyed as she could be.


    ¡°You are having food delivered? That was not our agreement yesterday¡± he chimed.


    ¡°How can we have an agreement when you don¡¯t know how to honor your part of it?¡± she asked annoyed.


    Was he not supposed to call to apologize? His ego must be the size of the entire city because how could he be talking as if he was not the one in the wrong?


    ¡°You said we should lean on each other since we were a couple now but apparently that rule only applies to me¡± she ranted on when he said nothing.


    ¡°I mean, it was so obvious that you had a foul mood but why did you think you would have to take it out on me? I just wanted to share in whatever was wrong with you but it seems¡­.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± he said cutting her off.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Sixty

    ¡°I am sorry, I mean I should not have passed out my frustration on you when it was obvious that you only wanted to help me out. I was just overwhelmed¡± he said and she froze.


    Nope, she was not expecting him to apologize so easily the way he just did.


    ¡°What was the matter?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Am I forgiven?¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°If you tell me what happened I can decide¡±


    ¡°If youe over I will tell you everything and even more¡± he added thest part in a whisper.


    ¡°I am actually busy now, we will seeter at home,¡± she said trying to y hard to get. She was not going to bend to everything he wanted because she liked him.


    ¡°Then I wille to you,¡± he said.


    ¡°No Xavier,¡± she said dropping the earlier formal tone she had taken up with him. ¡°I am really busy and I am sure you are too so let us work hard now and see youter at home¡± she added.


    ¡°But what do I do?¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°I miss you so much that I want to see your face immediately¡±


    ¡°Hold on,¡± she said taking the phone away from her ears. She took a couple of selfies and sent them to him. ¡°Check your messages,¡± she said.


    It was his turn to remove the phone from his ears. He checked the images and a smile warmed his cheeks.


    ¡°So beautiful, but what if I want to touch you and hold you close and kiss you too?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Then you can wait till evening¡± She did not want to confess but she also wanted to see his face so badly, she wanted to touch him and run her hands along his face, she wanted to take in his scent as it filled her nose. But even if she was no longer pissed at him she needed to use the opportunity to teach him a lesson.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I will be able to concentrate at work today¡± he whispered.


    ¡°Have your lunch, don¡¯t skip it¡± she said.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am¡± he mocked. He did not like that she was denying him the opportunity toe to her.


    ¡°Also, no need toe pick me up we will meet at the house¡± she added which made him groan in annoyance.


    ¡°Is this some kind of punishment?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You sure are smart aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Jessica?¡± he started as he tried to protest.


    ¡°Bye Xavier, see youter¡±


    Olivia finally plucked her courage and climbed up the stairs. She looked around hoping no other person was up there. She rubbed her palms together as they were sweaty. How did she think of doing such a thing? If only Jessica had given her what she wanted in the first ce.


    What she was doing was a criminal offence but she rather spend a night in the police cell than spend a day with those moneymongers. She shook in fear and opened the first door she encountered.


    The room was covered in darkness. Her hand roamed try wall beside the door to see if she would find the wall switch. She did and then noticed the room was empty. She switched off the light and shut the door behind her.


    She wanted to turn back and leave but the thought of what those men could do to her or Jessica pushed her to get what she needed. She just needed to either find his room or a study to ensure that she got something she needed.


    A checkbook or a document containing his signature which she could forge would be what she needed to get that big sum from him and then escape from their lives. She tried to convince herself that she was doing it to save her niece. It was a wonder that a part of her still pricked on her conscience that she was doing the wrong thing.


    She pushed open the next door and the room was not in pitch darkness like thest. It was obvious that it was their bedroom. It looked like the staff had worked there because everything was nice and clean.


    She left the door open and went inside. She began to ransack all the drawers as she opened them and searched for what it was she was looking for. When she found nothing in any of the drawers, she opened the door to the closet and entered.


    She marveled at the sight, indeed it was obvious that they were in no way on the same level. Lines of expensive and exotic suits lined the walls on their racks. In situations like these, the women always had more clothes but reverse was the case with them.


    She stopped herself from gaping at the suits. Maybe she could sell those shots instead. A few of them missing and he would never know and she could get good money for them in a pawn shop.


    ¡°Did I leave this door open?¡± Roselle said as she entered the room. ¡°Hmm that¡¯s weird¡± she added as she saw that the seemingly perfect arrangement she had done had some fault.


    She walked inside and saw the closet door wide open. She knew she did not leave them open. Was Jessica back? Who could it be that was inside ten young masters¡¯ rooms without permission?


    She went to the door of the closet as she watched Olivia stare at the clothes on the wall. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Sixty One

    Olivia stopped in her tracks and turned to face Roselle who stood with hands on her waist. What was she going to say led her into the room in the first ce? What was she searching for in the drawers and then in the closet? She knew she was going to get caught today.


    It was her first time doing something of such and she was caught? And then some would say bad luck was nonexistent.


    ¡°What are you doing in here?¡± Roselle said again.


    ¡°Erm, I came in here to get something from Jessica that was originally one but I did not find it,¡± she said as she tried to walk past the woman who had used her whole frame to block the doorway.


    ¡°Please next time just ask the youngdy to give it to you,¡± Roselle said.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Olivia said pretending to be angry. She was d that her lie was bought but she needed to y the part to the end.


    ¡°Jessica is my niece. So are you insisting that I can not get something that is mine from my niece?¡± she asked as she prayed within herself that she was not doing too much and that she would be caught.


    ¡°That is not what I said,¡± Roselle said quietly. ¡°The young master is a very conservative person and he hates it when people enter his room uninvited¡±


    ¡°But, you are in here aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I am in here on my duties. I didn¡¯te in here to ransack the whole room looking for some imaginary thing¡± Roselle said letting her know that she did not buy her lie.


    ¡°Imaginary thing?¡± Olivia asked in a scoff.


    ¡°I will make sure that the young master does not know about your visit to his room today but as long as you make sure you never try toe in here when they are both away,¡± Roselle said.


    For Olivia, it was a fair deal since she knew that Roselle could press further to know why she hade in there or she could ess Xavier and tell him what she had done.


    ¡°I will ask Jessica when she gets back¡± Olivia added pretending to be unmoved by the fact that she was caught.


    ¡°Can I pass through?¡± she asked when Roselle made no move to leave the doorway. Roselle shifted her body a little so the woman could slip away.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Olivia hastened her footsteps before Roselle changed her mind about the situation. She wanted to put her trust in Roselle because if not she would be done for. There would be no way that Xavier would let her remain when she had acted like a thief.


    ¡°Now I have to start all over again¡± Roselle mumbled losing the closet door.


    ¡°That was close¡± Olivia said as she closed the door behind her and walked straight to her bed. Her n to act as a thief and get what it was she wanted had fallen through and Jessica was not going to give her the money.


    Whether she liked it or not she had to steal some clothes from their wardrobe to sell or else she was done for.


    Jessica left the restaurant extra early because she could barely concentrate on what she was doing and she knew that Xavier would be there to pick her up even though she protested against it so vehemently.


    She went straight to the grocery store. She was going to make a special dinner tonight to substitute for the missed lunch with Xavier today. She went ahead to get extra fancy seafood as she was going to be making a seafood tter and pasta.


    When she had gotten the seafood she unfortunately ran into Emma at the checkpoint. Unlike the other times she had met Emma where she had this high-defense today, she was looking low and even smiled at her.


    ¡°Hey Jessica,¡± she said as she walked closer to her.


    ¡°Hey Emma¡± Jessica replied. She did not want to talk to her but she did not want to be rude either.


    ¡°Did Xavier tell him that I ran into him? It was when I went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor said my little one was not stable so I had to get rid of it¡± she said trying to gain sympathy but something about the way her words were phrased gave Jessica an off feeling about the situation.


    ¡°So sorry about that,¡± Jessica said hoping that she could be done with the check out and walk out of their soonest.


    The conversation was already getting too personal for her and she did not want that kind of rtionship with Emma.


    ¡°I had to say good but without actually getting to meet it¡±


    The way Emma kept referring to her baby as it made her feel the unkindness of the woman. How can a person be this way?


    ¡°Can you ring this up faster?¡± Jessica asked facing the attendant.


    Emma felt her tummy twist but she had to keep on the show to win in the long run. ¡°What about Xavier?¡±


    ¡°You will address Xavier as Mr. Delgado because he is not your friend and I don¡¯t like you addressing my husband in such casual tones¡±


    Emma wanted to scream out loud at her and tell her that she did not deserve whatever it was that she seemed to enjoy and that she would take it away from her soon enough.


    ¡°I am so sorry, I did not mean to offend you, I just wanted to make small talk since we were friends¡± Jessica could get the way her voice changed and how fake it was. The cashier could hear the fake, the men in the camping section could probably hear it too.


    ¡°I would not consider the rtionship we share a friend kind of rtionship and I hope you do so as well,¡± Jessica said pulling io the bags the cashier had prepared before she walked away.


    She gave herself a mental head pat because she knew that Emma was boiling on the inside of her while she watched her walk away. She had done well and she knew it.

 Branch One Hundred and Sixty Two

    As Jessica enters the house she is greeted by Olivia who seems to be in high spirits. Jessica rarely saw her aunt unless she needed something and she expected this was one of those times.


    ¡°I am in no mood for your nonsense this night so please save it,¡± Jessica said before Olivia could get a word out.


    ¡°My nonsense?¡± Olivia scoffed. ¡°That is no way to talk to your aunt. I guess you now think you are better than me because you happened to marry into a rich family so you think I am beneath you. You have never been this rude but since you came here it seems like you look down on me a lot¡±


    Jessica nced at her and shook her head. It was obvious to her that the whole epistle she had given was because she had denied her ess to money.


    ¡°You can call me rude or disrespectful all you want but I want to let you know that I will never allow you ess to the Delgado¡¯s money. The reason is that it is not mine and if it is not mine there is no way I can give you a part of it unless I steal it¡±


    ¡°Why do you act all useless? If you are married you own whatever that family owns. Moreover, the sum I am asking for is chicken change and I am sure your husband would be able to afford it without breaking a bone¡±


    Jessica gaped at her. ¡°Why do you feel entitled to things that are not yours?¡± she asked her aunt who was shamelessly rambling about how she should get a couple of tens of millions.


    She knew her too well, giving her the money could not be the end of the situation. Olivia wanted to try to reason with her niece so maybe she wouldn¡¯t have tomit a crime after all. When she noticed that pressuring her to give her the money was not going to work she knew she had to change strategy. If she could not convince them maybe she could invoke her emotions to feel pity for an old helpless woman.


    ¡°I did not want to tell you this because I did not want you to worry b¡­¡±


    ¡°Since when did you care about my emotions?¡± Jessica asked rolling her eyes and standing up to go to the kitchen. She spared her a minute because she still respected her as a person but since it seemed like she was going to go ahead and talk rubbish all day she had to leave since she did not have all day.


    ¡°Just hear me out, if I can convince you then I will never bring it up again¡± Jessica sighed and sat back down. She had made up her mind that no matter what she said she was going to be indifferent about it.


    ¡°So you see I owe a loan shark a huge amount of money, I acquired this debt through gambling and they are threatening to take you if I don¡¯t settle the debt¡±


    ¡°Olivia,¡± Jessica said angrily. She rarely called her aunt by the name but seeing she did so she must have been pissed.


    ¡°Please stop with the lies and emotional ckmail. I don¡¯t have that amount of money to give you. If I did I wouldn¡¯t be struggling to open a restaurant¡±


    Jessica walked away leaning her aunt to her thoughts. She knew now that all she had to do was steal and run.


    Jessica made the meal and then served it on the table. She went upstairs to take a short break and then freshen up. She was tired from the activity of the day and the excessively long talk she had with Olivia.


    She entered the closet and began to undress. Usually, she would have done this in the bathroom but since she thought she was all alone she decided to do it there.


    Suddenly a huge game engulfed her body. She froze in her legs as she was afraid. She knew that no one apart from Xavier was allowed into his room. She knew it was Xavier but she did not know how to react. She was standing there only in her underwear and he was behind her his huge hands over her body.


    She wanted to run away from him. How could he see her this way? What if he made a mistake because of the way he met her? Why did she let her guard down and decide to undress in the closet instead of in the bathroom as usual?


    ¡°I miss you so much¡± he whispered as he dropped kisses on her hair, neck, and shoulder des.


    Jessica did not know how to react because, well she was in her underwear and was not feeling very confident to face him.


    ¡°Did you not miss me?¡± he asked his hand freeing her body.


    ¡°Do note¡± she shouted when she noticed he was trying toe to her front.


    ¡°What why?¡± he asked flustered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to see me this way¡± she screamed again.


    ¡°What way?¡± he asked confused.


    ¡°In my underwear¡± she retorted back to him. ¡°Could you please go?¡± she asked as she closed her eyes and bent her head.


    ¡°Are you shy?¡± his voice danced with excitement at the possibility that she was too shy to face him while looking like that.


    ¡°No, I am embarrassed¡±


    ¡°But I love what I see¡± She looked up before the direction of the sound of his voice changed and there he was standing before her. She felt her legs grow weak as if they were jelly.


    His eyes were darker than usual and they were staring right at her. She bent her head because she knew she might not be able to maintain eye contact anymore.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Do not drop your eyes¡± he said using his finger to lift her head. Their eyes met and Jessica was sure fireworks exploded in her stomach.

 Branch One Hundred and Sixty Three

    ¡°May I?¡± he asked as he traced her lips with his hands.


    She knew what she wanted and why she tried to avoid eye contact with him. She wanted to jump him. She has wanted to do so for quite a while. How was she to refuse now when she had no ce to run to?


    She slowly nodded her head and he went in with a kiss. He was gentle as he first pressed his lips against hers. Soon he parted her lips open with his tongue as it began exploring and dancing around in her mouth. She dropped her hands to the side and pulled him closer to herself.


    She wanted to feel his skin touching hers as soon as possible. His hand roamed her bare body as it came to her pant line. He traced the body right above the line. Jessica let out a small moan. His hand trails we¡¯re hot and forceful over her skin.


    She pulled her head away from his and stared at him. Although they were no longer kissing his hands still traced her skin. ¡°We need to have dinner¡± she whispered resting her forehead on his chest.


    ¡°Do we need to do that now?¡± he asked as he rested his chin lightly on her head.


    ¡°I prepared arge feast to apologize for missing lunch¡± she continued in a whisper.


    Xavier chuckled and she felt his chest vibrate. ¡°You are so cute¡± he murmured.


    ¡°I need to shower¡± she added when he said nothing more.


    ¡°So do I,¡± he said. ¡°Should I join you?¡± he asked and she froze once again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think we are moving too fast?¡± she asked lifting her head from his chest.


    ¡°Too fast?¡± he asked shocked as he held her by the waist. ¡°I even wondered how I was able to control myself just now¡± he added and she proceeded to look at every other ce aside from his face.


    ¡°I want to go all the way with you but if you are not yetfortable with it then I guess we would have to take it slowly¡±


    ¡°I also want to go all the way but I just feel like we have barely known each other and yet we can¡¯t wait to get into each other¡¯s underwear¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t wait to get into my underwear?¡± Xavier asked a mischievous look dancing in his eyes as a smirk remained stered on his face.


    ¡°Not the point,¡± she said gently hitting his chest. He caught her hand and held it firmly in his.


    ¡°I do not mind waiting but I don¡¯t want to wait for too long. Make up your mind soon and then get into my underwear¡± he said with a wink before cing a kiss on her hand and releasing her waist. She shook her head at him. He was a master tease and he did it naturally.


    ¡°I will let you have your bath now so that I can have mine,¡± he said walking away.


    ¡°I said I wanted to take it slow, I never said I was against the idea of us having a shower together¡±


    ¡°You two took a long time toe down¡± Roselle Said as she watched Xavier and Jessicae down together. ¡°Dinner is already getting so cold, everyone has eaten and gone in for the night¡± she added.


    ¡°I will heat the food,¡± Jessica said walking faster to the table so she could take it To the kitchen to heat it for eating.


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry youngdy, I can do that for you, just have a seat and wait for a few minutes,¡± Roselle said collecting the dish from her hand and entering the kitchen.


    ¡°I had to go grocery shopping¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Xavier asked taking a sip of the water in front of him.


    ¡°I wanted to make a special meal,¡± she said.


    Xavier enveloped her hands in his and smiled. ¡°All the meals you make are special¡± She bent her head with a blush on her cheek.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± Roselle said dropping the dish to the table. ¡°You love birds,¡± she said in a cute voice. ¡°Both of you look so good too when you are all lovey-dovey that I am beginning to wish that I had some romance too¡±


    ¡°Stop teasing us, my wife might burst out of redness,¡± Xavier said rubbing her hand lightly as Roselle teased them.


    He had noticed the expression on her face. It was obvious that she was blushing so hard. ¡°You blush so easily,¡± Xavier says facing her.


    ¡°I never knew I did until recently,¡± she tells him and heughs.


    ¡°I am d that the reason you turn so red is because of me,¡± he tells her and she looks away.


    ¡°Oh gosh,¡± Roselle said walking away.


    ¡°So here¡± Jessica wiggled her hand free from his grip and went ahead to serve him a te of the meal. ¡°Here you go, have a taste and tell me what you think,¡± she said dropping the te in his front.


    ¡°Okay?¡± he said raising one eyebrow. She has never asked for feedback on any of her meals before. He took a spoonful and put it in his mouth. He chewed gently.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Jessica tried to know what he was thinking by looking at his face but his expression changed so easily it was hard for her to know what he was thinking.


    ¡°So?¡± she looked into his eyes as he took up the cup of water into his mouth.


    ¡°You always make nice meals but¡­¡± he trailed off and her head bent down in disappointment. She was not an expert in such meals but she really did want to do something special for him and it seemed like it turned out to be a disaster.


    ¡°It will taste so much better if you feed me yourself,¡± Xavier said holding her hand with one of his hands and dropping the cutlery in them with the other hand.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°This is so delicious, at this rate you might not need a famous chef to teach you anything anymore,¡± he says and she lights up.


    ¡°Speaking of famous chefs when is the ss going to start?¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Sixty Four

    ¡°You can pick the chefs you want then I will ask Brian to set up a meeting with them,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I am so excited,¡± she said tapping her hands together. ¡°I will get to visit all the cities they live in¡± she added. The excitement was pure in her face.


    ¡°Visit their cities?¡± Xavier asked confusion evident on their faces.


    ¡°Yeah since I would be learning from them I would be going to their restaurants to see how they usually prepare meals,¡± she said not minding the expression across his face.


    ¡°So are you nning to leave me all by myself here in Chiachester while you go around learning cooking that you are already so perfect at?¡± he asked and she blushed at the hiddenpliment that he had given her.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be a few weeks, it will be better if I go over there to learn¡±


    ¡°I can not let you out of my sight even if it is for a day, how will I survive if you go for more than a day?¡± he asked now caressing her hands.


    ¡°Xavier, this is my career¡±


    ¡°I know and I want you to do well that is why I am suggesting the training but if you would be leaving me to go learn them I am not sure if I want to allow you to continue in this career¡± he added and sheughed.


    ¡°The chefs would be flown in to teach you, that is the method we shall take and that is final,¡± he told her and sheughed again.


    ¡°Why do you keepughing?¡± he asked when sheughed again. He was being serious but she found the situation funny. What did she find funny about the situation they were in?


    ¡°I never pegged you as a man who would have this extreme jealousy and possessiveness,¡± she told him and he turned his head around.


    ¡°I am not possessive, I know that if you are not around me I will miss you badly and I will not be able to concentrate on work. Moreover, those chefs might be falling in love with you too¡±


    ¡°Xavier, not everyone would be interested in me,¡± she told him and he should his head.


    ¡°Anyone who is sane is always attracted to beauty¡±


    ¡°The food would be cold again¡± she whispered feeling her stomach tighten because of hispliment.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Even before he had confessed to her he had always called her pretty but hearing it always did something to her. Maybe his words were special.


    ¡°Feed me then,¡± he said keeping his mouth open and closing her eyes.


    She shook her head as she heaped the spoon and put the whole contents into his mouth.


    ¡°There you go¡± she said dropping the spoon to his te. She picked up her spoon and he collected the spoon from her hand before she could take food from the te.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked shocked at his actions. He raised his hand in the air to signify that he did not want to reply because he was still chewing.


    ¡°Feeding you, you did not expect to eat it by yourself did you?¡± he asked as he took a decent amount of the food in the spoon and hovered it over her face.


    ¡°Come on, have a bite,¡± he said. She smiled and then took the spoon into her mouth.


    ¡°Oh my, what is that?¡± he asked as she covered her mouth up with her hand.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked with a full mouth.


    He pulled her hand away and kissed the corner of her lips using his tongue to clean the sauce at the corner.


    ¡°There was some sauce there¡±


    The next morning as Jessica and Xavier hurried out of the house Olivia devised a n to ensure she kept Roselle busy so she could get the suits and flee from there. As She sat in the room trying her best to find the best way to go about her devious n her phone vibrated.


    She opened it and it was an image of Jessica entering into her restaurant. Those bastards had found Jessica and she had to act quickly. They were ruthless and would always do what they wanted without caring about the consequences.


    Calling them and yelling would not solve the problem. All she needed to do was to find the money for them and they would leave her all. She checked the original market price of the suits in the room. Some of them cost up to five million. If she were able to grab at least six of the suits he would not notice and she would be out of their hair, free from debt, and even have enough money to spare to start life all over again.


    She came out of the room, she was not expecting those men to call her after all the picture message was enough warning from them, and she did not need their voices to. She walked to the kitchen where Roselle was happily arranging the pantry.


    ¡°Hello Roselle,¡± she said taking a bottle of soda from the refrigerator and walking towards the pantry where she was walking so tirelessly.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Joshua¡± Roselle answered her voice sounding as sad as she could make it be.


    ¡°I need something from the grocery store, can you help me go get them?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Me?¡± Roselle asked turning to face the woman who was brazenly standing there and sipping out of the soda bottle in her hand.


    ¡°Yes you, or do you expect me to go by myself?¡±


    ¡°Well, Ms. Joshua, just because I am being polite does not mean I am your servant, it just means that I am good at my job, I do not have the responsibility to go grocery shopping for you. If you need to get something you can ask one of the drivers to take you there¡± she said before turning back to her work.


    Olivia took a deep breath. How was it that her n since the beginning had been failing? She closed the cap of the bottle and dropped it on the table before storming out.


    ¡°What do I do now?¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Sixty Five

    For the next few days, Olivia felt like Roselle was watching her intensely. Today was thest day of the month and she had to disappear from their lives before the sunrise of the first day of the next month.


