Chapter 845 A Forced Kiss Upon Jamie
At that moment, the phone atop the table rang. Elliot took a glimpse at it before scampering outside with it. “Who is it? Why is Mr. Brown in such a hurry?” Elise could not help the curiosity.
“Definitely, it’s not a guy,” Jamie analyzed. “He only smiles at Jack. As to explain why he is acting so suspicious that we wanna beat him, isn’t it obvious?”
As he had expected, Elliot soon returned while holding hands with a petite woman. Yet, an air of awkwardness stretched in the room the moment they discerned who the woman was. She was the person who imitated Elise’s works and sold them, Stephanie.
It was nothing more but Elliot’s one-sided crush when Elise left at that time. No one expected him to be this devoted until his feelings came to fruition.
Winona, who knew nothing, raised her glass to congratulate her boss for the good news. “Congratulations, Mr. Brown. I’m thrilled for you both. Our boss has finally settled down.”
Despite being a billionaire, teen-like embarrassment and joy tinged on Elliot’s face when he heard that.
He held and lifted Stephanie’s hand to break the news excitedly. “Taking this opportunity, I would like to announce some good news. Stephanie and I are getting engaged next month. We are going to build a family of our own!”
Stephanie smiled lightly; she was the same demure lady she was seven years ago. Just one single glance of her elicited one’s protective instinct.
If they were in the same picture seven years ago, they would seem like a childish teenage couple. However, they looked like the perfect match right now.
“Congrats.” Winona clapped his hands innocently.
With a long face, Jamie wiped his hand with a cloth and tossed it onto the table before rubbing salt in Stephanie’s wound. “Awesome, but what should I give as a present? You guys have everything. Oh! What about SQ’s art work? If my memories serve me right, Miss Stephanie loves her work, right? ”
“Jamie, stop joking. Don’t put Steph in a tough position, will you?” Elliot became serious.
“Then, what about my boss? Elliot Brown, where is your pride, man? There’s so many women out there. Why must you hang up on this one? Have you forgotten how my boss treated your family?” Jamie delved his hands into his pockets.
This woman has been defaming Elise’s name for half of her lifetime, and you’re clearing her name by pretending that nothing happened? Ridiculous! Even if it’s Lincoln, I’m not letting this happen!
“How could I forget that? Once she’s back, Stephanie and I will meet her in person to clear things up. I just can’t give up on my happiness, can I?” Solemnity settled in Elliot’s eyes with a weight of mixed feelings and guilt.
At the same time, Stephanie’s expression was all scrunched up. She did not have the courage to stay any longer at the face of the fracturing friendship between the men.
“I told you that I’m not the one for you. I’m leaving.” With that being said, she made herself scarce.
Elliot chased her without a second thought and stopped her in the lobby. “Steph, didn’t we promise to face it together? I will be with you. Have the courage.”
“And how am I supposed to do that? We grew up in different environments and we see things differently. I’m the only one who belongs to a different world here. We’re… not the same—”
“We’re the same!” he interrupted her terrible thoughts. “As long as we have the will, we can be the same. It’ll make our relationship stronger. There’s nothing we cannot solve together. Trust me, Steph. I really wanna give you a home. I can’t imagine myself loving another person other than you.”
“Sorry. My mind’s a mess right now. Let’s reconsider our engagement.” She shrugged off his hand and left without looking back.
With that, Elliot stood riveted on the spot as the rain poured over his good mood.
…
On the other hand, Narissa sauntered out of a hotel when everyone almost left after the meal. The second she fished out her phone to call for a cab, a bouquet of roses appeared in front of her eyes. She looked up to meet Jayden’s gentle gaze.
“How did you know that I’m here?” A baffled Narissa kept her phone.
The couple had always been on a sketchy journey during the past few years, which she assumed was what people called ‘a suitable partner’ for each other. However, after hanging out alone for a few days, she realized that there was nothing unacceptable when her life was devoid of Jayden.
In fact, the burden weighing on her lessened and she could be her true-self without the worry of betraying someone. Moreover, she did not want to be a good person who always followed the rules. That would be boring.
“Anyone that joins us will have a tracking device in their phone in case of any emergency. Have you forgotten about that?” Jayden reminded gently.
“Narissa.” He took a step forward. “I gave it a thought and I am sure that I like who you are. I’m attracted by your appeals and I should embrace your imperfections too. Couples are meant to have to fight in order to fit the puzzles together. I’m willing to change for you. I will try my best to compromise.”
“Let’s end on good terms.” She only had faith in destiny. “If two people are truly meant for each other, why would they condescend to make changes? That’s not love.”
“Yes, and I’m not changing just for the sake of it! I can accept you and all of you. Isn’t it enough to prove how much I love you?” he insisted stubbornly.
Narissa had no intention to hurt anyone, but it seemed like she could only be honest that she did not love him anymore. There was no impulsive urge of love within her when Jayden was in front of her.
Still, Jamie bulldozed in the situation before she could even say anything. Noticing the weird atmosphere enveloping them, he insensibly pulled her to a side and whispered to her, “I told you not to always act strong, didn’t I? Boyfriends are different from homies. You should learn how to be soft to your boyfriend. I guarantee that he will give in to your antics.”
Some people tended to platter on and on about their theories when they had never gotten into a relationship. Then, they would be all clumsy when they dated someone for real.
Jamie was exactly one of them; the more confident he was in his love-related analysis, the more he was proving that he knew nothing of it.
As such, Narissa shot him a sideway glare with a murderous glint.
This silly boy. Can’t he see that I’m trying to dump that guy? Why does he keep pushing me to Jayden? Is he having fun going against me? He didn’t even help me when I was in a bind in the store! I do like him a little, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to punch him!
“What?” Jamie retreated upon sensing the murderous aura.
“What are you guys talking about?” Jayden came up to them.
She took a glance at him before grabbing Jamie’s collar and pulled him so that his lips crashed onto hers.
Jamie failed to react in time as he held his breath instinctively while his ears were burning red.
S-She kissed me?!
