Chapter 14
Jose put down the phone and turned toward the kitchen.
Jessica was washing vegetables, afternoon sunlight spilling through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
They’d lived together for three months,
“Jessica, come sit awhile.”
He walked toward the kitchen,
“Almost done. Wanted to make you Honey Glazed Pork Ribs today,”
Jessica turned and smiled.
Jose wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
“No rush.”
Jessica set down the vegetables and turned.
“Who called just now?”
“William.”
Jessica stiffened slightly.
“What did he want?”
“Nothing important.”
Jose stroked her cheek. “Do you still hurt because of him?”
Jessica met Jose’s gaze.
“No.”
Her voice was soft but firm. “That person’s history,”
Jose’s heart clenched.
This was Jessica’s first clear farewell to the past.
“Sure?”
“Yeah.”
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Chapter 14
Jessica nodded.
Complex emotions flickered in Jose’s eyes.
“Jose,” Jessica said earnestly, “Are you good to me out of guilt?”
The question froze Jose.
Three months ago, he’d approached Jessica seeking revenge.
But now…
“Maybe at first.”
He didn’t lie. “Not now.
Now it’s because I love you.”
“I know.”
“You know?”
“I’ve watched you daily these three months.”
Jessica chuckled lightly. “If it were guilt, you wouldn’t hold me till dawn during nightmares.
If it were revenge, you wouldn’t panic when I fell ill.”
She paused. “You wouldn’t look so heartbroken when I mention the past.”
Jose crushed her in an embrace.
“Jessica, I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Her first time speaking those words.
The phone rang again.
Unknown number.
“Hello?”
“Mr. Roberts, I’m the Anderson group secretary.”
A woman’s voice. “Mr. Anderson wants to see Ms. Wilson.”
Jose’s face iced over.
“Tell him to stop harassing us. What right has he to see her?”
“Mr. Anderson says just once more.
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Chapter 14
He wants to apologize face-to-face.”
Jessica heard and took the phone.
“This is Jessica.”
“Ms. Wilson, Mr. Anderson truly wishes to see you.
He said if you refuse, he’ll…” The secretary’s voice cracked.
“He’ll what?”
“He’ll vanish. Never disturb you again.”
Jessica looked at Jose, whose eyes brimmed with worry.
“Tell him tomorrow, 3 PM, the usual coffee shop.
Just this once.”
After hanging up, Jose gripped her hand.
“Jessica, you needn’t see him.”
“I know.”
Jessica brushed his knuckles. “But I must end the past completely.
Only by telling him face-to-face we’re finished can I truly start anew.”
Jose saw the steel in her eyes.
This was the woman he loved.
Gentle yet unbreakable.
Next afternoon, Jessica arrived punctually at the coffee shop.
William was already waiting.
Months unseen, he’d grown gaunt and weary.
“Jessica.”
He stood, voice quivering.
Jessica sat opposite, expression serene.
“What do you want to say?”
“I’m sorry.”,
“And?”
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Chapter 14
“I was wrong.”
William’s voice broke. “I shouldn’t have betrayed you.”
I shouldn’t have trusted Anna.
I shouldn’t have…”
“What shouldn’t you have done?”
Jessica cut him off. “Shouldn’t have pursued me?
Shouldn’t have married me?
Or shouldn’t have loved me?”
William remained silent.
“William, you know what?
I don’t hate you anymore.”
William’s head snapped up.
“Because hating someone is exhausting.”
Jessica murmured, “Besides, hating you would mean I still care.
But now… I truly don’t.”
Those words cut deeper than any accusation.
“Jessica, is there still a chance for us?”
Desperation laced his plea.
Jessica shook her head.
“None.”
“Why?”
“Because,” Jessica rose to her feet, “I’ve found someone who truly loves me.
And you… you could never be that person.”
She turned to leave.
William suddenly grabbed her hand.
“Jessica, I can change!
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Chapter 14
I’ll give up everything for you!”
Jessica looked back,
her eyes holding unspeakable sorrow.
“William, if loving someone requires abandoning everything,
that’s not love, it’s a transaction.
True love helps someone become their best self,
not demands they sacrifice everything for you.”
She gently pulled free.
“Goodbye, William.
I hope you find your happiness.”
Stepping out of the café,
Jessica felt a knot inside her finally unravel.
She pulled out her phone,
dialing Jose’s number.
“Jose, I want to go home.”
“I’ll come get you right now.”
Ten minutes later,
Jose’s car appeared at the curb.
Jessica got in,
clutching him tightly.
“How did it go?”
Jose softly stroked her back.
“It’s over.”
Jessica whispered against his chest.
“Completely over.”
Jose felt the tension leave her body.
“Jessica,” he kissed her forehead,
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Chapter 14
“Will you marry me?”
Jessica looked up,
tears glistening in her eyes.
Not tears of sorrow.
“I will.”
Outside, the sun dipped below the horizon.
Inside, two people in love held each other close.
But just then,
Jessica’s phone rang.
Caller ID: Anna Moore.
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