    She had packed the little bag she brought with her. Every other thing she had acquired while living there she arranged into the wardrobe. She refused dinner that night iming she was starting a new dinner routine. Jessica knowing how frivolous her aunt was knew she might have been trying out a new meal n or diet.


    She waited for the house to fall silent and for everyone to fall asleep. She was grateful her bag was not big enough to be mistaken as a travel bag. She could easily convince the security men that it was just a bag and she would be back after receiving fresh air from outside.


    She pushed herself out of the house and she was quick to make it to the estate gate without getting questioned. She knew her life of Jessica was in danger but if Jessica happened to get kidnapped by those men, Xavier would pay the ransom which would lead her to be debt-free too.


    She muttered an apology within herself for being the worst kind of aunt before she walked out of the gate. She called a taxi and headed away. She was not sure where exactly it was she was going but she had to go far away from them.


    She did not want to be there when the whole drama would happen between them. She knew those men, they never forgave anyone. She was already on her way to a secluded town on the outskirts of the city by the time the day was breaking.


    ¡°Please can you call my aunt and Genevieve toe join us for breakfast?¡± Jessica asked Angel as she put thest of the food she had prepared on the table.


    ¡°Yes youngdy,¡± Angel said. She bowed a little and moved to go call the aunties toe have breakfast.


    She first knocked on Genevieve¡¯s door. ¡°Hello ma¡¯am, the youngdy said to call you for breakfast as it has been served,¡± Angel said.


    ¡°Oh okay, let me put on something more suitable and I will be there soon,¡± Genevieve said before closing the door behind the girl nodded and moved to the next door.


    Angel knocked on the door. She waited a few minutes for Olivia toe to the door but nothing. She pressed her ears to the door to try and hear for any movement inside the room. She was met with dead silence.


    She knocked again and turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. A spotlessly clean empty room stared back at her. She pushed herself into the room and searched thoroughly but the room was empty. She turned and left the room closing the door behind her.


    ¡°Youngdy,dy Olivia is not in the room. It seems as if she had left¡±


    ¡°She left?¡± Jessica asked facing Angel.


    ¡°Yes, the room is spotless and clean, there is no sign of one sleeping there¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± Jessica said as she walked to the room to check out what she was saying. Just right as she was exiting the dining room Xavier wasing down the stairs.


    He watched her go towards the room that Olivia had been and he followed her. She opened the door and entered. She walked to the bathroom and pushed open the door, the floor was dry. She closed the door and walked to the room. She opened the wardrobe to notice that the majority of the things there were gone.


    She turned back to see Xavier standing there. ¡°She is gone,¡± she tells him.


    ¡°She is gone?¡±


    ¡°Yeah and that is very strange she had never gone on her own this easily without collecting any money before,¡± she said crossing her hand over her chest.


    ¡°What could be going on?¡± Jessica added before walking toward him.


    ¡°I am sure we can know where she is if we watch the security camera,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°I am not worried about her, I just want to know what made her leave so easily,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Tell that to the worry lines on your forehead,¡± he said taking her hands. ¡°Let us go see where she went through the camera,¡± he said as she led her to the CCTV control room on the outskirts of the mansion.


    As they watched the camera they saw that she willingly left the house with her legs and ordered a taxi by the gate of the estate.


    ¡°You see she left willingly, I am sure she will be back soon,¡± Xavier said massaging her shoulders.


    ¡°I already told you I was not worried about her,¡± Jessica said standing up and walking out of the room.


    ¡°Youngdy, I am sorry I am just telling you this¡± Roselle said as they entered the house. Xavier motioned for her to go on.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it is rted but I saw Ms. Joshua inside the young masters closet the other day and she looked very suspicious¡±


    ¡°I am sure she was just looking around¡± Jessica defended. Her aunt was many things that were not good but at least she was not a thief. She knew that we¡¯d. She had gotten into too many troubles but never as a thief.


    ¡°Okay if you say so¡±


    They had breakfast and left the house. Xavier wanted to take Jessica with him but he received an urgent call from work which made him hurry to work. Jessica went to work with one of the drivers. He dropped her off and went home because she told him she would be going home with Xavier.


    Xavier was justing out of the emergency meeting when his phone rang and it was Jessica.


    ¡°Do you miss me already? It¡¯s been barely three hours¡± he teased.


    ¡°To get your wife back you need to pay a ransom¡± a man¡¯s voice echoed back instead.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I will give you a few minutes to make up your mind if you want to see your wife again or else I will take her with me as a repayment of my debt¡± the man continued.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean you have two hours exactly to give me twenty million and I will let your wife go or else¡­¡± he trailed off with disgustingughter.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you darey a finger on my wife. If you do I will ensure you can never use those fingers again¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

 Branch One Hundred and Sixty Six

    Jessica wiggled as she felt her hands tied behind her. Her head was covered with a ck cloth. It was translucent so she could not see what was going on in front of her.


    She rubbed her palms together in the hope the ropes on her hand woulde undone. As she shifted her legs she felt a sharp pain in one of them. She took a deep breath and tried to wrap her mind around how she came here.


    She was trying to open up her restaurant when a strong hand engulfed her and ced something over her nose. Did she injure her legs while she was trying to struggle? That was all she could remember.


    She tried to stay calm and listen to the conversation between the men. She heard loud cackling.


    ¡°That stupid bitch ran away?¡± one man spoke. ¡°Did she think that I would let her go with my money?¡± he added.


    ¡°Let us make sure to get double, her husband is loaded and he would give us¡± This time the voice of the speaker sounded like a young person. It was not gruff like the others.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Jessica asked and the men turned to her.


    ¡°I guess she must be awake,¡± the man who spoke earlier said. ¡°Remove the head cover and the ropes¡± he ordered. She heard footsteps approach her as she heard the sound of knives slicing into the ropes on her hands and legs.


    When they were done and they removed the cover over her head she stood up abruptly. She was unsure which leg had the pain but it was the right one. The pain shot up her body she sat back down into the chair behind her.


    ¡°Careful now, you will hurt yourself¡± She finally saw the man with the voice walk towards her.


    He had a scar right above his mouth. It was something that stood out to her. He has a cigarette dangling in his mouth and a smirk stered other.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± she asked. She did not have a reason to be here, never in her life had she encountered or had to be in the same room as men like this so what was she doing here?


    ¡°Your family owes me a little bit of money?¡± the man answered taking out the cigarette from his mouth and spitting to the ground.


    ¡°My family? Owe you money? I have never seen you before so how can we owe you money?¡± she asked.


    She was afraid because the men that were before her looked scary. The supposed youngest among them was even so scary she almost pissed her pants. The men had tough exteriors and looked haggard. She knew she did not have the luxury of showing her fear to them or else she might be in trouble. She tried her best to look confident although she was sure she was cowering in fear.


    ¡°Oh yes, your closet blood rtive took a big loan to y from us¡±


    Jessica¡¯s eyes widened as she put two and two together. The reason her aunt came and why she left in a hurry, the reason she was asking for that big a sum, and the reason she was kidnapped.


    Olivia


    ¡°That bitch¡±


    ¡°Yes that Bitch,¡± the man said inughter causing the men behind him tough too. ¡°She took a loan from me to y a game and she lost it all, by the time it was time to pay back she fled saying she was going to pay me before the end of the month. Guess what?¡± he asked going to hold Jessica by the mouth.


    She started at him hoping he could not hear her heartbeat as she did. She gulped down and tried to keep a fierce expression on her face.


    ¡°Today is a day past the deadline and she is nowhere to be found. Her phone lines are switched off and I can¡¯t find her. Seems he has disappeared¡±


    ¡°So why did you take me? I did not borrow the money¡± Jessica spoke causing his hands to fall from the grip.


    ¡°Well, you see once a person owes me the whole family owes me. I can only let you go until I get my money¡±


    ¡°You know this is illegal? Kidnapping is illegal and I am sure you would rot in jail for this¡± she said in annoyance.


    One of the men rushes toward her with a knife pressed against her throat. ¡°No one speaks to the boss that way,¡± he says in a low whisper and a sly smile


    She sighed and turned to him with a re. ¡°My husband would make you rot in jail if anything happened to me¡± She did not know what Xavier would do in this situation but she knew that she had to show them that she was not afraid of them.


    ¡°I would like to see your pretty face husband try,¡± another man says from behind before bursting into a cackle. The men follow suit.


    ¡°Stop it scorpion¡± the man who seemed like their leader said. The one with a knife to her neck removes it and backs down while staring down at me intensely.


    ¡°So why don¡¯t we have you speak with your husband? That might hasten the results¡± the boss said again. He pulled her phone from his pocket and she signed when she saw it.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    He walked towards her dialed the number and put it to her ears. It rang twice before it connected. ¡°Speak to him¡± he whispered to her


    ¡°Hello,¡± Xavier¡¯s voicees through. Jessica can hear the worry through them.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said and she heard him heave a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Jessica, what happened? Where are you? How did it happen? Are you fine?¡± he said in a hurry.


    ¡°I am fine do not worry,¡± she tells him. Hearing his voice made her want to run to him.


    ¡°I will be there soon, I promise¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Sixty Seven

    The phone line beeped quiet and Xavier could not hear Jessica¡¯s voice again. He clenched his fist in annoyance. He felt his blood boil. How dare those meny a finger on his wife? He was going to make them pay with everything in him.


    For the first time in his life, Brian saw Xavier with such intense anger. His eyes zed as he watched him pace around the room tapping away in his phone as his chest heaved in a long breath.


    Xavier had been influential for as long as Brian had known him and he had never seen him use the power for anything personal but it was obvious he would not stop until he found Jessica.


    ¡°And I do not expect you to be sitting on your hands while my wife is in the hands of the kidnappers¡± he snapped into the phone before taking it off his ears.


    He closed his eyes and tried to calm himself down, he needed to do all her had to do to ensure he did not lose control over himself and his emotions. He turned to Brian who was standing there. If he was not friends with Xavier he might have pissed himself with the way his eyes danced like fire was in them.


    ¡°What did they say?¡± he asked and Brian nodded.


    ¡°The thing is that the Mrs aunt took arge loan to gamble from the same men that kidnapped your wife and from the call logs from her phone before it wasst located it seemed that she knew something like this was going to happen¡± Brian exined.


    ¡°So where is my wife?¡± Xavier asked. His voice was low and threatening. He sounded like he could drive a knife through the neck of his friend right there.


    Brian gulped. He did not know how to break the news to him that upon his dutiful search, he had been unable to find Jessica as they would need a little more time.


    ¡°Well?¡± he asked again and Brian averted his eyes.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado¡± Brian began as his voice trailed off slowly.


    ¡°Brian tell me now, how do you expect me to stay still while my wife is out there in danger¡±


    ¡°Richard men have not been able to locate her but we are sure to get a positive response soon¡±


    ¡°I am going to make those men pay with their lives¡± Xavier murmured as he turned so his back was facing Brian.


    Brian sighed silently. Richard was yet to give him a favorable reply although he was the one who fed him with all the information about the aunt and how everything was rted.


    Richard was known to be the one in the city who could find everything that was lost, rare, or needed to be found. He was employed by rich people to get to the bottom of everything they wanted to do.


    Brian felt his phone vibrate and he hoped with all he was that it was Richard with a piece of good news. He knew that the good news was all that Xavier needed to hear at that time.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Richard?¡±


    Xavier turned when he heard Brian over the phone. He moved swiftly and stood in front of him to be able to get the information firsthand. He drops the phone from his ears and he can hear the shout in his boss¡¯s face telling him to say what information he just got from the other side of the line.


    ¡°Richard is demanding an absurd amount of money for the search¡±


    ¡°How dare you think ofparing my wife to money? It does not matter the amount he is requesting. Nothing takes priority than finding Jessica immediately¡±


    Xavier looked at him for a while before taking a deep breath. ¡°Call him now,¡± he said gesturing to him to put a call through.


    It was the first time Xavier was asking Richard a favor and the man knew that it might be thest so her had to milk the Delgado family as much as he could.


    Brian called the man back and struck a deal on a few ten million before the man promised to bring back news in the next thirty minutes. Xavier could barely keep calm as he watched the clock tick. Each minute felt like an hour that had refused to pass by.


    When Brian¡¯s ringtone filled the air, Xavier shot out of the chair with his hands in the air. He rushed to the door shouting as he approached the door. ¡°Send me the address¡±


    He darted out the door as he felt himself saying a prayer when he did not believe in any deity. He knew that he would not be able to handle it if anything were to happen to Jessica and he did not want to lose his cool in the presence of anyone.


    He had a reputation to uphold anyway. The thought of those abducting his wife made his blood boil ten times hotter than normal. His phone vibrated with a text from Brian and it was the direction to the warehouse where the men took his wife.


    He backed out of the office with the eyes of the entire office staff on him. It was known to them how important the work of their boss was to him. They knew he had never had a moment as such. They all wondered what could have happened to make him react in such a way.


    As he followed the guide on the map leading him to the outskirts of the town his phone rang with a strange number. With this happening, he did not want to miss out on any information.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Hello?¡± the timid voice rang through the air.


    She did not live with them for so long but he knew that voice well. The times she spoke her voice got engraved in his mind. He knew it well, it was Olivia.


    What was she thinking calling him? He had to get his wife back first and then he would deal with them all.


    ¡°How dare you call me?¡± his voice was low and dangerous enough to send shivers down your spine.


    ¡°I am sorry, I had to save myself first¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Sixty Eight

    Xavier could not believe his ears. How could someone who imed to be rted to another treat her rtive this way? He was trying to control himself fromshing out at the woman.


    ¡°So in order save yourself you allowed for your niece¡­.. My wife to be kidnapped?¡± he asked.


    Olivia could tell from the other side of the line that he was angry and trying his best to control his anger.


    ¡°Did you not encourage her not to give me money when I requested some? If I had the money as I requested I would have paid those men off and now this won¡¯t be happening¡±


    ¡°You are so shameless, you will be hearing from mywyer soon, I do not care if you are rted to her, I would make sure you get the maximum punishment because you aided the kidnap of my wife,¡± he said before swiping the call off.


    He drove into the deserted warehouse. He tried to listen in but dead silence greeted him back as a response. As he got out he noticed the other card parked in a distance.


    A tall well-built man with broad shoulders came out of one of the cars and walked towards him. Although he had not seen him in years he recognized him immediately.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado,¡± Richard said as he stood before his hands in the pocket of his trousers. He lookedzy unlike how he was known to be.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± Xavier asked.


    Of all the thongs he just wanted to make sure that Jessica was all right. He knew he would have the mental capacity to deal with everything else once he was sure that she was fine.


    ¡°Still in there¡± Richard answered pointing to the door of the warehouse.


    Xavier was d that Richard was there, he did not know what to expect at the other side of the door, although he had belts in various martial arts he knew that the men at the other side of the door would be very skilled fighting.


    ¡°My men would take care of the situation and bring out your wife,¡± he said gesturing to the men who had nowe out of the cars and stood beside them waiting for directives.


    The men walked in sync as if they were being controlled by a big remote. They walked to the door and opened it up and entered the ce.


    Richard and Xavier followed behind and watched as the men attacked and defended themselves against the other group of men.


    ¡°This was not our agreement¡± a voice resounded through the house.


    Xavier looked around and his eyes caught the man standing on the top floor with Jessica in his arms. He pulled her closed and tsked at the fighting men on the ground floor.


    ¡°I told you toe alone and with a lot of money too¡± the manughed.


    ¡°Let her go,¡± Xavier said as he walked towards the stairs slowly.


    ¡°What if I let her go?¡±


    The man said with a chuckle that would make you want to peel away your skin. He bent her head to the railings. Jessica sniffed as the smell of the rushed metal filled her nose.


    ¡°Let her go now,¡± Xavier said as he climbed the stairs trying his best to keep his eyes on Jessica.


    ¡°Mr, all I need is the money I am being owed,¡± the man said.


    ¡°Let her go and I will give you what you want¡± Xavier replied.


    ¡°Why? Do I look like a fool to you?¡± the man shouted out. ¡°You had the gust to deceive me? Where is my money?¡± he added in a scream


    ¡°I would get you your money, just let her go¡±


    ¡°Shut up bitch¡± the man screamed at Jessica who was trying her best tomunicate although her mouth was muffled with a piece of thick clothing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare scream at her again¡± Xavier warned the man as he continued to climb up the stairs.


    ¡°Or what?¡± the man said pulling Jessica up by the hair and dragging her to himself. ¡°Or what?¡± he asked again as heughed when she winced in pain.


    The interaction did not allow either party to see one of the men of Richard doing a stunt to go behind the man who now had Jessica firmly in his hands. The man hit him across the head which led him to stagger and let go of Jessica who began to run. Her hands were tied behind her back so she could barely get forward when Xavier ran to catch her.


    ¡°Do not worry, you can take your wife and leave, we will clean up properly¡± Richard said as he walked up to the two men now throwing punches at each other.


    Xavier held Jessica in his hand as she sobbed from the pain. She had said she would be strong but seeing Xavier at that moment did something to her insides that broke her.


    ¡°Are you fine?¡± Xavier asked as he fumbled with the huge rope that tied her hand tightly.


    She nodded as the tears flowed freely from her face. ¡°Hang in there, we would soon be at the hospital¡± Xavier whispered as he untied thest of the knots on the rope.


    Jessica sniffled and cleaned the tears that had fallen from her eyes. Now that her hands were free she clutched tightly to his and rested her head on his chest.


    ¡°I was so afraid¡± she murmured into his chest.


    Xavier stroked her head. He wanted to stay and make sure that those men were punished but getting her to safety first was the most important thing to him at that moment and he was not going to trade it for any other thing.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    His hands went over her and he lifted her from the ground in bridal style. He was going to trust Richard for now and thene back to deal with those men once he was sure Jessica was safe.

 Branch One Hundred and Sixty Nine

    He dropped Jessica to the back seat of the car and closed the door gently. He entered the driver¡¯s seat and started the engine. Before anything he needed to know that she was safe so he was going to go to the hospital first.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said silently as she tried to steady herself from the scare she got.


    Xavier stared at her through the rearview mirror as shey down on her seat her eyes blinking rapidly.


    ¡°I am sorry¡± she continued when he did not respond. ¡°And thank you¡±


    ¡°What are you sorry for?¡± he asked as his hands gripped the steering wheel. He was barely trying his best to control the anger that surged through his whole body.


    ¡°For putting you in this situation, you wouldn¡¯t be here if not for my aunt¡±


    The men had taken it upon themselves to exin the situation clearly to Jessica. It made sense to her the sudden disappearance of Olivia, the usation of Roselle about how strange she acted made more sense after hearing why she was kidnapped.


    ¡°It is such a pity that we can not choose our family yet their actions have a great impact on our lives,¡± Xavier said with a sigh.


    Jessica was here apologizing for something she knew nothing about. It was unfair, it really was. His phone rang and it was Brian from the caller ID.


    ¡°Hello Brian,¡± Xavier said.


    ¡°Hello, I just got off the call with Richard, he said you have gotten Jessica and that you are on your way out,¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am taking her to the hospital first, is there any reason why you called?¡± he asked


    ¡°I just wanted to give you an update, I have spoken with the inspector general of police and he has sent his men to take the kidnappers in, we can go tomorrow for a statement¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you then, will leave every other thing to you to handle,¡± Xavier said with a voice that echoed relief. He was d that Brian seemed to be taking care of the situation well.


    ¡°I am fine, I don¡¯t need to go to the hospital,¡± she said sitting upright in the back seat.


    ¡°Just stay still we will soon be at the hospital,¡± he said not minding her statement.


    ¡°Xavier, I am fine those men did not touch me at all¡± she tried to exin.


    Xavier closed his briefly and nced at her through the mirror. Their eyes met and locked through the mirror. ¡°I am fine¡± she murmured through looking at him through the mirror.


    ¡°I know you are fine, but can we just have the doctor look at you¡± he said and she looked away. ¡°Please¡± he added in a soft voice that would make anyone ept what he was saying without hesitation.


    ¡°Okay, but only because you insist and we can visit Dawson too,¡± she said giving in.


    ¡°Lay back down¡± he continued with the tone he had used earlier. She winced as she tried toy down and Xavier saw the expression on her face. She was in pain.


    He stepped on the elerator. It was obvious he hated seeing her in pain.


    The doctor prescribed some painkillers for Jessica because she had some sprain on her leg which she did not notice. Xavier had insisted that they give him a wheel chair and against all her insisting on visiting Dawson Xavier wheeled her straight to the parking lot.


    He bent in front of her, distress danced in his eyes as he ran his hand through his hair. She could swear he loomed very attractive at that moment. She wanted to lean in and kiss him but the expression on his face told her otherwise.


    ¡°I thought you said those men did not hit you?¡± he breathed out.


    ¡°They did not¡± she began to lie. While they tried to bruise their ego by appearing bold enough to face them, they could not take the humiliation anymore so they but her leg multiple times with a club. It was painful but she did not want to make a fuss out of it.


    ¡°Jessica, you promised to share these things with me,¡± he said slowly.


    ¡°It was nothing serious,¡± she said trying to convince him that she was in no pain. After seeing the men attack the group of men that kidnapped her she began to feel sorry for them. She feared that they might not be able to use parts of their bodies anymore.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I am fine,¡± she said putting her hand over his shoulders.


    ¡°Do you know how afraid I was?¡± he asked his voice shaky as he dropped his head to herp. She stroked his head.


    ¡°I was afraid too,¡± she said and he raised his head to look at her again.


    ¡°Let us just get you home okay?¡± he said standing up.


    He carried he again and put her into the car. ¡°You know I can walk right?¡± she murmured in his arms. She was notining about being so close to him but she did not want it to seem like she was taking advantage of the situation to be close to him.


    ¡°You can walk with a broken leg?¡± he asked as he put her in the back seat and closed the door. He copsed the wheelchair and fit it into the trunk of the cat before going to the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a broken leg,¡± she said as he slid into the car.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I heard the doctor clearly and he said it was a sprain and that it would be fine in two days at most,¡± she said again.


    He turned to face her. ¡°I don¡¯t care what the doctor said, all I know is that I hate to see you hurting and I would do my best to ensure you are fine¡±


    He turned back to start the car and she felt her stomach catch fire.


    ¡°Thank you¡± she muttered. ¡°For saving me¡± she added.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

 Branch One Hundred and Seventy

    By the time Xavier ensured that Jessica had used the painkillers given to her and that she was fast asleep, he left her to herself and went to ensure that all was good.


    Brian informed him that the men were currently locked up in a cell and they were already pleading for their lives. They did not know what hit them because there was no way that Xavier was nning to go easy on them.


