?Chapter 1247:


    Yeah, that boy was cute, but Jesse came first.


    “I know I messed up,” she mumbled, reaching for Jesse’s hand. “Don’t be mad, okay?”


    Jesse gave her hand a light squeeze, his tone softening. “Let’s just go home.” She nodded quietly, ncing back at the boy onest time, clearly reluctant—but didn’t say anything else.


    “Wait,” the boy called out suddenly.


    Both Jesse and Nina stopped in their tracks.


    Farrah and n watched from the side.


    “I cane to your ce for a bit,” the boy said, after thinking it over. “But I have to be home before dark. I’m not staying the night.”


    Nina’s face lit up instantly. “Really?!”


    He nced at Jesse, then gave her a small nod. “Yeah.”


    “I knew it. You are the best!” Nina beamed, dropping Jesse’s hand and running back to the boy. “I’ll share my favorite snacks and toys with you!”


    Jesse just turned his head, not wanting to see the disy.


    Eventually, n took the three kids back with him.


    Farrah stayed behind at the set since she had scenes to film in the afternoon. On the way, the boy called his mom to exin. She was a little worried at first, so n offered to speak with her.


    Once everything was cleared up, she felt more at ease.


    “Hey, what’s your name?” Nina asked, her tone bright and friendly.


    The little boy didn’t hold back. With a sweet, matter-of-fact tone, he said,


    “Jerome.”


    “How old are you?” Nina asked.


    “Five.”


    “Oh! So you’re older than me and Jesse,” she said, eyes wide with surprise. She kept chatting until shended ament that hit Jesse square in the ego.


    “No wonder you’re taller than my brother.”


    Those words hit a nerve. Jesse flinched as if he’d just been punched.


    “Nina,” he snapped, trying to keep it together. “Zip it.”


    Freya blinked, confused. “Huh? Why?”


    Jerome, sharp for his age, offered calmly, “He’s probably upset.”


    “Why would he be upset?” Nina asked.


    “‘Cause you said I’m taller than him,” Jerome replied casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. He continued his chat with Nina.


    Jesse wanted tounch him out of the car. What was it with this kid? All it took was a pretty face, and suddenly Nina couldn’t stop talking.


    She didn’t notice Jesse’s inner turmoil and just kept chatting with Jerome like they were best friends.<fnfb90> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? fινdnοvel</fnfb90>


    The whole car ride was filled with her cheerful chatter and Jerome’s calm replies.


    .


    .


    .