    He called Richard to thank him and ask him for a favor. Richard was known in the whole city as the man who could get you anything you want when you want it. He had the strongest security detail that one could think of.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Delgado¡± Richard¡¯s voice rang through when the call connected.


    ¡°Hello, Richard. You have done so well today¡± Xaviermended. He felt weirded out saying that but he knew that if not for Richard he would have still been unable to find Jessica.


    ¡°Oh, I only did my money¡¯s worth¡± he exined. He was a man who could do any legal job for money.


    ¡°I need more of your services then¡±


    ¡°As long as you are willing to pay the right price¡±


    Xavier did not care what amount he would call her knew he would be able to afford it. ¡°I need the new security detail you have¡±


    ¡°Oh Mr. Delgado it might cost you a little,¡± Richard said in a sing-song voice.


    ¡°Richard, I can afford it, just get me the best security detail you have, I need able-bodied bodyguards who would be able to protect her with their lives on the line¡±


    He needed bodyguards for Jessica. Seeing the kind of risk that a family member put Jessica into he knew he had to do something. He could not be with her all day and even if it were possible he was not one to protect another. He might need protecting himself too.


    He would not take chances again with her life. He learned today how much he cared about her and what it would go to him if he lost her.


    ¡°How soon do you want them to resume?¡±


    ¡°Today¡±


    ¡°And I believe they would be on your wife¡¯s tail?¡± he asked and Xavier modded.


    ¡°Yes, and you can throw in one or two for my safety too,¡± Xavier said.


    He was only getting one so he could convince Jessica that it was not that big of a deal to have security. He knew that she would definitely be against the idea of having men follow her around.


    ¡°I will send to over and they will be there this evening,¡± Richard said.


    The line went silent before Xavier removed the phone from his ears and cut off the call. He had finished one business now on to the next one.


    He called the inspector general of police. He was young to punish those bastards but he needed to punish the one who put his wife in this danger.


    ¡°Hello Mr. Delgado¡±


    The inspector general did not expect a call from Xavier since he had received one from his personal assistant. The call sent shivers down his spine.


    He had never had an encounter with Xavier but rumors had it that he was a no-nonsense man. Xavier was reserved but maybe it was the money his family had that made people think he was supposed to be naturally ruthless and obnoxious.


    ¡°Hello, IG¡± Xavier said and waited for the man to say something.


    ¡°We have begun questioning the men although they have been unable to give us any useful information,¡± the man said with a little stutter.


    Why he was stuttering was a mystery to him. He obviously wanted to get on the good side of the richest man in the city.


    ¡°Okay that¡¯s good,¡± Xavier said and waited. The man may have more to report. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke instead. ¡°Have you been able to get the current location of the woman who put my wife in this mess?¡±


    ¡°Not yet sir,¡± the man said ufortably.


    ¡°I hope you can locate her as soon as possible. Where was herst seen location?¡±


    ¡°On the edge of the city in the Rnder close,¡± the man disclosed.


    ¡°I know you will have to locate her by tomorrow¡± Xavier¡¯s tone told the man that he was not giving him an option of getting the location of the woman. He was simply saying he needed her location by the next day and he did not care about the method they used to find it out.


    ¡°But sir, is she not a rtive of Mrs. Delgado?¡± the man asked.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°If a rtive aids kidnapping are they not guilty in the eyes of thew?¡±


    ¡°Oh no sir, that is not what I meant to say¡± he stuttered again.


    ¡°Okay then, I hope to receive favorable feedback tomorrow, have a lovely night¡¯s rest¡±


    The inspector General was not sure if Xavier was being ironic with how statement. The orders he had barked out of the phone meant no sleeping for him and his men. Who would want to get on the bad side of the almighty Delgado?


    ¡°And you too sir¡±


    Xavier cut off the call and walked out of the room to the kitchen.


    ¡°Young master, how can I help you?¡± Roselle asked as he entered the kitchen.


    ¡°I came in here for a drink¡± Xavier replied.


    ¡°Let me get that for you¡± she responded as she walked towards the refrigerator.


    ¡°You know I am so happy you have Jessica in your life since she came to you. I have seen a significant change in your attitude¡± she said as she took a ss.


    ¡°And when I talk about change I am talking the good kind. The kind that makes you loveable like when you were a child¡± she added dropping the ss on the counter and him walking to pick it up.


    ¡°I am truly grateful to her,¡± she said as she turned to drop the jar into the refrigerator.


    ¡°I am too¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Seventy One

    Xavier went upstairs to check on Jessica and she was already awake sitting upright on the bed looking around. He rushed go her side and touched her hair gently.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± he asked and she looked up at him and blinked multiple times.


    ¡°I think I do feel better,¡± she said.


    He took his hand off her head and walked to where her leg rested. He touched it as if he was afraid it would wake up a giant monster if he was not careful.


    ¡°How does this feel?¡± he asked pressing on her ankle gently.


    She tried to hide the pain she felt by digusining it with a yawn. ¡°That hurt didn¡¯t it?¡± he asked and she nodded.


    ¡°I told you that we should not leave the hospital until you felt better but you assured me you were doing better already. What are we going to do about this sprain?¡± he ranted in questions.


    She sighed and shifted ufortably in the bed. ¡°It is just a little sprain and I am sure I will be fine with the painkillers prescribed for me and with a little exercise too¡± she exined.


    She felt like he was making a fuss out of the situation. She was fine. It was not the first time in her life that she had a sprain, she had been in the same situation before and still had to go to work and work all day standing because her work demanded it from her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think seeing your hurt goes down well with me,¡± Xavier said sitting on the bed and lifting her fert t out on hisp.


    She curled her feet and tried to drop them down or raise them to herself but his hands stopped her before she could go any further.


    ¡°What is wrong?¡± he asked running his fingers across her ankle gently. The action sent shivers down her spine that she was not sure if she was entirelyfortable with. On the one hand, she was d he was doing it and on the other hand she wanted to beg him to stop.


    ¡°My feet are dirty¡± she sprouted out immediately forck of a better excuse.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I was in that dirty ce for a long time and I think my feet must be dirty,¡± she said back.


    She was not sure if the words she was stringing together made sense. She was sure they did not make sense but she had to say something.


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°So, you could get sick, I better wash up,¡± she said pushing herself off from resting on the bed frame. She smiled at him.


    ¡°You can barely walk straight and you want to go stand for long under the shower because you think you are dirty?¡± he asked as he firmly held her legs.


    ¡°It would not be a long shower. I just need to wash up quickly and I will be back¡±


    ¡°I can not let you go anywhere¡± he murmured.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said in a tone that sounded yful and serious at the same time.


    ¡°What if I join you then?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You will never get used to me saying things like that would you?¡±


    ¡°So you were teasing me?¡± she asked throwing her head backward a bit.


    ¡°It¡¯s always fun to tease you, you always respond¡±


    She felt her mouth go in a pout as she crossed her hand over her chest. ¡°But on a more serious note, I think I need to have my bath,¡± she said struggling to free her leg from his grip.


    ¡°Take me with you,¡± he said like a child who was being denied something he so desperately wanted.


    ¡°Stop it, Xavier,¡± she said quietly as if they were not the only ones in the room and she was ashamed to let anyone hear them.


    ¡°Take me with you¡± he echoed his first statement again.


    She stood up and felt a surge of pain rush down and settle at her ankle. She tried her best to control the pain she felt at that moment.


    ¡°See you are not fine, you need me to help you,¡± he said when he saw the reaction on her face for her stepping on the leg.


    ¡°I am¡­¡± she began to talk but was cut off by the ringing of his phone. He sighed in annoyance. He was making significant progress with her and the caller had to ruin everything


    When he looked down on his phone screen he noticed that it was Richard. It was an important call indeed.


    ¡°Is it important?¡± she asked as she watched his eyes dart at the call and at her back.


    ¡°I can always call him back¡± he answered.


    ¡°So it is important?¡± she asked again when he refrained from giving a direct answer.


    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± he said shrugging. ¡°I can just put a call back through as soon as I am sure that you are clean¡± he adds with a wink.


    ¡°Xavier, get the call now and I would be in the bathroom washing away the disgust from those men earlier today¡± she replied as she tried her best to quietly walk towards the door of the closet leading to the bathroom.


    He was going to follow her but he knew that Richard¡¯s call meant that the bodyguards were now around.


    ¡°Hello?¡± he said standing up and walking out of the room


    ¡°Mr. Delgado, my men have just informed me that they have arrived at your estate¡±


    ¡°Okay then, I would go immediately to see them,¡± he said before cutting off the call.


    He called the main gate to let the men in after running intense security checks on them to ensure that they were noting in with anything harmful.


    He climbed down the stairs and went to wait outside to meet with the bodyguards. When they appeared in his line of vision he was d that he took the chance with them and brought them as bodyguards.


    He was sure they would do a good job.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

 Branch One Hundred and Seventy Two

    When Jessica came out of the bathroom she felt somewhat empty not seeing Xavier there. She picked up her phone from the nightstand and made her way downstairs. Her attention was drawn to the small chatter in the living room and she went there.


    ¡°How did you walk by yourself all the way here?¡± Xavier asked when he saw her limping and walking toward him.


    ¡°I can not stay coupled up in the room all day, and I need to exercise it so it can heal faster too¡± she exined.


    He met her halfway and helped her gently to the couch where she proceeded to have her seat. Her eyesnded on the two men who were standing there. She found it suspicious because she knew all the house staff and they were not a part of them.


    She tried to control her gaze from falling so continuously on them but it was quite difficult for her. ¡°Who?¡± she whispered leaning to ask Xavier who was sitting right next to her.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we let them introduce themselves?¡± he asked before turning to face the men standing there like statues. ¡°Introduce yourself to her¡±


    ¡°Hello, Mrs. Delgado,¡± the first one said. Jessica had never thought seriously of taking the Delgado name but hearing someone address her as one made her happy. It was a feeling she could not quite exin and she did not understand it either.


    ¡°I am Butch¡± the first one continued before stopping and allowing the next man to take over. ¡°Hello Mrs. Delgado¡± she concluded at that moment that taking up the name was a good decision.


    ¡°I am Spike¡± he continued.


    Jessica nodded because she was confused. They had in no way answered her question. All they had done was say their names and she had no idea why they were in the living room having a chatter with Xavier. She nced back at Xavier hoping to get an answer from him instead.


    ¡°They would be your guards, so do not get startled when they follow you around,¡± he said in an assuring tone.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said allowing the name to roll off her tongue slowly. He raised his eyebrow. Her expression was clear and he knew she was notfortable with the decision.


    ¡°Do not worry they won¡¯t get in your way, you won¡¯t even know that they are there¡± he continued trying to exin.


    ¡°Can we talk in private?¡± she asked.


    Xavier dismissed both men with a wave of the hand. They were confused about where to go since it was their first day at the house but they left anyway.


    ¡°Why do I need guards? I have been fine all this while, I am sure I can take care of myself¡± Jessica said and Xavier sighed.


    He anticipated this conversation with her. He knew that there was no way she would agree right off the bat to ept the guards.


    ¡°I know you can and there is no doubt about that,¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°Jessica, in the whole six hours when I could not find you, I could swear that I almost lost my sanity and I want you to be safe at all times too¡±


    ¡°Come on, Xavier I am fine, it was a one-time thing with my aunt and I am sure there would be no way she could do something like that again¡±


    ¡°Jessica, can you just do this for me?¡±


    ¡°For you?¡±


    ¡°I was so worried today and I am sure with these men with you we can avoid any incident like this again¡±


    She looked up and tried to think it through. Won¡¯t others think she was stuck up and proud if she went around with a security detail? Chichester was a rtively peaceful ce so people rarely had security details follow them around.


    ¡°Just so I know you are safe at all times¡± he added when she was quiet for too long.


    ¡°Are you going to have to?¡± she asked.


    Xavier opened his mouth to answer but stopped when he thought about it deeply once again. She was the one who was kidnapped but here she was still worried about his safety.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you worry about yourself first¡± he asked rubbing her knee with his hand.


    ¡°Are you?¡± she asked tilting her head a little.


    ¡°Yes, I will,¡± he said taking her hands in his and squeezing them a little. ¡°I will also have a security detail with my lot because I need them but because I don¡¯t want you to feel left out¡± he exined and she nodded.


    ¡°So that settles it right?¡± he asked and she nodded again.


    ¡°I am d you have a guard too,¡± she said as she felt the warmth of his hand spread through her body.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need one, as I said I am only having one so you feelfortable about having one too¡±


    ¡°Yeah that is correct¡± she replied sarcastically which made his eyebrow go up quickly.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked and waited for her to respond.


    ¡°I mean you barely made an effort to fight those men and left all the work to the other men who came with you,¡± she said trying to tease him. ¡°I mean when you did not fight for me I thought you did not want me in your life anymore¡±


    She saw his face flush and knew she was doing a good job of teasing him. She has never been able to sessfully tease him before without him turning it back on her.


    ¡°I mean, in movies, those men usually do extreme stunts and then dramatically save thedy¡± she ranted when she felt his lips on her hand.


    ¡°I hope you do not believe in that notion,¡± he said quietly and slowly. ¡°I thought my world was going to end today¡±


    She squealed internally when hepared her to his world. Maybe that was the validation she needed.


    ¡°I want to wash away all those thoughts from your head,¡± he said tapping her forehead.


    She shook her head and gave him a small re. He smiled and bent in giving her a kiss on the forehead.


    ¡°Those kinds of thoughts be gone¡±N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

 Branch One Hundred and Seventy Three

    ¡°Jessica was kidnapped today¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Leslie said the spoon in her hand dropping to the te. Her husband hade home and was so quiet. She just assumed he must have had a rough day at work. She prepared a light meal and the opening line for their dinner discussion was this?


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she pressed further when he said nothing to follow up the statement he had just dropped on her. He kept putting the food in his mouth and chewing ever so slowly.


    ¡°Brian? What are you talking about?¡± she asked again when her husband was not seeming to tell her everything.


    ¡°I just thought to let you know, I know you will get to hear from Jessica too¡± he answered before taking a sip of the water in the cup in front of him.


    ¡°So has she been found?¡± she asked worried. She could feel the way her forehead creased as she spoke.


    ¡°Yes, as whenst I spoke with Brian he said that they were on their way to the house from the hospital¡± he exined.


    Leslie wondered how he was so calm while telling her this situation. Did it not seem like a situation that called for immediate action?


    ¡°The hospital?¡± she gasped. ¡°Was she hurt?¡± she continued. Brian almost regretted telling her because of the way she was reacting but he knew that she would hound him for not telling her when he knew.


    ¡°I need to call Jessica,¡± she said standing up abruptly, the hair screeching as it moved from behind her.


    ¡°Can you at least finish your dinner?¡± he asked as his eyes met hers.


    ¡°I will have itter¡±


    ¡°I am sure she must have been startled from the events of today so why don¡¯t we let her rest up and then you can go see her tomorrow¡±


    ¡°She would be trying to rest up now right?¡± she asked slipping back into the chair and dragging it behind her to get closer to the table.


    ¡°Yes, the doctor must have given her something and she must be in recovery now,¡±


    ¡°I must go see her first thing tomorrow morning¡± she announced like she was daring someone to challenge her as regards her decisions.


    ¡°Sure, you do that¡± Brian replied before taking a sip of the water again.


    Leslie eyed him up and down, how could he be so calm after delivering such news? How could he even deliver such so casually?


    ¡°How do you like the meal?¡± she asked sarcastically.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You did a great job, I can not stop eating¡± he responded unable to catch up on the sarcasm she was throwing at him.


    ¡°Ugh,¡± she eximed which made his head lift quickly to her.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked quickly his hand shooting out to her face.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I am just so frustrated that I have to wait so long before I can know what¡¯s up with Jessica¡± she answered eyeing him again.


    ¡°I wonder what happened¡± she murmured as she picked up her spoon back to scoop the soup in the te in front of her.


    Xavier strictly forbade Jessica from entering the kitchen to prepare dinner.


    ¡°I am fine, I am sure I can whip something up real quick¡± she protested when he tried to hold her in ce to stop her from moving away.


    ¡°I know you are fine but you can not be standing on that leg,¡± he said pointing to her ankle.


    ¡°I would stand only when necessary there are a lot of seats in the kitchen too¡± she continued.


    ¡°If you do more trust any of the staff with your meal how about we order in then?¡± he said changing the course of the conversation.


    He could not believe how stubborn she was about cooking a meal. They had sat there in the living room chair going back and forth about the cooking situation. He had managed to convince her to ept the bodyguards but there was something else she was notfortable with. She was a different brand entirely and he could not deny it.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I do not trust them¡± she started when her eyes caught the eyes of Abgel as she passed by the hallway.


    ¡°See now you have made me feel bad and like I am the bad person¡± she added as she bent her head.


    ¡°I trust all the members of staff of the house and they can cook a meal for me but I always find it enjoyable when I cook for you,¡± she told him.


    He cleared his throat to hide his smile. Hearing that the reason she was so adamant about cooking was because she wanted to cook for him warmed his heart but there was no way he would allow her to stress herself after all she went through.


    ¡°Okay then if that be the case I want to order Chinese food from Liston¡¯s restaurant,¡± he said. ¡°What I crave the most today is the meal from there¡± he added.


    She narrowed her eyes at him and made a strange sound with her mouth. ¡°You are only saying that because you do not want me to cook. I know you do not like Liston¡± she said and he looked like a child caught stealing.


    ¡°Says who?¡± he said trying topose himself immediately.


    ¡°You had a beef with him on the day of Alicia¡¯s party and when I mentioned his name at the house we stayed at Aurora Haven you red up and refused to eat the meal,¡± she saidying out her evidence.


    When she put it out there he knew there was no way he could deny it now. It was so ring that he did not like him.


    ¡°I did not react that way because I did not like him,¡± he said trying to vindicate himself. Liston was not a close friend of his but was still his friend anyway.


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°He had eyes for you and was lusting after you all night and then you went ahead to make mention of him as if me seeing him lust after you was not enough torture¡±


    ¡°Does this mean you have had feelings for me for a very long time?¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Seventy Four

    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°No?¡± she asked shocked


    ¡°I just recently developed feelings for you¡±


    ¡°Wait so why are you angry that a man was lusting after me? How did you even notice this?¡±


    ¡°Jessica how would a man feel if another was going after his wife, definitely he would notice it,¡± Xavier said defending himself.


    ¡°I am so sure that like me you also already had feelings for me but you were hiding it,¡± she said before resting deep into the sofa.


    ¡°You also had feelings?¡± he asked enjoying the moment they were having now.


    ¡°So did you¡± she retorted with a smirk.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we get dinner?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Why are you changing the topic?¡± she asked as she tried to pry in his face.


    ¡°Changing the topic?¡± he scoffed. ¡°I am just bothered that it might be toote to have dinner, so I want to make sure that you have one so you can use the medicine you were given¡±


    ¡°You are definitely changing the topic but I will let it slide because you seem embarrassed to admit that you already liked me then¡±


    ¡°Wait, embarrassed?¡± he asked in amusement. ¡°I was never embarrassed, I was just unsure of my feelings. I knew that I wanted no man around you and at the same time I did not know how best to say it out¡± he exined.


    She nodded with a smile pm her face before patting his shoulders a little. ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner now,¡± she said raising her back to pick up her phone on the center table.


    ¡°I will find the contact of Liston and ask him to prepare a special meal,¡± she said taping away before turning to study him. ¡°That is if you are okay with that¡±


    He shrugged like it was not a big deal but Jessica could see the tightness of his face. ¡°What is wrong? You do not want me to call Liston?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Why do I say that? I never said that¡± he jumped to defend himself.


    ¡°You did not say anything through words but the expression on your face says a thousand words¡±.


    ¡°What expressions?¡± he asked trying to make his face expressionless.


    ¡°The tightness of your jaw and the subtle eye twitching,¡± she said back.


    ¡°Well, it is not like I mind it is just that we can call the restaurant directly and ce an order instead of you calling him. You might even be disturbing his work¡±


    ¡°You think so? I just wanted to have him prepare something special for us but if you think so¡­.¡± she trailed off as she raised her eyes to meet his.


    ¡°Yeah so let us just call the restaurant closest to you and have them deliver before it gets toote,¡± he said picking up his phone. ¡°I will be making the phone call,¡± he said waving the phone in her face.


    She nodded and allowed him to work his magic. He dropped the phone after shooting out orders to whoever it was over the line. She leaned in and put her head on his chest.


    He was started at first by her gesture but he wrapped his hands around her shoulder to bring her in.


    ¡°Xavier, I am d we are like this¡±


    ¡°So am I, I think I lucked out this year¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I think this year was a year of luck for me¡±


    The next morning Jessica insisted on following Xavier to the police station. He wanted to refuse but he knew that she needed to give her testimony and she might want to see her aunt.


    Before he finally fell asleep the Inspector General of Police told him that they had found Olivia and she was currently in the police cell.


    ¡°Just give your statement and I will take you back home,¡± he told her and she nodded. They dove into the police station and were ushered to the inspector¡¯s office.


    A wholeter they were taken to the interrogation room where the man who was the boss yesterday was being asked questions. The officer they saw there told them that he had confessed to everything.


    Jessica thought about how her life might have turned out if her aunt had done this to her when she had nobody like Xavier to help her out. She would have maybe been sold out by those men while her aunt might have lived a free life outside while she tried to continue gambling.


    Xavier asked for the maximum punishment for them all excluding Olivia. He had told Jessica before they left the house that she might forgive her but he would never forgive her because she put her in so much danger.


    He would ask for her to be punished even though it might be the minimum, she might go ahead and do something like that again if she was not called to order.


    Jessica thought of begging but it seemed like he was set on what it was he wanted to do. When they had gone to see her she had tears in her eyes.


    Jessica thought to herself that her aunt should have been an actress she would have made it for sure. She was putting on a show and being remorseful. The only reason Jessica did not want her aunt in jail was because she thought of the impact on herself.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± she said as the tears fell from her eyes.


    ¡°Then you should stay here and repent from all the illegal deeds you have done over your lifetime¡± Jessica responded.


    ¡°Does this mean you will let me be punished?¡± she asked suddenly her shaky voice gone and the years ceasing too.


    ¡°If you do a wrong deed, you should be punished indeed or do you not think so?¡± Jessica replied.


    ¡°I am your aunt how could you do this to me?¡± she asked this time her voice angry and strong.


    ¡°I am your niece how could you do that to me?¡± she retorted. ¡°Stay in here and think of all the illegal things you have done and you might be released soon¡± Jessica added before walking away.


    Olivia began to shout about how bad of a rtive she was and how she had so much hope in her. Jessica walked feeling herself get teary-eyed. She slid into the car and waited for Xavier who was exchanging pleasantries with some high rank officers when her phone rang.


    It was Leslie and Alicia who were waiting for her at home.


    ¡°They must have heard about it¡± she murmured as she dropped her phone top

 Branch One Hundred and Seventy Five

    Leslie and Alicia told Jessica to tell them everything that had happened and how it happened. She went ahead to exin how her aunt suddenly disappeared and how she was kidnapped out of the blues too.


    Alicia was so furious that she made Jessica swear to allow the woman to serve the maximum term. Bothdies were outraged by the situation. After a littleforting here and there they both left.


    Jessica wondered where Xavier was, they hade in together but he had left her to have a private time with the girls. She climbed up the stairs and entered the room.


    She saw Xavier sleeping on the bed peacefully, his chest rose and fell so rhythmically that she felt like lying on it. She walked to the bed sat on it and inched closer to him. She watched his features as they sat on his face.


    When he first met him she said to herself that he was not that fine but now she knows she was just deceiving herself. He was the most handsome man he had met and to crown it all he had a smoking hot body. She has never addressed anyone as sexy but she had to give it to him.


    She ran her hand through his face as she outlined his features, she hoped not to wake him up but she could not help herself. She smiled to herself as she thought of him liking or even loving her at this point in her life.


    She thought of the situation she went through some days ago. If it was so early in their rtionship would he havee to her rescue as he did today? She sighed as her hand trailed his mouth.


    She bent her head and ced a kiss on his lips allowing her own lips to linger when she left him kissing her back. She was just going to kiss him and then leave to do something else but here he was using his tongue to part her lips and them into his mouth.


    It was not what she expected but she she didin. She felt his hand roaming her body until he found a firm grip around her waist. He pulled her closer and she fell almost on him her arm as the barrier between them. Their lips parted and her eyes opened. She did not even know when her eyes fell closed.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    She stared at his face and his eyes shot open. She stared at him and so did he. She wanted to look away but she felt like she could not get enough. She was still barely trying to settle herself when he dropped her arm from between them and pulled her so close to himself.


    She could feel his body so close to hers and she was notining about it.


    ¡°Should we go on a trip? Just us?¡± Xavier suddenly blurted.


    She loved the feel of his chest rising and falling with her head on it. She loves his scent and his closeness to her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s a fantastic idea¡±


    Jessica had insisted that they see Dawson before they go on the trip they had nned. They had nned a spontaneous trip and since Xavier was the originator of the trip she had noints about it. Her restaurant was still unopened but she just had a few things to put in ce before the opening. She has even hired a few more staff.


    Dawson was ted when they said they were going on a trip. He had whispered subtly into the ears of Jessica to make sure that Xavier got her pregnant using the excuse of him being close to death¡¯s door and wanting to see his great-grandchild.


    Since it was at Aurora Haven that Xavier got to know that he liked her he decided to go back there. After all, it was a honeymoon destination for many people because of the lively cities and people in it.


    This time they used the private ne they had since Dawson was so happy about the trip he permitted them to use it for the trip. Brian had helped Xavier organize everything. He wanted the trip to be perfect and he had never nned his trip before. Heined all along the preparation process of the trip.


    ¡°So you have a private ne?¡± Jessica asked in awe when they entered the ne and were the only ones in it. Another thing that baffled her was that the ne was smaller.


    ¡°The ne belongs to the Delgado family and you are a part, right? He asked his eyebrow going up. He remembered when she said she did not want to be a part of the family since he did not see her as one.


    He felt relieved when she nodded in affirmative. He was d she was epting to be a part of him and his life.¡± So this ne belongs to us¡± he said taking her hand in his and intertwining it. He pulled her gently and put her in the chair helping her with her seatbelt beforeing to sit in front of her.


    ¡°Why are you sitting there and not here? ¡± she asked with a pout. She still had a phobia of flying even though she had done it before. She was of the thought that the phobia would go away after her first trial.


    ¡°So I can see your face well¡±


    ¡°But¡­. ¡± she trailed off with a pout.


    ¡°Wait don¡¯t tell me you are afraid of flying?¡±


    She nodded and quickly looked out the window. He chuckled and stood up again. He came to her and turned her head to him.


    ¡°I will be right opposite you, so keep your eyes on me,¡± he said before kissing her on the lips multiple times.


    ¡°Excuse me sir¡± a voice was heard behind them. Xavier cleared his throat and winked at her, she bowed her head feeling so conscious about another person walking in on them kissing again. She turned to see two men in pilot uniforms and three otherdies behind them. Then must be the hostess.


    ¡°I am Robert the pilot¡± he began as Xavier walked back wills seat.¡± I and my crew will do our utmost best to serve you throughout this flight¡±


    Xavier nodded and the man took a small bow before leaving.

 Branch One Hundred and Seventy Six

    Xavier was amused that the same woman who said she was afraid was now sound asleep. He chuckled to himself and pulled out hisptop to catch up on work. He had enough people to help him out with the work and he was more afraid of leaving thepany to them for a few days. He just needed to do his part of the work.


    He gently woke her up when he got there and she was amazed by the usual sight of Aurora Haven which was breathtaking. The car that Xavier and Brian had prepared was ready to pick them up at the hotel.


    ¡°Xavier¡± Jessica began as they entered the room. ¡°Thank you it¡¯s so beautiful¡± shepleted turning back to face him.


    He stood with the door closed behind them and winked at her. ¡°You love winking don¡¯t you?¡± she said with a smirk on her lips.


    ¡°Are you going to continue calling me Xavier like myrade in the army?¡± he asked and she was amused at what he was thinking by asking her that.


    ¡°What do you mean? Xavier is your name is it not?¡± she asked him and he nodded.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s my name it¡¯s just that couples all over the world call each other endearing pet names but here you are calling me ever so formally¡± he replied and sheughed to herself.


    She walked to him and stretched her hand to pat his head gently. ¡°You act so cute sometimes, you know right?¡± she asked before turning from him and walking away.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± he protested after her.


    ¡°To check out the hotel room that where,¡± she said as she walked into the bedroom of the suite. ¡°So beautiful¡± she murmured to herself as she watched the city from the bedroom¡¯s vast window.


    ¡°Not as beautiful as you though,¡± he said giving her a back hug.


    ¡°Who taught you a line like that?¡± she askedughing.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a line but the truth¡±


    ¡°So I am that beautiful?¡± she asked caressing his hands gently.


    ¡°You have no idea¡± he replied kissing her forehead.


    ¡°Okay so what is the first thing we are doing here?¡± she asked turning in his hands so she was facing him.


    He pointed to the bed. ¡°You know I overheard Dawson telling you something about a grandchild, we could begin there,¡± he said and she froze in his hands.


    She had thought about it since he had confessed and they had agreed about having a normal couple-like rtionship. She had always felt the bulge in his trousers whenever they were in such close proximity but she chose to ignore it.


    The thought of going to bed with him was somewhat scary. She was a virgin all her life and she had always wanted to give it to the man she deemed fit.


    ¡°Xavier¡± she breathed heavily.


    ¡°it¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t feelfortable¡­¡± he started when she put her hands over his mouth.


    ¡°I have never said I was notfortable about it. I just want it to happen so naturally between us¡±


    ¡°It will,¡± he said nting a lingering kiss on her lips.


    Jessica had insisted that they go on a food tour around the city because she really wanted to check out the local foods again. Xavier was okay with the idea because the idea of seeing her eyes sparkle as she did the food tasting was a warm feeling in his soul.


    ¡°What do you think about going on a shopping spree tomorrow?¡± as they sat down in one of the road by stalls.


    Jessica was the one who wanted the food tour but she was beginning to feel so self-conscious about the environment since everyone was either pointing and whispering about them or trying to take pictures secretly.


    ¡°Jessica¡± Xavier said snapping his fingers in her face when she did not respond to him.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said snapping out of the worried trance she was in.


    ¡°You do not feelfortable do you?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay¡± she replied.


    Xavier must be used to the attention he was getting because he did not seem to be bothered about it. The thought that her husband was not only Chiachester City¡¯s finest bothered her a bit and also made her proud too.


    ¡°You do not look okay¡±


    ¡°How do you know what I feel?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Because your face has this worried expression lingering on it and the corners of your lips are turned down instead of up. This meal is one heck of a meal and yet you have barely touched them¡± he replied like he was a detective who was stating the evidence of a case.


    ¡°The food is delicious,¡± she said taking up one of the stick foods in the paper te in front of them and taking a small bite.


    ¡°This was not what I imagined when you said you wanted toe on a food date¡± he murmured trying to let his voice low so those on the table benches beside them do not hear.


    ¡°I am serious, it¡¯s just that those people keep taking so many pictures of us. It¡¯s making me bothered¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to do something about it?¡± he asked covering her hands with his.


    ¡°Can you?¡±


    ¡°Who am I?¡± he asked with a sarcastic tone and smirk on his lips.


    He stood up and walked towards the women who were taking the pictures. They gasped seeing him walk towards them. To some that was a dreame true. They might get the opportunity to finally speak with the Xavier Delgado.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You are making my wife very ufortable with the picture taking and whispering,¡± he said bending so his hands were on the table.


    ¡°Sorry¡± one of the girls said her voiceing out squeaky like a mouse. Looking at them up close he could see that they were barely out of their teenage years.


    ¡°It¡¯s illegal to take pictures of others¡± he added as the five of them scrambled to their feet.


    ¡°You were just so handsome sitting there we could not resist taking the pictures¡± another spoke. She seemed to be the spokesperson of the group.


    ¡°It¡¯s my charm¡± he said and the three of them gasped.


    ¡°Can you take a selfie with us?¡±


    ¡°Sure¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Seventy Seven

    The giggles of the girls and the other women who were around the food truck lingered in Jessica¡¯s mind. Xavier found it strange that she was so quiet during their ride back to their hotel room. She gave short answers that seemed like they wereced with annoyance but not quite so too.


    When they pulled up to the front of the hotel she barged out of the car without waiting for the valet or Xavier to open the door for her. She walked straight to the elevator keeping a straight face. She was fuming but she knew the reason who not supposed to be a good one but it did not change her mind either way.


    ¡°Wait up¡± she heard Xavier call out to her as the door to the elevator closed shut. She watched as his face turned sad.


    He wondered what could have changed her mood in an instant. What could it be exactly that got her that way? He waited for the next one and got to the room.


    When he entered she was taking off her clothes and unlike how she was usually she would have been startled to hear him enter the room and then run to hide her nakedness but she seemed bold and daring.


    He walked cautiously to her and came to stand in front of her. She raised her head to look him in the face. She was trying her best to keep a straight face. She did not want to fail in her quest. Her hand went to the back of her dress and she began to unzip it.


    ¡°Are you angry at me?¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Did I do something wrong back at the food stall?¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Are you tired, do you need to rest?¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Okay do you need anything¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    Xavier wanted to sigh in frustration. The conversation was not going anywhere and she was making it difficult for him to know how to react.


    ¡°Jessica¡± he called to her holding her by the shoulders. ¡°You are obviously angry with me¡±


    ¡°I am not¡± she snapped.


    ¡°Tell that to your tone and your knitted eyebrows,¡± he said and her frown deepened.


    ¡°I am fine, I just need to freshen up,¡± she said shaking her shoulders so his hands fell. His firm became tighter on her shoulders.


    ¡°I can only apologize to you if I know what I did wrong¡± he started and she looked at him again. She was trying her best to avoid his gaze because she knew his handsome face would lure her to give in to him.


    ¡°At the food stall,¡± she started and watched his reaction. He was calm and ready to listen to what she was going to say.


    ¡°Yes at the food stall, you left to tell those girls to stop taking pictures of us but you only came back after taking so many pictures with all those women there today¡±


    ¡°I only went there because of you and I was just trying to be nice to them,¡± he says gently. He was not sure he knew why she was angry with him.


    ¡°I know you did, but I did not like the way those girls were throwing themselves at you. I¡¯m made me feel out of ce there¡± she confessed.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    She was not necessarily mad at him but mad at the situation and realization that her husband was too attractive and it could be trouble for herter in the future.


    ¡°Jessica are you jealous?¡± he asked with amusement. ¡°You are¡± he added when he saw the expression on her face.


    ¡°Oh my God, you are so cute¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, I did not know how to turn them down since they were all so nice,¡± he said when she pouted and looked away.


    ¡°You could not say no to them? I thought you were the master of saying no¡± she replied crossing her hand across her chest.


    ¡°I was?¡±


    ¡°You always had a way of turning me down when we first met. You did not know those women but you could not turn them down?¡± she asked not knowing how to add up what he was saying.


    ¡°I am sorry, there is no justification for what I have done, I am wrong,¡± he said using one hand to turn her head to face him.


    ¡°I am sorry okay?¡± he said again.


    ¡°Why do you have to be stupidly handsome?¡± she murmured and dropped her hands from her chest.


    ¡°I am sorry about that too¡± he added and then she smiled sarcastically.


    ¡°Am I forgiven¡±


    ¡°I will think about it while I freshen up, you go and try to think of the wright way to apologize to me¡± she added shaking again this time his hands falling to his side. She turned and walked around him almost reaching the bathroom when his hands caught her and pulled her back.


    ¡°Usually when couples settle a misunderstanding there is something they do to show they are no longer mad at each other,¡± he said with a smile.


    ¡°What is that?¡± she asked.


    The look on his face had told her everything she needed to know about what he was saying but it would be great fun teasing him about it.


    ¡°You know what they do¡±


    ¡°I do not¡±


    ¡°You have even been in a rtionship before,¡± he replied pulling her closer. His hand was firm on her waist as it danced lightly. She felt the sensation deep in her skin. Surprisingly it prated the dress separating his finger tips from her bare body.


    ¡°You do¡± he whispered as his lips found hers. Up until now kissing his had been a fantasy she asionally had. Even when they had agreed to be a real couple, being with him was like a dream to her and she was often told that he did want her.


    She kissed him back, her hands roamed upwards, and clutched a size full of his shirt in her hand. He pulled her up with his hands she curled her legs over his waist. The time her hands roamed his head.


    ¡°I love you¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Seventy Eight

    Hello Reading Family.


    I know this chapter is supposed to be explicit but the book is rated 16+and I am really bad at writing such scenes so I would pick it up and leave your imagination to do the rest.


    Thank you?


    Jessica froze, what did she just hear? She pulled her lips away from his and lifted her head. She could see his face since her legs were curled around his waist and he was lifting her.


    ¡°I love you,¡± he said again when he noticed the shock on her face. She was surprised he said it. She wanted to be the first to say it but he beat her to it.


    ¡°Why now?¡± she murmured as he smiled at her.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I mean I wanted to say it first,¡± she said in a whining tone.


    ¡°You did?¡±


    ¡°Yes but now everything is ruined because you just had to say it first¡± she continued whining.


    ¡°You can still say it and I will pretend like you said it first¡±


    She dropped her head to his shoulders and whined. Augh was threatening to escape his lips. Why was she being so emotional about everything today? He knew better than to ask her that.


    ¡°Jessica?¡± he said and she suddenly raised her head from his shoulders. She bent her head and began to kiss him.


    Her action took Xavier by surprise but he did notin but instead kissed her back with the intensity she started with. She felt the bulge in his trousers and dropped her hands from his hair to stroke it.


    ¡°Do not start what you can not finish¡± he said stopping her hand from performing magic on him.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t I be able to finish it?¡± she asked him while dropping random kisses on his face.


    ¡°I thought you were not ready?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Drop me she said tapping his arms.


    ¡°What? ¡± he asked and she tapped him again.


    His grip on her loosened and she dropped down. Was she angry? How did the mood suddenly change again? She ran into the bathroom. Somehow she was d she brought the lingerie set that Alicia had bought for her.


    In Alicia¡¯s words, it was wrong and highly disappointing that ady did not have a piece of lingerie especially if she had a partner. She was also d she had put her panties bag in the bathroom before she left earlier in the morning.


    Herdy part was wet and she felt it, the hot sensation there was something she loved and wanted gone at the same time. At that moment she did not care and she knew she wanted and needed him inside of her. He had dered his love and she loved him too so what was it that was holding her back?


    She changed quickly into thecy two piece lingerie. She felt ufortable in them since she was not one to have such attires with her but she hoped that he would love like. She took a deep breath and opened the door standing by the doorway.


    Xavier stood up when he heard the door open. He was so worried when she ran into the bathroom but seeing her standing there looking all sexy he walked slowly towards her.


    ¡°Why do you look so breathtaking?¡± he asked almost out of breath. He pulled her to himself.


    ¡°Do you want to do this? ¡±


    ¡°Only if you want,¡± she told him.


    ¡°It is taking all I have to restrain from tearing off this piece of dress from your body¡±


    Xavier felt his hand trailing the whole exposed area of her body. His hand went around her pant line as he kissed her senselessly. He raised his head to get her consent again. It had not been that long since they had agreed to be together he would not be angry if she decided she did not want to go through with it.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    She pulled him by the cor down to her head level and began to nt little kisses all over his face. He lifted her again, it felt like she was eager and ready to ept him to herself. He began to walk backward until a part of his legs touched the bed frame. He turned around and gently ced her down on the mattress before falling on her.


    He continued kissing her, this was his first time and he knew it was the same for her, he did not know how well to do it and did not know what to do entirely. He was just being driven by the passion to have her.


    He was hoping that just the way he had the feeling of ecstasy and euphoria it was the same with her. He hoped that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. She pulled him down again when he did not go down to kiss her again.


    ¡°Are you having second thoughts?¡± she asked when his face was literally above hers.


    ¡°No¡± he mumbled.


    ¡°So?¡± she trailed off as her eyes wandered around. She thought to herself that maybe she was acting too desperate and he was turned off. ¡°Did I act too desperate?¡± she asked and he shook his head.


    ¡°I am very sure that you do not want this more than I do¡± he replied again.


    ¡°Then why do you keep hesitating?¡± she asked again.


    ¡°This is my first time,¡± he said slowly and silently


    ¡°Same here¡± she replied wondering what the problem was.


    ¡°I want to make sure it is something you will always remember so I do not want it to be bad¡± he confessed.


    ¡°So what if it is bad? We would both be bad since it is both our first time. Also, I do not care if it is bad as long as it is with you. So let¡¯s be bad together¡± she replied and he smiled bending his head to take her lips once again.


    ¡°I love you Xavier Delgado¡± she murmured between the kiss.

 Branch One Hundred and Seventy Nine

    For the rest of the trip, Xavier and Jessica found themselves barely able to go out and they could not keep their hands off each other. When thest day to stay there came Jessica insisted on going out to get things for everyone at home, although Xavier resisted the urge to pin her down that very moment heplied with her because she asked sweetly.


    ¡°What do you think Genevieve would like?¡± Jessica asked as she did her hair in the mirror.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe a box of soaps?¡± he answered her in a question.


    ¡°Soaps? Does she like soaps?¡± she asked wondering how he came up with that idea.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°I do not know,¡± he said shrugging. She shook his head and looked at him from the mirror. ¡°Do not give me that look or we might not be able to make it out of this ce today¡± he said and she cast her face away quickly.


    ¡°Come on Xavier, we need to pick out gifts for everyone,¡± she said as she put on the earrings.


    ¡°And that is where we are currently going to is it not?¡± he asked.


    ¡°It is but you need to be a part of the gift-giving process, that is when the giftes alive,¡± she tells him and he rolls his eyes.


    ¡°You think of the gift and I spend the money no matter the amount¡± he replied and she snorted.


    ¡°You just sounded like those arrogant rich billionaire CEOs who only live in books and movies,¡± she tells me and he chuckles.


    ¡°Oh well maybe I am the real-life version of those arrogant people¡± he walked up to her from the bed he had been sitting in and nted a kiss on her hair.


    ¡°You will mess up my hair,¡± she said in a protest. He bent to her ear level and whispered into them ¡°You should be d that I decided to stop there. I do not know why you have decided to look so gorgeous¡±


    She shivered with his breath touching her. She shook her head and stood up, we barely went out all through our stay here because you didn¡¯t let us go out¡± she said turning to face him.


    ¡°I did not let us go out? You kept agreeing and initiating it all the time¡±


    ¡°I did that? When? ¡± she asked crossing her hand across her chest.


    ¡°By always looking so sexy,¡± he said wrapping his hand around his waist.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± she said in a warning tone.


    ¡°I am not doing anything¡± he replied pulling her closer.


    ¡°Are you not?¡± she asked and a yful smile danced on his lips.


    ¡°I mean I just wanted to hold my wife in my hands, can¡¯t a man do that at least without getting berated?¡± he asked lowering his head.


    ¡°No kissing,¡± she said putting her hand over his mouth before it could get to hers. His eyes opened in shock.


    ¡°You will ruin my makeup before we can even get a chance to go out¡±


    ¡°You only need to look good for me,¡± he said like a hurt child.


    ¡°I need to look good so when we have our pictures taken by strangers I look better than you do¡±


    Heughed at her logic and nodded her head.


    ¡°Sure¡±


    Jessica had meticulously picked out gifts for everyone she knew even when Xavier told her to pick up the expensive gifts she made sure to pick affordable things.


    The whole mall they went to was filled up with reporters. It was as if they were waiting to scoop an important news that might happen anytime from then.


    ¡°Thank God, I wore make¡± Jessica murmured when she saw one of the reporters turning a camera their way.


    ¡°I do not know why you are bothered about how to look. You would always be beautiful regardless of the makeup or whatever it is that you wear¡± he said.


    Coming from someone who was insanely gorgeous, Jessica was confused if it was apliment or an encouragement. After they left the mall, they went to eat something at a restaurant that Xavier had reserved for them to have a meal before they came.


    This was the first reservation they had met since they touched down at Aurora Haven. Xavier knew the restaurants would try to reach out when they did not see him and Jessica might feel bad for not showing up and then make them show up for every other reservation.


    Xavier liked the calm that came with the two of them spending time together in peace without the press hovering over them like they did in the mall.


    ¡°I do hope you have not forgotten your promise?¡± Jessica asked as they sat down to eat.


    ¡°What promise?¡± he asked raising his brows trying to know what she was referring to.


    ¡°About the learning from some chef,¡± she said and he nodded.


    ¡°Oh I did not forget and that is why we are here today,¡± he said when the chef lined out to greet them with the entire crew. The head chef was a woman in her fifties and she bowed down to greet them.


    ¡°Mr and Mrs. Delgado, wee it¡¯s so lovely to have you here,¡± she said with a smile.


    ¡°Chef Mali?¡± Jessica asked in a gasp.


    She knew the woman right from her childhood days and followed her so closely. She was one of those who inspired her to thrive in the field of cooking.


    ¡°I see you know her already,¡± Xavier said with a smile.


    ¡°Yes I do,¡± Jessica said with a huge smile shining on her face.


    ¡°Okay then I think that is great¡±


    ¡°Why is that great?¡± Jessica asked feeling adrenaline pumping through her entire body. She was excited to meet one of the people she always considered as a role model to her.


    ¡°I think it would be great if I broke the news, Mr. Delgado,¡± Mali said turning to face Xavier who nodded affirmative which made the woman turn to face Jessica.


    ¡°Me. Delgado here had informed me that you would be opening a restaurant and that I would be the one in charge of teaching you a little from my limited knowledge about theing industry¡± she said.


    Jessica felt her mouth open like a fish brought out of water. ¡°I will be starting the very next week with you at Chiachester city¡± Mali added.


    Jessica quietly pinched herself and winced in pain. It was real, it was happening. She turned to face Xavier who¡¯s eyes never left her.


    ¡°Really?¡± she asked almost feeling herself crying out of pure excitement.


    ¡°This is all for you babe,¡± he said with a wink.

 Branch One Hundred and Eighty

    Jessica was d that she was going to be schooled by one of the best in the industry. She remembered when she once wanted to sign up for her cooking sses a while back and the tuition fees cost millions. She wondered how much Xavier paid and she became worried about the cost. She was d anyway because she had this chance and she had always wanted it.


    The morning after they both got back to Chiachester City they both knew that they had missed a lot at work. Jessica knew she needed to move fast or else she might never get to open up her restaurant. Xavier went to work and was received with so many peering eyes.


    It was the first time many of them saw the man take off time from work. They noticed the quick change in his attitude after getting involved with his wife.


    Jessica on the other hand was ufortable with the two men following her ever so closely even when she had repeatedly told them not to do so.


    It was getting closer to lunch time and Jessica suddenly remembered the promise she made to ensure she delivered food to him in exchange for him investing in her skills. He had kept up his side of the deal and now it was her turn to make sure she delivered.


    Since the stove top at her ce was set now she decided to make lunch there and then hand deliver it to him once it was lunch time. While she was cooking the guards lingered standing like a statue watching her.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°We are indoors and it is fine for you to sit,¡± she told them for the nth time. None of them made an effort to try and sit down. She smoked ufortably and continued cooking.


    She heard the front door open and then close. She wondered who it could be. Leslie or Alicia would call before they came over and she was going to see Xavier so it was almost impossible that he would be the one.


    ¡°I will go check,¡± Butch said.


    She still had a hard time telling them apart because she could not ce a face on the name at all. Spike nodded to her and he left and came back a whileter with a woman walking in front of him.


    ¡°Mrs. Delgado,¡± he said entering. Jessica lifted her head and her eyes fell on Emma who was standing in front of Butch. ¡°She ims to be a close friend of yours. Is this true?¡± he continues once he notices he has been able to get the attention of the woman.


    ¡°Why would I lie?¡± Emma responded rolling her eyes.


    ¡°She is just someone I know and not a close acquaintance¡± Jessica responded before turning off the stove to avoid it from burning. ¡°What do you want here?¡± she added in question her eyes falling on Emma.


    ¡°Hey, we used to be so close you could at least treat me as such¡± Emma said walking before turning back to give a sour look to the man who brought her in.


    ¡°Used to be the keyword¡± Jessica echoed beforeing to stand in front of her.


    ¡°I came here hoping you could help an old friend¡±


    ¡°Help you?¡±


    ¡°Well yes, I broke up with Burke and since then I have been all by myself with the baby too¡¯ she said rubbing her tummy. Jessica was unaware that Emma had done a procedure to remove the baby.


    ¡°And how do Ie in?¡±


    ¡°I need a job, at least if I have one that I can provide basic things for myself and my child¡±


    ¡°And how do Ie in?¡±


    ¡°Can you ask Xavier to give me a job at Braxton?¡±


    ¡°What? You want me to ask my husband to give you a job?¡±


    ¡°You know your husband is rich and owns so manypanies. If he can give me something to do so I can have enough money saved up for the baby¡± She rubbed her tummy again.


    She still had the devilish n of taking Xavier from her. She wanted him to herself and still believed in her ability even though everyone she had shared this vision with had told her that it was a stupid risky n that would never work out.


    ¡°You want me to ask my husband to give you a job?¡± Jessica asked again as if she had not heard the first time.


    Emma hated that she was having this discussion with Jessica and she hated even more the fact that she would have to go back and forth with her while putting up a smiley face all the while.


    ¡°After all you did to me?¡± Jessica asked a wave of remembrance of the attitude of the girls she considered her best friend in the whole world.


    ¡°You stole my boyfriend and got pregnant for him, spread false rumors about me, and jointly fed someone with false information about me. You have done a lot to me and I am not sure if I should even be standing in the same space with you¡± she continued feeling the bitter taste in her mouth as she spoke.


    ¡°And you have the guts to walk in here and demand a job from me? If you were the one would you give the job to me? Would you have mercy on me and give me the job if the roles were reversed? I am sure you would throw me out to the streets to fend for myself¡± she adds.


    Emma nods internally. That was definitely what she would have done if the shoes were reversed. She would have not listened to whatever it was the second party wanted to say about the situation.


    ¡°I would not be speaking to my husband about this matter,¡± she said turning back toward the stove.


    ¡°If you won¡¯t help me for myself then think about the baby¡±


    ¡°Do not try to force me to take responsibility for your child. I was very busy when you came in, can you please excuse me as I continue with my work for the day¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Eighty One

    Emma could not believe that Jessica would ever treat her in that manner. She had known her as a gentle soul. She expected her to fall especially if she was talking about the baby. She did not even show a sign of concern about the baby in question.


    Now she saw her n failing before her eyes because she could not meet Xavier directly and she could not go for an interview as it was not hiring season. She sighed and decided to go back to re-strategize she had to get the prize once she had set her eyes on it.


    After Emma left Jessica called Xavier, she was boiling at the audacity of that woman to enter into her restaurant and ramble about things like that to her.


    ¡°Hello baby,¡± Xavier said to her. Ever since he hadined to her about being too formal he had used different nicknames for her at intervals to show her how effective it is.


    She could not deny it she actually felt warm whenever she heard them from him. He took the name calling very seriously and to the letter.


    ¡°Should Ie over for lunch or would youe over?¡± she asked skipping the pleasantries.


    Xavier could tell from the tone of her voice that something had pissed her off and he wondered what it could.


    ¡°I have a business call right before lunch so yes you shoulde,¡± he said.


    He was not going to press her to spill anything over the phone. He would call the guards to ensure she was at least very safe. When he saw her he would ensure he knew why she was so prickly and try to solve the problem for her.


    ¡°Okay then,¡± she said dropping the phone from her ears. She wanted to rant to him but decided against doing it over the phone. She quickly finished up on lunch and put some other things in ce.


    The interior designers were putting all the finishing touches to the interior as she would have Mali inspect the restaurant before she began to teach her the tips for a restaurant.


    It has always been her dream and here she was actualizing it. She had a dream but she gave up on it when it seemed like she would have to settle for Burke then. She never wanted toin because she thought their love was okay to carry them but now that she was having this restaurant she did like it.


    She said goodbye to everyone working at the restaurant and was driven by one of the bodyguards while the other one sat in front of him. She watched how alert they were and how the driver moved slowly.


    She wished she could fly to see Xavier. She wanted him to hug her and tell her he had fixed it. She knew it sounded weak of her to say she wanted to rely on a man but for her, it would make her feel better even if he did not find a solution to the problem.


    When she entered Xavier¡¯s office she walked up to the table dropping the lunch box on the center table along the way. Xavier was startled because she usually just sat waiting for him in the chair there but this time she was walking towards him.


    She stood beside him and he could see her sad eyes. ¡°What happened to you?¡± he asked standing up.


    He was taken by another surprise when she went in for a hug her hands tightly wrapped around him and her head firmly pressed on his chest. He did not speak again as he waited for her to express herself.


    She too did not know why she felt so emotional. She knew she would have handled the situation better than she did but she did not care. She liked the solution she was getting which was the warm embrace and the lingering cologne smelling from Xavier.


    He patted her head gently and she began to feel a bit relieved after the hug. She pulled herself away from him a bit but her hands were still wrapped around her.


    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked stroking her head and ticking bits of her hair behind her ears. He had been so work-consumed that he forgot to call the guards to find out why she was so sad.


    ¡°Must something happen for me to hug my husband?¡± she asked as if she was offended by his statement.


    ¡°Well, if it is just a hug then I love it,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°But the sadness in your eyes and the tone of your voice when you called me earlier makes me think otherwise¡± he exined.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    She must admit that he was a wise one. He could see she was sad and that her voice portrayed it. ¡°Emma came to the restaurant¡± sheined loosening her hand from his waist.


    In a bid to see his face, she was straining her neck by trying to hold on to him too. She took a step backward and was able to capture the expression on his face.


    ¡°What did she want?¡± he felt himself angry. How brazen was that woman? How dare she show up in front of Jessica when he had warned her against it.


    ¡°She was asking for a job here¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She was asking me to tell you to give her a job to sustain herself and her baby¡±


    ¡°So she kept the baby?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°That is what she ims,e to think of it her tummy was too t and it did not look like she was pregnant¡±


    Xavier nodded in affirmation even though he wanted to tell her that some people do not show. He thought against it because he knew it would be risky for him to seem to take her side now.


    ¡°I know what to do,¡± he said pulling her hands and taking her to the couch.


    ¡°What would you do?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s file a restraining order against her¡±


    ¡°Do you think it would work?¡±


    ¡°At least now we might have a justification to punish her ording to thew¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a fantastic idea,¡± she said nting a small kiss on his lips.

 Branch One Hundred and Eighty Two

    It was three weeks after and not many events were happening. Xavier had asked Marcus to help in requesting the restraining. Emma was mad as hell when she received the letter in the mail. She hated how they had taken thew into their hands.


    She now believed that Jessica and Xavier were now together. She was feeling down. She could not go back to Burke because she had no im over him now that the baby was gone and she could end up paying a fine or serving time if she wanted close to either Jessica or Xavier. She hated her life.


    Jessica on the other hand started to notice the subtle change in her eating habits. She began to feel nauseated by things she naturally liked before and she began to crave things she would not randomly just have.


    At breakfast that morning as she put the spoon close to her mouth she could swear that the oats had a fishy smell. She dropped it back into the bowl in front of her and took a deep breath.


    Her eating had been a mess these past few days because she could not have anything without feeling disgusted about it. She has not found anything to eat. She then began to think about what could be wrong. She thought back to the month and then it dawned on her that she had missed her period.


    She had been too busy with Mali to notice such a big change in her body. Her brain gave her lots of reasons why she could have missed her period and had this unnecessary pickiness for food. The one that stood out the most to her was pregnancy.


    ¡°Hey, Roselle?¡± Jessica said as soon as she found her in the outdoor garden.


    ¡°Yes youngdy¡±


    ¡°Can someone help me go out to get something from the store?¡± she asked and Roselle was d to help. Jessica has barely asked the house staff for help in the past.


    ¡°Sure, I will have one of them go get it for you immediately¡±


    ¡°Do you think either you or Angel can go?¡± those were the people she trusted and she knew if it were any of the other staffs they would spread rumors around the house.


    ¡°I can go get it, what is it that you need?¡±


    ¡°A pregnancy test kit¡±


    Roselle opened her mouth like a fish and then closed it up. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a test kit so we know nothing for sure yet so just get the test ready¡±


    ¡°Yes youngdy¡±


    It would make sense that she was pregnant after all she had had sex with Xavier and it was getting quite frequent between them. Xavier had left her at home earlier that morning because he had an urgent business to attend to.


    She stood up leaving her barely eaten bowl of oats there. She knew she might throw up if she forced herself any further to eat it. She searched the house for Roselle. She needed to take the test and clear her doubts. She Did not know what to feel. She always wanted children but she had not spoken about it with Xavier before so she did not know how he would react to it.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Jessica was pacing around the room. She had called Xavier to know how long he would be out. She did not know how he was supposed to take the news that she was pregnant. She remembers all the times that Dawson brought up them having a baby and how he reacted. Even though he made a passing joke about them having a baby she did not know if he meant it or not.


    ¡°Where is Jessica?¡± Xavier asked when he stepped into the house.


    He wrapped up what he was doing early and ran home. Jessica has never called him to pull him away from work so he needed to know why she seemed to be acting like that today. He had noticed how sensitive and touchy she had been the past few weeks after the vacation they took.


    ¡°In the master bedroom upstairs¡± Angel replied bowing down. He rushed up the stairs and opened the door he saw her pacing the whole floor of the room her face looking worried.


    ¡°Baby,¡± he said as he entered the room. He walked to her and took hold of her shoulders to stop the pacing. ¡°How are you? I missed you so much today¡± he said pulling her Into a hug.


    She hugged him back because she needed thefort too. She had always wanted children and she was happy about it but it felt to her like she hadmitted a grave offense.


    ¡°I thought you had work to attend to?¡± she murmured into his chest.


    ¡°I did them so quickly and ran down to see you because I missed you and hearing your voice over the phone made me miss you more,¡± he told her and she sighed.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing is wrong but I have something to show you and to tell you,¡± she said pulling away.


    He searched her face to try and decode what it was that could be bothering her. Her face was void of any expression as she diverted her eyes. ¡°Wait here,¡± she said as she walked to the bathroom.


    He sat on the bed waiting for a response from her. What could it be that she wanted to show him? She walked backter with a tray in hand and some sticks in them.


    Quickly for her Roselle had picked up multiple sticks for the test and she had used them all but one. She gave up on using that one because all the results were the same no matter how many times she did the test. She tried the test again and again trying to see if any of them had a mistake and all came back positive. She knew she might have to get a doctor¡¯s report to believe but she wanted to let him know first.


    ¡°What is that?¡± he asked when he saw the tray in her hand.


    She walked to him without a word and stood before him. She gave him the tray and he stared at it like it was a foreign object. He did not know what it was and he had not seen such an item before.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he pressed again.


    Why did she hand over the tray to him? What were the sticks? She took out the box of one of the sticks from the table and gave it to him. He dropped the tray to the bed beside him and then collected the box from her hand. He read through it and his eyes widened as he did so.


    Jessica felt her heart jump in her chest. She could not tell what he was thinking and she wanted to know what it was he was thinking at that very moment.


    He dropped the box after reading picked up two of the test sticks on the tray and watched it closely. He dropped it to the today and faced her. ¡°Does this mean that you are pregnant?¡±


    She nodded and he gasped dropping the test back to the tray. ¡°We are going to have a baby?¡± he asked walking closer to her. She nodded again because she felt she might cry out loud if she heard her voice.


    ¡°You sure know how to make me happy¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Eighty Three

    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You are pregnant¡± Jessica could not miss the joy in his voice. She did not know what his reaction could be but she did not expect what he just did. He was happy that she was pregnant.


    ¡°Are you happy?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I am happy, I always wanted to have a child of my own¡± It was the truth. She had always wanted to raise her baby in a quiet and peaceful environment while surrounded by loving neighbors. She has never thought of anything extraordinary.


    ¡°Why would I not be happy?¡± he asked when he confirmed she was okay with it.


    ¡°Because I did not think you would want a baby¡±


    ¡°Why would you think that?¡±


    ¡°Well because you fought tooth and nail with Dawson every time he brought up a child¡±


    ¡°Well at that time I had not yet realized my feelings for you and I always thought I would have a surrogate bring my blood to this world after the divorce¡±


    Hearing that statement, Jessica did not know how to react to it. He was happy but he always thought of having a child and acted like it was a big abomination every time Dawson brought it up.


    ¡°I am so happy,¡± he said hugging her to himself.


    ¡°I am too¡± she murmured into his body.


    ¡°We will have to see Ross tomorrow and them we can break the news to Papa and everyone¡± She could feel his excrement. It was pulsating through his entire being.


    ¡°Sure we have to see a doctor but can we hold on from telling everyone? Can we just tell Dawson and allow others to find outter?¡±


    ¡°Is there a reason you want to hide it?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily hide it, I just do not want to go through the entire stress of exining everything to the girls¡±


    ¡°Sure whatever you want,¡± he said.


    Her tummy rumbled and she looked up at him. As soon as their eyes met they bothughed. ¡°I have not yet had breakfast,¡± she said and his eyes widened.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°It is way past lunch time and you have not yet had breakfast?¡±


    ¡°I was going to have breakfast but it seems like the baby did not like the food I was having because the smell was so nauseating that I almost puked. Also, I had no appetite for any other meal¡± she exined.


    ¡°What do you want to eat? I will ensure to get it immediately¡± he asked after hearing her talk about how she did not like any meal.


    ¡°I do not know, maybe some mangos?¡±


    She had never been a big fan of fruits in general and most especially not mango but seeing she had been craving it for the past few days it must be that the baby was craving that.


    Her unintentional mood swings, cravings and menstrual cycle skip finally made sense. She was not just bing some one who could not control her feelings she was now being driven by another person.


    The next day Dawson took Jessica to the hospital to make an official test and when it came back positive he could not control his joy.


    ¡°Congrattions,¡± Ross said when he noticed the big smile on Xavier¡¯s face. He had known the young man a long time and it had not been in his nature to act so happily in public.


    ¡°Thank you Doctor Ross¡± Jessica replied when she saw that Xavier was too lost in his own world to respond to him.


    ¡°We will be going to see Dawson now¡± She tugged on Xavier¡¯s arm and he stood up like a robot being controlled. ¡°Thank you so much Doctor,¡± she said again as she pulled Xavier out of the room.


    ¡°So nice of you to finally think of me ande see me,¡± Dawson said sarcastically as they made their way into the room.


    He was not angry that they were not seeing him because, from the reports of everyone, it seemed like both parties could not pull away from each other and they were seen everywhere together.


    He was not angry, the result of the project he started a few months ago was surely yielding an increase. He knew that learning at least someone for Xavier to call a family, in the long run, was the best solution. The doctor had told him again just that morning that he had so little time to be left on earth.


    He knew it was time to begin to tie loose ends and try to settle the house. He knew that leaving now meant that Xavier had someone to rely on and not feel lonely. He chose a good one for himself.


    ¡°Why are you smiling so much?¡± he turned to Xavier when the smile he came in with was still the same after they entered. Xavier never came to his hospital room with a smile.


    ¡°Can I not smile?¡±


    Dawson cast his eyes on Jessica and her expression showed that she was trying her best to maintain a straight face. ¡°So why is Xavier smiling?¡± he asked this time facing Jessica.


    ¡°I think he has good news to share with you¡±


    ¡°Oh good news, that I love hearing,¡± he said trying his best to sit upright.


    Jessica rushed to help him up with Xavier on her tail. He removed her hand with a murmur. ¡°You do not have to do things like this or else you will hurt your muscles¡±


    ¡°Oh wow,¡± Dawsonmented when Jessica listened to him at once and backed off. Xavier helped him to a sitting position before helping Jessica to sit and then sitting too. Both of them sat beside the bed.


    ¡°So the good news?¡± Dawson asked eager to hear whatever it was that nothing them here. Seeing the smile on Xavier¡¯s face it was obvious that they came to share the news with him.


    ¡°Well, Jessica came into the hospital to run some tests¡± Xavier started and Jessica wondered why he started that way. Seemed like he was aiming to give the man a heart attack.


    Jessica swatted his hand gently and he chuckled. ¡°So?¡± Dawson asked. ¡°Is she fine? Does she need to get treatment? Wait what am I saying? When is she starting the treatment?¡± he rushed asking questions.


    ¡°You are going to be a great-grandfather¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Eighty Four

    Dawson could not believe his ears. One of the things he wished to have before he died was to have a great-grandchild.


    ¡°Now I can die in peace,¡± he said as a tear left his eyes.


    ¡°What are you saying, Dawson?¡± Jessica said squeezing his hands.


    ¡°What more could I ask for? I wanted Xavier to settle down with a good and beautiful woman and I got have beyond my expectation and then I wanted a great grandchild and I was given one. What more cloud an old man like me want out of life?¡±


    ¡°Since you wanted a great-grandchild you have to be around to spoil the child silly¡± Jessica continued.


    Xavier did not counter the grandfather because Ross had kept him updated on the progress of his grandfather and he knew that the clinical tablets and injections they had been using were no longer effective on the man.


    ¡°Thank you so very much foring into our lives. It has had color and cheer ever since¡± Dawson said.


    Xavier did not allow Jessica to stay as long as she expected. He had told her that the doctor said she needed to be careful in the first trimester and not stress herself one bit. He said that she needed to go home and rest up. Dawson seconded and shooed them away from the room.


    When they got home Xavier took Jessica to the room and asked her to have a nap. She did not mind the nap but she felt as if he was treating her like a child.


    ¡°I know that the doctor said to rest but¡­¡±


    ¡°If you know what the doctor said when you should rest up¡± he pulled up the nkets over her body and stroked her hair. ¡°I will have them make something extremely delicious for you to have when you wake up¡±


    She closed her eyes and nodded her head. She knew she might not be able to win in this argument seeing that she was more excited than her to have a baby.


    Xavier left her sleeping and went into the study. He had stayed awake all night after she had told him about the baby and he had ordered all the good and rmended parenting books and boos that had to do with prenatal care. He wanted to make an effort. He had the littlest idea on how to handle the situation but luckily for him, he knew how to read very well and he could read to know what to do.


    After he had been there a long while he went to check on Jessica and then gave her the meal he had asked them to prepare. After the meal, he suggested they go out for a walk so she could get a little exercise.


    She protested because she admitted that she was feeling a bit too tired and she wanted to rest some more.


    ¡°As a pregnant woman you need to exercise at least one a day¡± he exined.


    ¡°How do you know that? Have you been pregnant before?¡± she asked with amusement.


    ¡°I read it in a prenatal care book¡± That statement warmed her heart.


    ¡°Since you are making so much of an effort, I will let you take me on this walk¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Xavier was helping Jessica and making a fuss and she was telling him off for it. She was barely a full day of them knowing that she was pregnant and he seemed to have so much already stored in his head.


    ¡°Can we go back home?¡± she asked tiredly as they took a turn on the road.


    He opened his mouth to respond to her when the phone rang in his pocket. He wondered who it could be and was in shock when he saw it was Ross. He picked it up and put it up to his ears.


    ¡°Hello Ross¡±


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Delgado¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not been that long since we left the hospital but you are calling us already? Did we miss something?¡±


    ¡°I am calling because of the chairman¡±


    When Xavier heard that statement he felt his heart drop to his legs. It was as if he knew what the doctor was about to say but he was going to wait to hear it by himself.


    ¡°What about him?¡± he asked with a shaky voice. When Jessica heard his voice she diverted her attention to him. Why did he sound as if he was on the verge of tears and trying his best not to burst out?


    ¡°He took hisst breath at eighteen fifty-four pm¡±


    Xavier was not shocked but he felt a pang of pain shoot throughout his body. His grandfather was dead and he could not scream or shout about it. He did not want to startle Jessica.


    ¡°Okay doctor, I will be right there¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Ross said shocked at his calm reaction. When Xavier visited Dawson earlier he had an unsettling feeling within himself as regards him but he threw it off as fear trying to make a mockery of him.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Dawson?¡± he answered in a question form.


    ¡°What happened to him?¡±


    ¡°He passed¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jessica screamed.


    The bodyguards following them rushed to her and Xavier dismissed them with a wave of his hand.


    ¡°I need to find my way to the hospital immediately¡±


    ¡°I aming with you,¡± Jessica said as if her words were thew at the moment.


    ¡°You can note, just go home and have rest. I will be back soon¡±


    ¡°I have toe with you to say goodbye to Dawson,¡± she said again.


    She felt something warm trickle down her face and it was tears. She never thought about losing Dawson but now that it was happening for real she could note to terms with it.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Xavier said giving in. ¡°But do not cry, it is not good for the child,¡± he said wiping off the tears from her face with his hands.


    She smiled sadly at him. She could not believe that she was going to say goodbye to Dawson when she had barely known him for less than six months.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get back home and get you changed into something warmer¡± he took her hands in his and turned to walk back to the house.


    Please Readers do not give me a hard time. I had a hard time killing Dawson but I needed to do it. Also, the story ising to an end. I have less than 12 chapters left to share with you.


    Thank you all for the support ?

 Branch One Hundred and Eighty Five

    Jessica felt the trembling in her feet. This was the first time. She had to say goodbye to someone. She had just begun to see Dawson as a part of her family. She could not believe he was gone. There was no one to tease her about getting into Xavier¡¯s panties and making a great-grandchild. There was no one to adore her every move and tell off Xavier when he was in the wrong.


    Xavier on the other hand was not taking it all that well. Since he had lost his parents at a young age he has had only his grandfather to be there for him. Dawson had given him the whole world at his fingertips and anyone could tell that even if it was from a distance.


    ¡°I thought you said he had at least a few more months left?¡± Xavier asked with a tear in the corner of his eyes.


    Of all the things he thought he would be doing after hearing that he had be a father, he had never imagined that he would have to let his grandfather go. He staggered a little as he tried to control himself.


    ¡°He ordered that we stop the clinical treatment¡±


    ¡°And you just thought to tell me?¡± Xavier thundered.


    ¡°He asked me not to tell anyone and he is my patient,¡± Ross said trying to sound as calm as possible.


    ¡°And I am his guardian. Should I not be aware of situations like this?¡±


    ¡°The chairman knew how you would react when you heard so he made me keep it a secret¡± he exined again.


    ¡°I should have known all the same,¡± he said slowly before raising his head quickly to meet his eye level.


    It was disheartening and Jessica stood behind Xavier. She could not see his face but she was convinced he was crying. She knew that from his posture. She wanted to take him in her hands andfort him. She wanted to show him that all would be okay, but she could barely get herself together.


    ¡°The chairman wanted his body buried somewhere sunny,¡± Ross told him and he sighed.


    He knew his grandfather to have a unique style and method. Did he want to leave them so badly and fast that he stopped the medication?


    ¡°What happened?¡± Brian asked rushing in. Xavier had called him while he was crazy driving to the hospital.


    ¡°How did it happen?¡± he asked again when Jessica and Xavier turned to face him.


    ¡°He just left us, even after we gave him such great news¡± Xavier muttered slowly. He wiped the corners of his eyes as his eyesnded on Jessica who had the tears streaming down her face continuously.


    He did not want her to cry while she was at a critical stage but the situation was beyond his control.


    ¡°I suggest that you get on the preparation for the burial right away as it were his wish¡±


    Xavier looked away, he was to bury his grandfather? How was he going to handle it? His eyesnded on a strange figure as it walked toward them.


    ¡°I am here concerning the chairman¡¯sst wishes¡±


    They moved to the private room that Dawson had been in. Jessica¡¯s nose was filled with Dawson¡¯s scent. As she entered his subconscious mind heard theughter of Dawson and she turned to the bed to meet it empty. She wanted to be strong for Xavier but she could not help the tears as they streamed down her face.


    ¡°I never called you here,¡± Xavier said referring to Marcus who suddenly appeared from nowhere. He was going to call himter after they had settled the burial arrangement.


    ¡°The chairman had asked the caregiver to give me a call as soon as it happened. He achieved his will of recent and ordered that it be read before the burial is done¡± Marcus exined.


    When the caregiver sent him that urgent message of Dawson dying he was then convinced that he knew when he would die. He had changed the details of his will just a week before that time and asked that it be read on the day he passed on.


    ¡°I do not think that now is the most appropriate time to read anything. My grandfather just died¡±


    ¡°The chairman ordered that the seal be broken on the day of his death,¡± Marcus said. His eyesnded on Jessica as she tried her best to sniffle quietly in the corner.


    It was as if Xavier had known his intentions for her and had cut off allmunication between them. He knew the content of the will and had a kind of hope that it might work in his favor even though he might not get to inherit anything from these people.


    ¡°Then I guess you can read out the will terms so we can give my papa a befitting burial soon,¡± Xavier said angrily.


    He knew it was what Dawson wanted but should they not firsty him to rest before they start talking about dividing his wealth and how to divide it?


    ¡°First things first, anyone who is not a family member should please excuse as we read this,¡± he said waving the sealed document in the air.


    Brian stood up while dusting his trousers. ¡°I will be outside while trying to sort out the burial arrangements as soon as I can,¡± he said as he walked out of the room.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Jessica stood up and proceeded to go after them. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Xavier questioned. Before she could open her mouth to respond he said to her ¡°Come back here¡±


    Marcus nodded in affirmative and she came to sit with them. She sat close to Xavier but not too close to him, she did not want him to feel ufortable. Who knows how he might be feeling?


    ¡°First things first,¡± Marcus said as he tore off the seal on the envelope. ¡°The chairman only wanted something and if you can have that then I guess we can end the discussion there¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°A child¡± As Marcus said this he hoped within himself that the rtionship he knew was still the same between them.


    He hoped the pictures he saw on social media posted by others were an attempt to get social media talking and improve their shares.


    ¡°I guess that won¡¯t be a problem¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Eighty Six

    ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem?¡± Marcus stammered in a question.


    He still had hopes of getting Jessica which made him dy his wedding with Gold. She had been pestering him about it but he always found the perfect excuse for her. Hearing the news that Jessica might have had a child got him all jittery.


    ¡°Yes, we have not told anyone this arises from Papa but Jessica is pregnant. We only confirmed it recently¡± Xavier exined squeezing Jessica¡¯s hands in herp.


    ¡°You confirmed it? I thought it was a marriage by agreement and one of the uses was against physical contact?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but things happened and here we are¡± Xavier exined.


    He did not see the need to exin to him but he saw the nces he passed at Jessica even a blind man could detect that he was in love with her.


    ¡°I was going to call you to cancel the contract but I had not gotten around to it yet¡± Xavier continued.


    The reality hit Jessica. They had both professed their love to each other but maybe hearing him saying he was going to cancel the contract made her realize that they were going to be serious.


    ¡°Well okay¡± Marcus stammered. He tried his best to not allow his face to show his disappointed and betrayed expression. He did not know why but he felt like someone drove a knife through him and turned out of him in a quick session.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°So what does the will say?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°The chairman wrote,¡± Marcus said as he trailed off. The heaviness of the news he had just heard weighed him down. Xavier tapped on the table in front of him and Marcus woke back to life.


    ¡°I am sorry about that,¡± he said opening the closed file on hisp. ¡°The chairman wrote in his will that all he had and thepany including his shares and the shares he inherited from family members should be shared with you and Mrs. Delgado as long as the madam bears a child for the Delgado name¡±


    ¡°Okay, so then that means that we have the right to all the shares because she is already with child?¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°We need to ascertain the true father of the child¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jessica¡¯s voice squeaked out. She wondered what Marcus was saying. Was he using her of infidelity or lies? He had first implied she was not with child and now he wanted a paternal test. She had no problem going with the test if any of the family members had asked but it felt weird that he was the one who asked. It made her feel naked and exposed and she did not for once like the feeling.


    ¡°Why? Is it a part of the will too?¡± Xavier asked. He could feel the difort of Jessica beside him.


    ¡°No it¡¯s not a part of the will and I am not yet done reading the will but to ascertain the credibility of¡­.¡± he trailed off when he saw the stern expression on Xavier¡¯s face.


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Xavier asked when he trailed off and kept quiet.


    ¡°I am not implying anything I am just saying that¡­¡± he trailed off again.


    The expression on Xavier¡¯s face was too serious to be taken lightly. It was obvious that he was in love with Jessica. He had been reassuring her ever since they sat down and he did not want to hear what it was that he had to say about her.


    ¡°It¡¯s a standard procedure to ensure that the child belongs to the Delgado name¡± he exined. He wanted to confirm by himself who the child belonged to. He did not want to believe that he had lost her so easily.


    ¡°I can vouch for her¡±


    ¡°Mr. Delgado with all due respect we need to carry out the test¡± he exined.


    ¡°My wife would not undergo any test of any sort and that is final¡± Xavier¡¯s voice sounded like a warning he did not want to say twice.


    ¡°Mr. Delgado¡­¡±


    Xavier raised his hands to silence him from going any further. ¡°Did you not hear me before? I don¡¯t want any further discussions about this¡±


    ¡°Xavier?¡± Jessica said slowly. He turned to face her


    ¡°Let¡¯s just take the test, there is no problem with taking the test,¡± she said and he shook his head.


    ¡°No,¡± he said sternly.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s justply with thew so Dawson can have a quiet departure,¡± she said.


    Hearing her final statement Xavier knew he had no option but to give in. ¡°We would only do so yet because she agreed to it otherwise there would have been nothing of such¡± Xavier said turning to face him. He wanted to send a stern warning to him.


    ¡°We would take all the tests here being the rmended hospital used by the family,¡± Marcus said and he nodded.


    He was trying g his best to put his professionalism first and allow every other thing go for now.


    ¡°Please prepare to terminate the contract of the marriage,¡± Xavier said in passing. Of all the things he thought he would be doing in recent times, preparing a termination for Xavier and Jessica was not a part of it.


    He nodded and proceeded to read the great of the will. ¡°The chairman has established a foundation to help out those who needed help as regards furthering their education to the end and he wants the Madam to head that foundation and ensure that it is given the adequate attention needed¡±


    Jessica put her hand over her chest. She was shocked that Dawson would ask something so important of her. She did not know how to feel. She was almost tempted to show her gratitude to thewyer.


    ¡°Also he wants a portion of his savings which is fifty percent to go to Ms. Roselle Martinez¡± he continued.


    ¡°Would that be all?¡± Xavier asked when he kept mute for a while.


    ¡°The rest of the savings should be directed at the foundation. Also, Jessica can name the foundation whatever it is she deems reasonable.


    ¡°That will be all¡± he said as he closed the file.


    ¡°Were there no special requests for his burial? ¡± she asked as he closed the file.


    ¡°No there were none,¡± he said as he rose to his feet. ¡°As soon as the DNA results are out, please I should be informed so I can begin the process of transfer of ownership¡±


    Xavier gritted his teeth and stood up.¡± We will let you know¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Eighty Eight

    ¡°Are you guys free tonight?¡± Alicia asked. She was on a call with Jessica and Leslie. She had gone around asking them both why they had been such killjoystely. She had tried to get them both out several times during the past month and they had both declined the offer. She knew that Jessica needed someone who would be close to her at that time.


    ¡°I have a date with my husband¡± Jessica replied. She felt relieved that Xavier hade around. It had a tough couple of months. Since he was not expressive about his emotions she was not sure how to act around him.


    ¡°Awwn¡± they both cooed over the phone.


    ¡°But wait what do you say we have a triple date?¡± Alicia asked.


    ¡°Who would be your date since Jason is not in town?¡± Leslie jumped in to ask.


    ¡°He is flying in. His flight shoulde in any moment from now¡± Alicia replied. In the past two months, she had been going in and out of Chiachester City. She had been to Crescent Bay so much that it was a wonder that the bloggers still followed the story so intensely.


    ¡°No wonder you are in such high spirits¡± Leslie teased.


    ¡°So is it a triple date?¡± she asked to confirm.


    ¡°Sure, I will tell Xavier¡± Jessica responded.


    ¡°Sure I love the way you keep making ns for me. Of course, I have nothing important to do¡± Leslie responded sarcastically.


    ¡°So are you not going toe?¡± Alicia asked back with a sarcastic tone.


    ¡°I will let Brian know¡± she answered.


    ¡°Okay, then that¡¯s perfect. I will make reservations and send you the details¡±


    ¡°That¡¯d be good, it¡¯s just that I have to go home to change,¡± Jessica said. All of a sudden she found herself conscious of what she wore. It was as if the funeral services reinforced in her mind what position it was that she held now in society.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s a great idea. Let¡¯s all dress so fancy, it had been a long time since all of us came together to do something like this so let¡¯s go all out¡± Alicia encouraged.


    ¡°Yes Boss,¡± Leslie said mockingly.


    ¡°I am getting another call from my baby,¡± Alicia said and both of them pretended to throw up. ¡°I¡¯ll text your reservation details,¡± she said before cutting off the line.


    Jessica shook her head as she proceeded to dial Xavier¡¯s number. ¡°Hello darling,¡± she said in a low whisper.


    ¡°What did you just call me?¡± he asked when his ears caught what she said. He had badgered her before to call him sweetly but she had been against it.


    ¡°Just forget it,¡± she said when she realized what it was she did.


    ¡°How can I forget your first attempt at an endearment?¡± he asked with a littleugh.


    ¡°I just wanted to try something out but it is obvious that it won¡¯t work and I felt weird just saying it once. I can¡¯t imagine saying it again. Moreover, you heard me the first time¡± she rambled.


    ¡°Even if you do not say it again I will cherish this moment in my heart forever,¡± he said and she shook her head again.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°How is work going?¡± she asked. After they had made up that morning he had told her not to bother about lunch as he had important visitors from one of the neighboring cities and he would need to humor them by treating them to an extravagant lunch from their hotel kitchen.


    ¡°If you are asking how my lunch went I¡¯ll say normal but if you are asking if I miss you then I would say it¡¯s an unhealthy amount¡±


    ¡°I miss you too¡±


    ¡°Should Ie?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Are you done with work for the day?¡± she asked. If she was being honest she wanted him by her side immediately but she did not want to act selfish she was going to me it on the pregnancy hormones but she wanted him to be close to her.


    ¡°No¡± he murmured lowly and sheughed. She turned her head to the clock on the wall. She was sitting in her office after the rush out of the restaurant. She had been on her feet for so long that it was beginning to ache.


    After Chef Mali had left she put in all the effort and for her, it was a privilege to see her restaurant thriving on the food preparation technique that she taught. However, some people came because they caught a whiff that she was a Delgado and they wanted to experience seeing her up front.


    ¡°It would be over in the four hours and we can see each other,¡± she said resting deep into the sofa she was sitting on. ¡°And I miss you too but there are at least seven hours before we close up¡± she added.


    Unlike him who closed the standard job time she had to run her restaurant extra time longer although she usually left her staff to finish up while she went home to rest.


    ¡°We still have our date tonight tight?¡± he asked in a singsong voice.


    ¡°Yes, but Alicia said Jason was in town and she wanted us to have a triple date¡±


    ¡°Do you want to go?¡±


    ¡°She sounded so desperate on the phone so I agreed but we can raincheck in case you do not feelfortable,¡± she told him. She knows she agreed at once to Alicia but she could take a rain check in case it was not working for him.


    ¡°As long as you think it will be okay,¡± he said and she nodded to herself.


    ¡°We could atoll have a personal date afterward¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± Xavier asked his voice sly.


    ¡°At home,¡± she said slowly.


    ¡°I very much love that idea¡± he replied. ¡°I will pick you up after working hours.


    ¡°Okay then, but we would need to stop at home first so I can put on something better and something that can cover up the bump better¡±


    ¡°Your wish is mymand¡± he responded and they ended the call with a burst ofughter.

 Branch One Hundred and Eighty Nine

    The news that they had all heard startled them. They were gaping at Jason and Alicia as she unted her rings in his face.


    ¡°When did this happen?¡± Leslie said when she recovered. She had seen Alicia recently and she could not recall seeing a diamond on her hand.


    ¡°Last week when I visited him and the city,¡± she said with a smile.


    ¡°How did the bloggers not carry this? You have been a great source of joy to them since you two have been showing an awful amount of love to each other. It was titled A Love Across Cities by Chiachester¡¯s Dailies¡± Brian exins.


    ¡°It was a quiet proposal and I decided not to wear the ring¡± Alicia spoke. Between herself and Jason, it was hard to tell who was more excited about breaking the news to them.


    ¡°Congrattions, this calls for a huge celebration,¡± Jessica said and Jessica turned to her. ¡°It sure does,¡± she said in happiness.


    She waved to the waiter who walked briskly to them. ¡°I have made an order with my reservation, you can begin to bring them out¡± Alicia had gone all out. As the waiter rolled out the food cart they all concluded that she must have been so overjoyed.


    ¡°You know my restaurant serves very good food,¡± Jessica said as she took a sip of the soup.


    She thought the nausea would subside with the progress of the pregnancy but it felt to her as if it got worse with every new day.


    ¡°If I were to order this much food at your restaurant I would give myself away,¡± Alicia said.


    ¡°Do not fret oh dear child¡± Jason began making them burst out inughter. ¡°Before I retire back to my beloved city I would ensure that we dine there so many times you would have kicked out¡±


    ¡°Okay, so why are you taking like a character that jumped out of a Shakespeare book?¡± Leslie asked.


    ¡°I am so overjoyed¡± he responded and took his ss up. ¡°This call for a toast does it not?¡± he asked as he swirled the wine in the ss.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It sure does,¡± Brian said taking the bottle and topping up his and Leslie¡¯s wine. ¡°Let¡¯s toast¡± Brian added as he raised his ss to the air.


    Jessica picked up her water ss and clicked it with the others.


    ¡°Jessica are you not drinking today?¡± Leslie asked. It was strange to see her pass up alcohol. She does not have a high tolerance but she always took at least a sip of it.


    ¡°I quit drinking for now¡± she responded as she took the cup in her hand to her mouth and gulped down the water.


    ¡°Are you quitting alcohol?¡± Jason asked in amusement.


    ¡°Not really, just for a little while¡± she responded.


    ¡°What is going on?¡±


    ¡°I was going to announce it today but seeing that you prepared this dinner and had such great news to share with us o thought to share another day so you do not feel as if I stole your thunder¡±


    ¡°What are you taking about?¡± Leslie asked getting impatient.


    ¡°I am pregnant¡±


    Now it was the turn of every other person to look strange at Xavier and Jessica.


    ¡°You owe me money,¡± Leslie says facing her husband.


    ¡°Wait what?¡± Jessica asked confused at the statement she made that followed hers.


    ¡°We made a bet, I told him that you both were already so head over heels with each other and that very soon we might get tangible results¡±


    Jessica had not yet informed her girls that she and Xavier were now together.


    ¡°Leslie I guess you have always been the smarter one,¡± Xavier said eyeing his friend and personal assistant. ¡°Congrattions Jason Jameson and Alicia Gates¡±


    ¡°You do not need to be so formal, Xavier¡± Alicia replied. ¡°And also my congrattions to you too. You both have surprised us so much it is hard to believe anyone¡±


    ¡°You are the one who surprised us,¡± Jason said pointing in their direction. ¡°I thought you both could not stand the sight of each other but a baby?¡± he added.


    ¡°Congrattions,¡± Leslie said. Something inside her gave her a pang of jealousy. How was it that she who has been trying so hard to have a baby did not get one but Jessica who just tried once had a baby on the way? She wanted to be happy for her friend but she did not know how to express it.


    ¡°That makes two things to celebrate so let¡¯s drink,¡± Alicia said raiding her cup. ¡°Oh except from you Jessica¡± she added with a wink.


    Jessica let out a smallugh and took up her water to her mouth. Alicia raised her hand to signal the waiter who walked to their table.


    ¡°Is there anything else I can help you with?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, can you help my friend here who can drink wine with maybe an orange juice or something? ¡± Alicia said turning to face Jessica


    ¡°A grape juice would do¡± she responded. The waiter boards his head slightly before making his way towards the kitchen at the back.


    They continued talking with each other and sharing the good news. After a long exhausting time, they finally separated from each other. Jason and Alicia imed to go n for the wedding g but it was obvious that they were too drunk to be able to do anything. They would most likely stumble into bed naked and have s*x. Jessica was at least not drunk this time around and Xavier was one who rarely got drunk.


    Leslie and Brian made their way home. As they entered the house Leslie walked to the kitchen with her husband tailing her. She took a jug of water out of the refrigerator and walked to the ind to pick out a cup. She took a long sip of water to make her sober. She did not drink much so she just needed to wake herself up.


    ¡°I will go freshen up,¡± she told Brian as he stood there watching her.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said in a hup pouring himself a ss of water.

 Branch One Hundred and Ninety

    Leslie had finally left the bathroom after saying she was going to freshen up. She sat on the water closet seat for a long time before she opened up the cab and took a pregnancy test. She could not help but me herself for not getting pregnant and hearing the news about Jessica made her feel all the more sad.


    She could not lie it was hard to be happy for her and she was trying her best. She opened up the test she bought a long time ago. Since she and Brian had decided to take the pressure off and trust the process she had stopped taking the test.


    She took the test and when she finally had to see the results she was shocked at the stick staring at her. She had to take a couple more of the test just be to sure.


    She stood beside the bed where her drunken husband was lying and sleeping so peacefully. She wondered how it was that he was okay with hearing about Jessica¡¯s pregnancy. She did not expect him to be sad but at least he should have shown some emotions. He just chatted away and drank so much that he barely made it home.


    ¡°Brian,¡± she said shaking him. He shook on the bed and turned to his side using his fingertips to scratch all over his face and mumbling incoherent words.


    ¡°Baby,¡± she said again this time her shaking more violently. She held one of the sticks in hand with the double line across it and used the other hand to shake him.


    His eyes opened slightly and he caught a blurry glimpse of her. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked rubbing his eyes with the back of his palm.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± she asked him shifting a little so he could sit up in the bed.


    ¡°About what?¡± he asked making no move to sit up. ¡°What is the time?¡± he asked as his eyesnded on the bedside clock. ¡°Have you note to bed?¡± he added with a yawn following after he saw that it was past three a. m.


    ¡°No, I have note to bed yet but can we talk? I have something important to tell you¡± Leslie said and he groaned before he struggled to sit up.


    ¡°Can it not wait till when we wake up?¡± he asked yawning again.


    ¡°No it can not,¡± she told him as she inched closer to him.


    ¡°How did you feel when Xavier and Jessica told us they were having a baby?¡± she asked him and his eyebrows knitted together. He wondered why she was curious about it and then it all made sense why she was awake at that time and why she wanted to talk at that time.


    ¡°Leslie¡± he said gently.


    ¡°Just tell me how you felt¡±


    ¡°Honestly?¡± he asked and she nodded. ¡°I was happy for them. They do deserve happiness.¡±


    ¡°I was happy for them but I could not shake off the feeling of sadness that coated me so I know we agreed not to take the tests again but I took it¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Do not be angry but I took the test,¡¯ she said again. He frowned. He did not like how downcast and sad she usually was when the test came out negative and he did not want to see her down.


    ¡°We are pregnant,¡± she said shing the test stick in his face.


    Brian felt himself awake as the stick shed before him. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked. Suddenly the sleep he had been feeling all this while had left his eyes and he was now sober and awake.


    ¡°I know only a doctor¡¯s test can confirm it but I took all the tests we have left and every single one came out positive,¡± she told him.


    His hands went around her to wrap her in a hug. He signed in relief. He did not know what to expect but to hear her voice sound so joyful was almost a miracle to him. She has always had those down moments and days.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Brian?¡± she asked when he remained in the hug without uttering a single word.


    ¡°I am so happy, my joy knows no bounds,¡± he tells her as he tightens the hug.


    She wiggles in his embrace and waits for him to free her. His hands go to her face and he cups it in his. He kisses her whole face all over. ¡°I love you¡± he whispered in between the kisses.


    ¡°I love you more,¡± she said with a giggle following the statement.


    ¡°How did this¡­..?¡± he trailed off before deciding against saying anything. He takes the teat from her and studies it under the bedside light. He raises his head to her face and nts a kiss on her lips again.


    ¡°Can we visit the hospital tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Of course, we have to do so, I will tell Xavier, and then first thing in the morning we go to see the doctor,¡± he said taking her in his hands again.


    At that moment she felt that his joy was overshadowing her own. She felt that when the news came she would be jumping all around the ce but reverse was the case. She hoped the reality would set inter when it would be confirmed by the doctors because at the moment she did not believe that the test was real.


    ¡°Let us go to bed now, happy,¡± he said lying down and raking her to rest with him. He hugged her tightly as if he was afraid she would escape at night.


    He held her and they both drifted into sleep with Leslie asionally waking up at intervals worrying about how and if it was true that she could be with child at that very moment.


    It was weird because it was all she wanted and now she had it. She did not know how to react.

 Branch One Hundred and Ninety One

    ¡°Good morning,¡± Xavier said as he walked into the kitchen and put his hand over Jessica¡¯s shoulders. She had regained her strength after receiving the words of reassurance from Xavier and the good news from Alicia that she decided to cook.


    ¡°Good morning¡± she murmured again as she took in his scent. It was obvious that he had taken a shower just now because she could smell his aftershave and his cologne was stronger than when he had it on for a long.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    He pressed his lips on her ears where he could reach and left multiple kisses at once. ¡°What are you doing out so early and on your feet?¡±


    ¡°I thought to make breakfast for you,¡± she said. The gesture touched him but he did not like her on feet while she was pregnant.


    ¡°You can allow the house staff to do that, that is what they are here for, they get a sry every month but you do not allow do their money¡¯s worth. Or should Iy them off?¡± he asked.


    Even if he did not know much about Jessica as he would want to one thing he knew was that she would not like them to get fired from work because of her. She shook her bead in his arms.


    ¡°So then let them do their money¡¯s worth and you can get off your feet¡±


    ¡°Okay then I will let them start tomorrow,¡± she told him. She knew he had just guilt-tripped her but she did not know what other way to get out of the situation she had to just agree with him.


    ¡°No you would let them start today,¡± he said yfully massaging her shoulders.


    ¡°But I already started this meal,¡± she said wiggling in his hands. His grip loosened and she turned to face him with her hands crossed across her chest with a pout on her lips. Xavier could not help but think of how cute she looked.


    ¡°And I am sure they can finish it perfectly well,¡± he said once again massaging her shoulders.


    ¡°You are pregnant so you should not be stressing yourself so much anymore. I know how much you want to cook for me but I do not want anything to happen to the baby or you¡±


    The tone in which he used to say it could convince anybody to do what it was he was trying to get them to do. He sounded so gentle that she had no idea but to agree with him.


    ¡°But I am perfectly fine, ¡± she said trying to see if she could convince him.


    ¡°I never said you were not. The stress is not good for you and the baby, ¡± he said again.


    ¡°You are not a doctor so how can you be so sure?¡± she teased.


    ¡°I read it in that father guidebook on how to take care of your wife during a pregnancy,¡± he said with a smug expression. He seemed to be so proud of himself that he was reading so much about the process.


    ¡°Okay then you win, I better go get ready for work then¡±


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she asked stunned. Up until now going to work while pregnant had not posed any problem why was he not allowing her to do anything?


    ¡°I can not go to work?¡± she followed up with a question.


    ¡°I want you to get as much rest as possible before the babyes, you can hire a management specialist who would help with the restaurant for the time being¡±


    ¡°Would you also stop going to work?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Why? Do you want me to stop?¡± he asked back. She sighed in annoyance because that was not the reaction she was expecting from him. She thought he would go on and on about how he was a man and deserved to be treated differently but here he was willing to stay home if she asked.


    ¡°I am perfectly fine at work and I take asional breaks to rest my legs whenever I feel tired,¡± she tells him dropping her hands crossed across her chest and holding his hands.


    ¡°I know you are fine. I do not doubt it but you are five months along already and you have four months to go I think you should get good rest¡±


    ¡°First of I am four months and a few weeks pregnant, secondly check around you I am sure you would have women who work till their ninth month before they take a rest at your office¡±


    ¡°That may happen for them but not for my wife,¡± he said patting her head before bending down to carry her bridal style.


    ¡°Xavier put me down¡± escaped from her lips in a shriek.


    ¡°From now I will carry you and you can only work if you want to exercise and I will work from home so I can keep an eye on you¡±, he told her.


    ¡°You know thest visit to the gynecologist and he told me that I have a perfect and healthy pregnancy so you do not need to go all out like this¡±


    ¡°When is your next visit?¡± he asked changing the topic as he climbed the stairs.


    ¡°Next week Tuesday but I am fine¡±


    ¡°I aming along and I am sorry I have not been going with you all this while¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no bother, I know you wanted toe but could not,¡± she tells him.


    ¡°Xavier, can I at least walk from here to the room by myself?¡± she asked and he shook his head. He walked in and ced her on the bed gently.


    ¡°Thank you¡± she murmured. She knew she must weigh more than normal and he carried her like she was a feather.


    ¡°Xavier you are not letting me have any control over my life,¡± she said out of the blue as he was standing up. He sat back down where she was.


    ¡°I am sorry I made you feel that way. I did not mean it. It is just that this is my first time¡± he said in a low voice.


    ¡°First time?¡±


    ¡°Yes, first time to be a husband to a pregnant wife and I did not want to make mistakes¡±


    ¡°That is so cute¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Ninety Two

    ¡°How can you address me as cute? I am a full grown man¡± he said when he heard her.


    ¡°This attitude is what is cute,¡± she said pulling his cheeks. ¡°So would you stay home with me?¡± she asked him her hands dropping to the bed.


    ¡°Of course¡±


    ¡°Would you do anything I ask you to do then?¡± she asked raising her eyebrows.


    ¡°I am at your service ma¡¯am,¡± he said his hands to his head like he was about to give a salute.


    ¡°What of breakfast then?¡± she asked and his hands went to his hair to scratch it.


    ¡°Give me ten minutes and I will make sure you have the most exotic breakfast ever¡±


    ¡°Are you sure ten minutes would be enough?¡± she asked him with her hands folded across her chest.


    ¡°Thirty minutes?¡± he asked his head tilted and his eyes twitching.


    ¡°Are you going to prepare the meal by yourself?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I am going to surprise you with the best meal you have ever had¡±


    ¡°Thirty minutes it is then,¡± she said raising her hands to shoo him away.


    ¡°I am going now¡± she nodded at him. He furrowed his eyebrow at her when she nodded. ¡°I am really going¡± he added and she nodded again. He shook his head and grabbed her face with his hands and nted a kiss on her lips. ¡°Now I can go¡±


    ¡°I am going to take a shower¡± she shouted after him. He stopped in his tracks in the doorway and turned to face her.


    ¡°Why not take one with me after you eat?¡± he asked with a wink.


    ¡°Why would you take a shower again? You already took one earlier today¡±


    ¡°I will be all sweaty and dirty after I prepare the meal, talking another one would be the proper thing to do¡± he winks at her and she shrugs.


    ¡°Well, I guess I could not get any more pregnant than I am now¡± heughs and walks away.


    Jessica picks up her phone from the nightstand. She knew that Xavier would definitely need more than thirty minutes even for a simple breakfast. She decided to spend her time on social media since she had nothing else to do.


    First, she reached out to the manager she had hired before and told him that he needed to take over the running of the business for now. He agreed and she went over a few things with him. She promised toe around soon and settle some other things.


    She knew she could convince him to allow her for a moment. Surprisingly as she scrolled through social media the news of Jason and Alicia¡¯s engagement was stered everywhere. She wondered if they told the press themselves or if somehow the information leaked. Her phone rang in her hand and it was Leslie.


    ¡°Hello, mother to be¡± Leslie¡¯s voice rang over the phone. Jessica was d that she sounded like her usual self. Aside from the fact that she did not want her business all over the inte, she had been hiding her pregnancy from Leslie because she did not know how she would take it.


    She was at least d that she took it in good fate. ¡°You are in a good mood¡±


    ¡°Oh my god was it so obvious?¡± Leslie asked with a giggle.


    ¡°Of yes for sure. So what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°I guess we could be pregnancy buddies¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jessica asked confused.


    ¡°I just came from the doctor and he confirmed that I was six months pregnant¡±


    Jessica was not sure if her ears were deceiving her or if she heard well. Did Jessica just say she was pregnant and even more far along than her? Does this mean she was already pregnant around the time that she was angry about not getting pregnant?


    How did she not develop a baby bump? How did she not show any symptoms? Jessica was perplexed she wanted more information.


    ¡°What? How? What do you mean?¡± all the questions poured out of her mouth at once.


    ¡°Are you not going to congratte me first?¡± Leslie asked with a pout.


    ¡°Congrattions. It is just that I can not wrap my mind around it so that is why I am asking so many questions trying to understand it¡± Jessica said in a rush.


    ¡°I also can not wrap my mind around it so I did the test three times and the doctor confirmed it I am having two babies¡± she squealed into the phone.


    ¡°Wait what? Twins?¡± she asked with so much joy in her voice.


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°How did this happen? You did not show and you did not show any symptoms so how is it¡­¡± Jessica asked as she trailed off.


    ¡°So yesterday when you told me that you were pregnant I was kind of sad that it happened first to you and not me because you were not even trying and I was so I drank a lot. I was even too sad to get as drunk as I wanted because when I got home I was sober as hell¡± she said with a smallugh.


    ¡°So when I got home I decided to take the test again and the first few ones I took were all positive which scared me a little so I took all the test strips and they were all positive. Not trusting the slips I decided toe to check the normal way at the hospital and I realized how far along I have been all this while¡± she continued. She stopped to take a breather as she had said many words in the few minutes.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Oh my god, I am so happy,¡± Jessica said almost screaming.


    ¡°So am I¡± she squealed again. ¡°And I am sorry that I was jealous of you. It does not make sense but it was just the way I was feeling¡±


    ¡°Do not be sorry. If it were me I would be jealous too and I am not sure I would have handled it as naturally as you did¡± Jessica said in a praising tone.


    ¡°I was jealous that I thought of not speaking to you again¡± Leslie confessed.


    ¡°I guess that would have been my thoughts too¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much for understanding a human like me¡±


    ¡°I am human do I understand the feeling so well? Thank you for sharing your vulnerable moments with me. It must have taken a lot for you to tell me¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°I do not have time to be emotional. I better call my family and deliver the great news to them¡± Leslie.


    ¡°That is good. Bye,¡± Jessica said.


    ¡°Bye, talk to youter,¡± Leslie said before cutting off the call.


    Jessica squealed and stood up from the bed. She raced out the door towards the stairs. She had no friends and she wanted to share the good news with someone at least. She was halfway down the stairs when she met Xavier.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he questioned when he met her by the stairs. She was gripping the railings so tightly and jumping down the stairs with a huge smile across her face. He was almost tempted to smile back.


    ¡°I was looking for you,¡± she said in a squeal.


    ¡°I told you would take thirty minutes¡±


    ¡°And that you did, did you have any help from any of the staff?¡± she asked as she narrowed her eyes.


    ¡°Of course not, I am an independent man and I can do anything isn¡¯t my mind too¡± he bragged with the tray in hand. ¡°Where are you hurrying to?¡± he asked again.


    ¡°To see you and give you some good news¡± she replied as if it was a matter he should be aware of.


    ¡°I am here now can you go back to the room?¡±


    ¡°I will I will, after I tell you this,¡± she said in a high-pitched voice as she tried to jump up and down.


    ¡°Don¡¯t jump what is the news?¡±


    ¡°Leslie is pregnant with twins¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Ninety Three

    To Jessica and every other person it was as if Jason and Alicia were in a rush to get married and now that Jessica loved Xavier she kind of understood. She could not imagine a day without him and how her life would have been. Alicia had insisted that both Leslie and Jessica would be her bridesmaids because she had no friends.


    While Jessica was showing it heavily, Leslie just had a providing stomach that could be mistaken for overeating. It took a lot to convince Xavier to allow his wife to stand for that long. Alicia promised him to keep their vows short and precise so his precious wife would not have to stand for too long.


    The celebration of Alicia¡¯s wedding was nothing morous like what one would have expected. She had just a few close ones toe by while Jason had his whole family. They were all joyous that their yboy and troublemaker son was finally settling down with a reputable woman too.


    Although they were hesitant to ept her because of her previous reputation with rtionships that concerned starting or keeping a family when they saw the love they had for each other and how zealous they were to stay with each other they had no choice but to give in and bless them.


    ¡°Do you promise to be with each other when things get tough?¡± the official asked Jason.


    Brian had referred to Jason as a weakling because he had cried all through and was still shedding tears while saying the vow.


    ¡°Yes I do,¡± he said a tear dripping from one of his eyes.


    ¡°Do you take Alicia Gates to be yourwfully wedded wife?¡±


    ¡°Yes I do¡±


    ¡°And do you take Jason Jameson to be yourwfully wedded husband?¡±


    ¡°Yes I do¡±


    ¡°With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride¡±


    As Alicia and Jason¡¯s lips touched each other Leslie let out a strange scream from behind Alicia.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Jessica asked rushing to hold Leslie steady.


    ¡°Oh my god¡± she screamed out again digging her fingers into the skin of Jessica.


    ¡°Okay go easy on me,¡± Jessica said as her fingers sunk into her skin.


    ¡°Honey, what is it?¡± Brian asked rushing to hold.


    ¡°What is that?¡± Xavier asked pointing to the liquid trickling down Leslie¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Did your water just break?¡± Jessica asked. Although she had said she would not learn about these things Xavier had forced her to read books on things like that and she had read it just because her made her do it. It seemed like the knowledge was finallying to be useful to her.


    ¡°I think so or else I won¡¯t be feeling this intense pain¡± she snapped at Jessica.


    ¡°Hey, I know you might be in pain but that is no reason for you to snap at my wife. She was only trying to help¡± Xavier said pulling Jessica to his side.


    ¡°So what is it? Did your water break?¡± Jason asked with his wife by his side and his hands on her waist.


    ¡°What was your first guess genius?¡± she snapped again.


    ¡°Let me,¡± Brian said trying to lift her. She did not show signs of a baby bump but she did put on a few pounds more and Brian was shocked she was not so easy to lift.


    ¡°We will meet you guys there so hurry up,¡± Jessica said after Brian who was trying his best to keep up with her weight.


    ¡°So you may kiss the bride. For real this time¡±


    They left the wedding venue without even thinking of going to the reception and went ahead to the hospital. By the time they got there, Leslie was already in the delivery room and Brian was with her.


    ¡°I hope she is doing okay,¡± Jessica said in a worried tone.


    ¡°I am sure she is fine,¡± Xavier said rubbing Jessica¡¯s back.


    ¡°I am worried, I hope we hear some news soon¡± she followed up.


    ¡°Being worried is not good for the health of the baby and for you too. I am sure she is doing okay¡± Xavier replied again.


    ¡°Wow Xavier I never knew you could be this much of a simp¡± Jasonmented as he sat down with his tie loosened and out of his neck, jacket of tuxedo in hand.


    ¡°I am also shocked¡± Alicia followed up agreeing with her husband.


    ¡°I will dly be a simple any day any time for her¡± Xavier responded kissing the side of her face. Jessica did not have the luxury to respond as she was afraid and tensed.


    ¡°Aww that is so cute,¡± Jessica said dryly.


    ¡°And you really sound like someone who is impressed by the fact their husband is all over them¡± Aliciamented immediately.


    ¡°I am impressed it is just that I am just so worried about Leslie¡±


    ¡°So am I but do you see me allowing worry lines to take over my face? No, you don¡¯t so rx everything is going to be fine¡± Alicia said trying to ease her tension.


    ¡°Listen to Alicia¡± Xavier whispered to Jessica¡¯s ear and she nodded


    Aside from the books that Xavier made her read she had personally watched some delivery videos and they made her afraid of the whole childbirth process. She wondered what made women who have experienced such pain before still decide to have more kids. She was sure she could not understand it.


    Although she had yet to speak to Xavier about she had already decided that she would not be having another m child because she could not bear to go through another process like this one.


    ¡°It¡¯s Brian,¡± Alicia said as his eyesnded on Brian as he walked to them. He looked as if he had run a marathon. He could not understand why he was feeling so tired.


    ¡°Geez why do you look like you fight a bull?¡± Jason said as he stood before them.


    ¡°Fighting a bull might have been better. I fought a real war in there¡± he said but with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Your smile tells me that you won regardless¡± Jason continued


    ¡°I sure did¡± Jason replied. It was a tough one for him to hide his joy. He was so happy he wanted to jump up and down like a child who was gifted the most precious toy set ever.


    ¡°So can we see them?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Yes that is why I came to bring you in to see them,¡± he said before turning, Jessica held her breath stood up, and followed him with the others.


    As they entered the room their eyes fell on the ever-energetic woman as shey down somewhat lifeless on the bed.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Jessica asked as she approached her.


    ¡°So happy,¡± Leslie said slowly as her eyes darted to the cart by her bedside.


    Everyone gathered around and peered at the babies in ten cribs. ¡°They will soon be taken away but I wanted you all to see them first¡± Jason exined as the four of them stood there amazed by the beauty of the babies.


    ¡°They are so beautiful and I think it¡¯s worth the process¡± Jessica found herself saying out loud.


    ¡°Of course it is¡± Leslie murmured.


    ¡°What are their names?¡± Alicia asked raising her head to meet Leslie¡¯s eyes


    ¡°te and Andrew¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Ninety Four

    Alicia and Jason had to go ahead first since it was their wedding day. They were going straight to your honeymoon location. Jessica was so concerned about Leslie that it only took the willpower of Xavier to get her to leave the hospital back home.


    ¡°We could have stayed just a little bit longer. Did you see how cute those babies were?¡± Jessica¡¯s voice sounded so hyper about it. If she could be active on her feet then she would be jumping all around the ce.


    ¡°Yes, they were so cute,¡± Xavier said guiding her towards the stairs.


    ¡°So why did you let us leave so early?¡± she pouts and turns to face him while standing on the stairs.


    ¡°Because you need rest so you can birth to your cute baby,¡± Xavier said nkly.


    ¡°Okay but can I visit them tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°No¡±


    ¡°Come on please??¡± she said trying to sound as cute as possible.


    ¡°Do not make me look like the bad guy here but you have been up and on your feet for the past week now. You helped Alicia put the final touches to her wedding and then attended the bachelorette party after nning it and you stayed for her wedding today too¡± Xavier listed out all the things she did as if she was not aware of them before now.


    ¡°I was just so excited to help someone n her wedding,¡± she said with a sad expression on her face. ¡°I never got much luck with nning mine¡±


    When she saw the expression of difort on Xavier¡¯s face she quickly added ¡°Not that I am ming you or trying to make you feel bad about it. I might not have had a grand wedding but I am so happy about my marriage to you¡± she puts her hands on his shoulders and pulls him closer before nting a kiss on his lips.


    ¡°You know you have be braver,¡± Xavier said as she pulled away.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked smacking her lips together.


    ¡°You used to be afraid of what the house staff would say when you kissed me¡±


    ¡°Stop it do not tease me,¡± she said when she sensed that he was trying to tease her.


    ¡°Okay I won¡¯t but why don¡¯t you climb up or do you want me to carry you up the stairs?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said lifting her hands in the air.


    ¡°But you know you have added so much weight I doubt if I can carry you well¡±


    ¡°Why are you trying to make me feel bad about my weight?¡± she asked in a pout. ¡°You are the one who suggested it,¡± she said before turning and walking up the stairs in angry little steps.


    He walked ahead of her and lifted her up. ¡°You may have added weight but you are never too much for me¡±


    Her head fell into his chest and she closed her eyes. ¡°Teasing me must be fun for you¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°Forever fun¡±


    ¡°Have you heard from Doctor Ross?¡± Jessica asked as Xavier put her down on the bed.


    ¡°About?¡±


    ¡°About Genevieve¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Oh yes she is doing better and responding to treatment¡±


    ¡°Oh thank goodness,¡± Jessica said with a sigh of relief.


    Xavier could not help but agree. He had never been close to Genevieve but after losing his grandfather to the cold hands of death he could not stand losing another family member. He tried his best to begin to treat Genevieve how one would treat an aunt.


    Since thest time she left the house, she had been on admission as required by the doctor to help her recover faster. It waster made known that it was a misdiagnosis from the end of the doctor who did it.


    She had stage one cancer and could be helped to recover if she was dedicated to the treatment n and method with the whole of her heart. To help speed up the process the doctor had advised that she stay back to receive treatment.


    ¡°Do not get mad at me but¡­¡± Jessica said as she trailed off.


    ¡°You want to ask about your aunt don¡¯t you?¡± Xavier asked a knowing expression across his face.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± she gasped at him.


    ¡°Because I know what is going on in that pretty head of yours,¡± he said tapping the side of her head.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± she grunted and turned to him. ¡°How is she doing? How long more does she have to serve?¡±


    ¡°The term given to her would be over by the end of the year and she is doing fine¡±


    ¡°Can I get her out and you won¡¯t be mad about it?¡± Jessica asked in a cute voice.


    ¡°I thought you wanted her to be punished for what she did to you¡±


    ¡°Of course I do, but it just sounded a little off for one to allow their family to be in jail for something they did to them¡± she exins.


    ¡°I do not want us to get her out. Look at what she did to you and we are having a baby soon. Having her out now would be a danger to us¡± he exined.


    ¡°But¡±


    ¡°I promise you,¡± he said cutting her off. ¡°I will make sure to get her out as soon as her term is done and I will give her any amount she demands and allow her to leave our lives permanently¡±


    ¡°Let us let her out now and allow her to leave permanently¡±


    ¡°Jessica, I am worried because I do not know what she is capable of. If she can give up her niece as ransom then¡­¡± he trailed off.


    ¡°I will speak with her. Just let her out¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s sleep over it and discuss it muchter okay?¡±


    ¡°Just promise me you would think about it¡±


    ¡°Of course, I will¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Ninety Five

    it was almost a week past jessica¡¯s expected date of delivery and she was agitated. she did not want to show it but she was getting nervous about the situation. why was it taking so long for the baby toe out?


    she was eager to meet the baby because she was desperate to know the gender. she had said she wanted a son but xavier had said he wanted a daughter instead because the baby would look like her and he wanted a mini her.


    ¡°you can do it¡± xavier cheered for her as they climbed the stairs. climbing up and down became a hassle for her so she decided to love downstairs.


    she called ross when her date passed and there was no sign of the babying. although he exined it so well to her she could not help but atoll feel very nervous about it.


    ¡°why don¡¯t youe to do it yourself?¡± she snapped at him.


    she had been very snippy in the past few days and it was a wonder to her how understanding xavier had been through it all.


    ¡°take a deep breath. you have just three more steps to go¡± he continued rubbing her back in support of her goal.


    ross had advised her to do exercise as it can help the babye out better and faster. she hated the exercises and the situation. she wanted to pop the baby out of her and be on her merry way but here she was trying her best not to per on herself when she showed extreme emotions likeughter or crying.


    ¡°or you can just carry me and we call it a day since i walked all the way here by myself¡± she suggested. the statement sounded more like amand than a suggestion.


    e on baby you can do this¡± he cheered on. he learned from the experience of other seasoned parents by reading and listening to their experiences that staying calm at times like this was the best for both parties.


    ¡°i would never let youy your hands on me again¡± she swore as she cast a nce at him.


    ¡°what does that have to do with this?¡± xavier asked stunned as to where she went with it.


    ¡°you touch me and then i get pregnant and then go through all this over again? never?¡± she screamed at him. he was almost tempted tough but he controlled himself.


    jessica hissed out loud. how was he able to sessfully control himself? she knew she threw difficult things his way sincest week when she was due. she was partially grateful about how he handled it and partially angry that he handled it so well.


    ¡°i am sure you would change your mindter¡± xavier responded.


    ¡°never ever¡± she spat out.


    ¡°whatever you say, but you have not taken a step in more than five minutes¡±


    ¡°i will take a step as soon as i am ready to¡±


    e on you can do it¡±


    in a scream, she said to him ¡°no i can not¡±


    xavier had made jessicaplete the exercise and she swore that the only thing that would take her down again was if her water broke and she was ready to go give birth to the baby.


    ¡°i hate you¡± she murmured as she pulled the nket over her legs.


    ¡°i love you¡± she shouts back from the closet.


    ¡°i wonder why you have an unbelievably good hearing¡± she shouted back to him.


    he came out with a robe wrapped around him. ¡°i am about to take a shower do you care to join me?¡± he asked with a wink as he ced his body on the door frame.


    ¡°i do not,¡± she said in a sharp voice.


    e on¡±


    ¡°i do not want to. i am so exhausted from climbing up the stairs¡±


    a frown took over xavier¡¯s face before he turned around and said ¡°do whatever you want¡±


    jessica sighed andy down on the bed. she was sorry that she kept snapping at him but it was his fault that she was like this. if he had kept his pants on she would not be feeling as if she was carrying a full sack of rice.


    she closed her eyes to try and sleep. she did not know why the doctor had said it was normal that it was way past the date of her delivery and she had not given birth. leslie had given birth a week before the date of expected delivery.


    ¡°are you asleep?¡± xavier muttered as he hovered over her when he came out.


    ¡°i have not been able to sleep¡± she murmured with her eyes closed.


    ¡°should we go out and have a good time?¡±


    ¡°i can not have a good time with this belly,¡± she said rubbing her stomach with a smile on her face.


    ¡°of course you can¡± he said pulling her to a sitting position.


    ¡°can you just let me sleep?¡± she asked with an expression that tells him to just give him what she wanted.


    ¡°i can let you have what you want but i want you to have only good memories about this time in out life¡±


    ¡°and i have wonderful memories. i might be snippy but i am really excited and eager to meet this baby¡± this time the rubbing of her belly was more fondly and gently.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°so lets go out then?¡±


    ¡°would you carry me down the stairs?¡±


    ¡°of course¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Ninety Six

    ¡°Xavier get in here¡± Jessica screamed at the top of her voice. After they hade back from having fun which was Xavier made her do more exercises and she hated it work passion.


    Coming back home she had decided to refresh and then go to bed because she was not going to do any single exercise again. It seemed as if he was obsessed with the exercise.


    ¡°Get in here¡± she screamed again this time a pain shooting through her whole body down her stomach to her legs.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xavier entered with a worried expression and speed in his legs.


    ¡°My water just broke now¡± she eximed as she watched the trickling drops of liquid down her legs.


    ¡°Your water?¡± Xavier asked with a panicked expression.


    He had been studying so intently and practicing for this moment but being faced with the real situation he could not help but panic. ¡°Stay calm¡± he finally found his voice to say.


    ¡°I am calm but you need to be calm because you look terrified,¡± she tells him walking towards him.


    Seeing his fear she knew she had to be strong for both of them. ¡°I am not afraid at all¡± he lets out in a squeak.


    ¡°Okay then get the baby bag and the driver ready and thene get so we can go to the hospital¡± she exined.


    He shook his head and then nodded before turning on his heel to do what she had requested of him. ¡°Be fast¡± she shouted after him and his fast walk turned into a panic run.


    He went down with the baby bag they had prepared a month before the expected date of delivery and went down to get a driver ready to drive them.


    ¡°What is the rush young master?¡± Roselle said stopping him as he ran around the house.


    ¡°Jessica¡¯s water just broke can you get a driver ready while I go bring her down the stairs?¡± he asked giving her the bag.


    ¡°Yes definitely,¡± she said walking away quickly.


    He turned around and climbed up and entered the room. ¡°What took you so long¡± she said in a groan.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± he said taking her up in his arms and walking out.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Wait wait I need to have a change of clothes¡±


    ¡°Your clothes do not matter now. I am sure you would have to change into a hospital to be after all¡± he said as he continued walking down the corridor.


    ¡°Call the gynecologist¡± she muttered as she tried to manage the pain shooting through her body.


    ¡°As soon as we get to the car I would do that,¡± he told her.


    He had regained hisposure and she was d that she did because she could not manage the pain anymore and be the one in charge of the situation like she started. She wanted the pain to stop and for her to hold her baby in her hands.


    ¡°We will soon be there okay?¡± Xavier said as he dropped her in the car and closed the door.


    He turned to the other side of the car and slid in beside her. ¡°Let us go¡±


    ¡°Do you wish to stay in the delivery room with her?¡± one of the nurses asked Xavier.


    It had been over an hour since they had gotten to the hospital and Jessica had been groaning in pain. She had hurled promises of never allowing Xavier to touch her unless he had a vasectomy done.


    ¡°Yes I do¡±


    Jessica had thrown a lot of punches and bites into his skin at him but he still wanted to be there with her all through the process of her birthing their child.


    ¡°Come this way¡±


    Finally, after a long time, the doctor said she was now fully dted and ready to give birth to the baby. Although she had offered the process of a cesarean section to her she had declined saying she wanted to try and birth the baby.


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± Xavier whispered holding on to her face as he walked to her.


    ¡°The daddy is here,¡± the nurse who brought him in said to the doctor.


    ¡°We can begin now,¡± the doctor said out loud and everyone nodded as if in agreement with the doctor¡¯s order.


    ¡°Daddy I need you to helpfort and encourage the baby,¡± she told him and Xavier nodded at her before facing Jessica.


    ¡°You are so brave and I am so proud of you¡± he whispered to her as he bent to kiss her forehead.


    ¡°I am d we are having this baby together¡± she murmured as slowly as she could.


    ¡°Okay mummy, I will need you to push a little for me,¡± the doctor said and Xavier¡¯s hand found her hands and held onto it tightly.


    ¡°I know you can do it¡± he murmured to her before kissing the back of her hand.


    ¡°I can do it,¡± she said after he closed her eyes and pushed.


    ¡°That is marvelous but I want you to give it a little more effort than now. Okay?¡± the doctor said and Jessica nodded. She pushed with her whole might.


    ¡°Good job,¡± Xavier said kissing her hand once again.


    ¡°Okay can we do that once again?¡± she said to Jessica again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can,¡± Jessica said with her energy draining rapidly from her.


    ¡°Of course you can. I believe in you. I know you can¡± Xavier said the words of encouragement shooting out of his mouth at once.


    ¡°Once more and we should be done,¡± the doctor said. Jessica pushed and pushed three more times before the cry of the baby filled the room.


    ¡°It¡¯s a baby boy. Congrattions Mummy and Daddy¡± the doctor said before standing up to clean up the baby by the table.


    ¡°Can daddye to check the baby to ensure everything is intact?¡± the doctor said.


    ¡°Xavier?¡± Jessica said when she noticed he did not move from his initial position.


    ¡°I am so proud of you,¡± he said instead of standing up to the doctor¡¯s request. ¡°You have done so well¡± he added his voice almost cracked.


    ¡°Go see the baby¡± she whispered. He nodded and stood up going towards the baby. He came back a few momentster with the baby wrapped in a cloth.


    ¡°Do you have a name already?¡± the doctor asked.


    ¡°Joshua Dawson Delgado¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Ninety Seven

    ¡°Joshua?¡± Jessica asked shocked.


    Whenever she had wanted to discuss names Xavier had avoided it cunningly so she stopped bringing it up with him and began to think of names for herself. She hade up with names but she did not like any of them.


    ¡°Yes, his name is your maiden name and his middle name is Papa¡¯s name so he is named after him¡± Xavier exined.


    ¡°I love it¡± Jessica replied at hid thoughtfulness to include both families in the naming of the baby. It is dawned on him that he was preparing something like this and that was why he avoided the conversation whenever she brought it up.


    ¡°I will prepare the certificate. Congrattions once again¡± the doctor said before filing out of the room with her team.


    ¡°Let me hold on to him,¡± Jessica said stretching her hand to take the child from Xavier who had been tightly clutching onto the baby and watching his face from time to time.


    He stretched the baby to her and she took him from him. ¡°I am so d I had a son¡± she muttered.


    ¡°I am too¡±


    ¡°I thought you wanted a girl?¡±


    ¡°But I would notin if I end up with a male child too,¡± he said and she smiled.


    She would have been content if it was a girl too. She would not have minded the gender as long as the child was healthy.


    ¡°I better call Roselle she must be worried,¡± Xavier said pulling his phone from his pocket.


    ¡°Do not forget to tell Genevieve and Olivia and our friends too¡± Jessica said not pulling her gaze from the child.


    Jessicater managed to convince Xavier to help Olivia get out of serving time and she left their lives. She only asked to be given asion updates so she knows that they are all doing fine.


    ¡°I will tell them all know,¡± he said with a chuckle. He spent the next few minutes spreading the good news and it was such a wonder how his smile could not leave his face.


    When the nurse came back to take the baby for the test to ensure the baby was healthy Jessica was hesitant to let her take her baby away butterplied when Xavier convinced her.


    ¡°You also need rest,¡± Xavier said helping hery down on the bed. ¡°Roselle said she would be here soon with meals good for mothers who just had a baby¡±


    ¡°Can you say that again?¡± Jessica said with sleepy eyes.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Mother¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Mother¡± Xavier called her rubbing her shoulders.


    ¡°Can I also ask you to¡­¡±


    ¡°Father,¡± she said before he couldplete his statement.


    ¡°I like the sound of that¡± Xavier murmured gently as he gently rubbed her shoulders till she drifted to sleep.


    By the time Roselle came, she was fast asleep. ¡°How soon can she go home?¡± Roselle asked happily.


    ¡°The doctor said she would be good to go home by tomorrow¡± Xavier replied.


    ¡°I am sure the chairman is watching us from above in extreme happiness¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Papa,¡±


    The week following was all jubtion and joy in the house of the Delgado. The press and bloggers referred to the baby as the silver spoon of the century. While the entire city rejoiced Xavier and Jessica were finding it difficult to keep up with being new parents.


    Leslie and Brian shared their experiences with them before they had the baby but they thought it was over-told tales as usual. Now that they were experiencing the nonstop tears of their son at night they knew that the stories circting life about childbirth were true.


    ¡°Can you please stop crying?¡± Xavier asked as he took Joshua into his hands.


    The boy had woken up by two a. m. and had had a full city out session for thirty minutes straight. Jessica had first taken the pain of standing up to get him but now she hade to give him to Xavier because she could not get him to stop.


    Xavier rocked him for ten minutes before the cries began to subside and stop. ¡°Finally¡± Xavier murmured as he sat down.


    ¡°Oh my god, so I am a bad mother? Or does my baby not like me?¡± Jessica said with tearsing down her face.


    She had thought that the emotions that came with pregnancy were extreme but the post-childbirth era showed her that she had yet to experience something. She cried about everything and she watched her emotions change at the slightest things.


    ¡°Jessica we have talked about this¡±


    For Xavier keeping up with his wife who had her emotions all over the ce and constant crying baby was a lot for him. This was something he had never experienced before. He looked forward to fatherhood but never thought it would be this difficult. It was fulfilling to see his son but he did not know if he could keep up.


    ¡°He hates me¡± she murmured again. ¡°He only stopped crying when I gave him to you¡±


    ¡°He stopped crying because she was tired of crying. If you had held him for a few more seconds he would have stopped crying while you held him¡±


    ¡°Why am I such a bad mother? I can not stop my baby from crying¡± she said weeping.


    ¡°Stop crying,¡± he said trying to put her at ease. He picked up his phone and called Leslie hoping this was one of the times the twins kept both of them awake. He knew that as long as she saw she was not alone in this situation she would feel a little bit better.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Leslie said over the phone. From her tone, it was obvious she had been awake.


    ¡°The twins keeping you up?¡± Xavier asked. He had turned to someone who became free with those close to Jessica. It was like she cast a spell on him. Alicia and Leslie could hardly get used to it.


    ¡°Of course, what sane person would be awake by this time otherwise?¡± she asked. One could hear the tiredness in her voice.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    The twins were two months older than Joshua and Xavier wanted Jessica to know that it was not because she was a bad mother but just because that was the way babies were.


    ¡°Can you help talk to Jessica? She has been crying¡± Xavier asked.


    ¡°Put her on the line¡±

 Branch One Hundred and Ninety Eight

    TWO YEAR LATER.


    It was Joshua¡¯s second year birthday and Xavier wanted avishly extravagant party for him. Jessica was of the opinion that they make it something small with family and friends but Xavier wanted to brag about his son to his partners.


    Jessica did not see the need to have avish birthday for a two-year-old child. They had avish party at his first party and it seemed like Xavier was willing to make it a yearly thing.


    They had a long discussion which almost led to an argument between them. In the end, Jessica sumbed to him to allow peace to reign. It was not going to affect her in any way so she could allow for the party.


    Xavier had gone through long lengths and given the party nning process to a specialist. The party was toovish to be called a one year old birthday. It was almost asvish as the parties that Alicia and Jason threw once in a year now. They said they would make it a thing because they became an item after a party and they might help others find love.


    Alicia and Jason had even flown in to have the party with them. They were lovers of parties so there was no way they were nning to miss this one.


    The party started, Xavier and Jessica stood at the door with the ever hyper Joshua who could barely keep his feet on the ground to wee the guest. Everyone was gushing about how beautiful the son was and how much he resembled Xavier.


    Whenever Jessica heard those remarks she wished she did not think about giving birth to a son who looked like Xavier. She did all the carrying and pushing but he came out looking exactly like his father. There was no trace of her genes in his system.


    The party started a few momentster and the dance floor was full. Joshua had a great affinity with the twins te and Andrew. Jessica and Leslie were almost always together and so were their children.


    ¡°Are you nning to have more children?¡± Alicia asked Jessica and Xavier as they stood close to the bouncy house the children were ying on.


    ¡°Of course not¡± Jessica replied.


    ¡°Definitely¡± Xavier replied.


    The both of them said at the same time and turned to look at each other. Leslie, Jason, Brian, and Alicia burst intoughter at how cute the both of them were.


    ¡°I do all the work and the babyes out looking like you¡± Jessicains.


    ¡°I thought you wanted a child that looked like me?¡±


    ¡°I did but not anymore¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I am doing all the work¡±


    The party ended when the children could not keep their eyes open for the rest. Brain and Leslie took their children and called it a night while Alicia and Jason promised to continue their party at a bar. The rest of the partners and high-ss people who were invited took their children home after making meaningful connections at the party.


    ¡°You can put Joshua to bed while I go have a rest,¡± Jessica said as she turned back to her husband carrying the boy.


    ¡°I always have to put him to bed why don¡¯t you do so today?¡±


    ¡°For many reasons,¡± she told him.


    ¡°Like?¡±


    ¡°For starters, he likes it when you put him to bed and also you are the one who organized this party to tire him out, and then he looks too much like you¡± she stated.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true¡± he protested.


    ¡°It is and the only reason you refuse to admit is because you know it is true¡±


    ¡°Okay okay, but I am not epting because I agree. I only want you to go freshen up and wait for me¡± he said with a wink.


    ¡°Xavier,¡± Jessica said in a voice that voiced her disbelief. ¡°I won¡¯t be waiting for you¡± she added as she stomped away.


    Xavier turned and entered the room before dropping the baby on the bed. He kissed his head and tucked him in beforeing out and going downstairs to the kitchen to get a ss of water for himself and Jessica.


    As Jessica entered the closet her eyes fell on the calendar she made for her menstrual cycle. She did not want to be caught unaware with a baby girl thest time so she was tracking it so dutifully. She noticed that her cycle waste by almost three weeks. She has a deep gut feeling that she hates. She sighed and turned around to the drawer where she kept the pregnancy kits.


    She pulled one out and took it to the bathroom, she followed the instructions on it and waited for it to be ready. She heard Xavier enter the room with a whisper.


    ¡°Baby where are you?¡± he shouted as he entered. She kept quiet and did not answer because she wanted to make sure she was wrong first. She watched the timer on her phone go off and then pulled out the stick from the cup of urine.


    ¡°Xavier¡± she screamed when her eyesnded on the test stick.


    He came rushing into the bathroom to meet her.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I should be asking you when you did this¡± She gave him the stick. He looked at it and smiled.


    ¡°You are pregnant?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, why?¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, I am so happy¡±


    THE END.

 HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT.

    Heyyyyy


    I am so excited to write this after a long time and I hope you are too.


    I am also so grateful for themunity of readers that I get here on this tform. Having Readers like this is such a dreame true. Thank you for loving my ideas and taking them as they are. Thank you for the corrections, especially with my grammar. If many of you notice you would see that I am improving as I try to take sses to make me write better in English. Thank you for being a great support to me and my work.


    It is because of you all that ACCIDENTALLY MARRIED became such a huge hit, I keep getting offers to have the work published in so many other ces and I could not have done it without you. Sometimes I feel like a girl who had left her home for Hollywood and then suddenly became famous and began to win multiple awards¡­ and as I say this is all thanks to you.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    So I have a couple of announcements and I think now is the time to share it.


    1. I wrote book two of identally Married but unfortunately, due to the terms I had written it under it is only avable on Good Novel and can be essed there so if you want to read the love story between Jessica and Xavier¡¯s children then head on to Good Novel and Search identally Married. You do not need to read from the top just search the table of contents and head over to book Two. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.


    2. I have a new book and it is called LEARNING TO LOVE MR BILLIONAIRE. Please read it and then give me feedback I will be waiting to read yourments and what you think.


    3. Also if you would love to read another book of mine you can head over to Dreame and Search for the book with title  Divorced Once Married Twice. It is an original work by myself and I am so excited to be sharing it with you. I hope you can read the work and love it as you go.


    4. Do not forget to rmend my book to your friends and share it with people who you know would love to read my kinds of works.


    5. thank you for being here till now


    Thank you so much see you soon


    You can skip reading this because it is a repetition of the above.


    Heyyyyy


    I am so excited to write this after a long time and I hope you are too.


    I am also so grateful for themunity of readers that I get here on this tform. Having Readers like this is such a dreame true. Thank you for loving my ideas and taking them as they are. Thank you for the corrections, especially with my grammar. If many of you notice you would see that I am improving as I try to take sses to make me write better in English. Thank you for being a great support to me and my work.


    It is because of you all that ACCIDENTALLY MARRIED became such a huge hit, I keep getting offers to have the work published in so many other ces and I could not have done it without you. Sometimes I feel like a girl who had left her home for Hollywood and then suddenly became famous and began to win multiple awards¡­ and as I say this is all thanks to you.


    So I have a couple of announcements and I think now is the time to share it.


    1. I wrote book two of identally Married but unfortunately, due to the terms I had written it under it is only avable on Good Novel and can be essed there so if you want to read the love story between Jessica and Xavier¡¯s children then head on to Good Novel and Search identally Married. You do not need to read from the top just search the table of contents and head over to book Two. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.


    2. I have a new book and it is called LEARNING TO LOVE MR BILLIONAIRE. Please read it and then give me feedback I will be waiting to read yourments and what you think.


    3. Also if you would love to read another book of mine you can head over to Dreame and Search for the book with title  Divorced Once Married Twice. It is an original work by myself and I am so excited to be sharing it with you. I hope you can read the work and love it as you go.


    4. Do not forget to rmend my book to your friends and share it with people who you know would love to read my kinds of works.


    5. thank you for being here till now


    Thank you so much see you soon


    You can skip reading this because it is a repetition of the above.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!