?Chapter 1359:


    “Would you ever consider being in a rtionship?”


    “Not interested.”


    “Well, I am.” Jessica looked at him with open admiration, her face glowing with honesty. “Before, school and work always got in the way. Now that I’ve quit my job, I finally want to experience what it’s like to be in love.”


    Melvin paused, chopsticks hovering in midair. He nced at her, curiosity piqued. “Is there someone specific you have in mind?”


    “I do.” Jessica decided to cut right to the chase. She knew this man would never pick up on hints.


    Melvin kept his tone casual. “Who is it?”


    “You.” Her voice was bright, and there was a yful spark in her words.<fn5ac2> The rightful source is find?novel</fn5ac2>


    His hand stilled over his te. For a split second, a rare flicker of surprise crossed his face.


    With a softugh, she began listing his qualities, counting on her fingers.


    “You’re considerate, handsome, an amazing cook, and you’ve got a steady job. Anyone would be lucky to date you. Honestly, you’d make the perfect husband.”


    “I’m not nning on dating or marrying anyone right now.” He took a moment before answering, his expression thoughtful.


    “I’m not asking for anything serious. I just want to try it out. We already live together—why not act like a couple and see what happens?” Jessica shrugged, trying to keep things light.


    Melvin lookedpletely lost. A sense of disbelief washed over him. Was she really suggesting they act like a couple?


    “What, am I not attractive enough for you to be seen with?” Jessica grinned and poked at his pride.


    Melvin had no clue he had just stepped into her snare.


    “You’re definitely attractive.”


    “Then what’s stopping you from just ying along for a bit?” Jessica’s eyes sparkled as she kept going. There was nothing traditional about her idea. “I’m not after romance. I just want apanion—someone to share movies, shopping trips, and simple moments with.”


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    A reply hovered on his lips but never quite made it out.


    She tilted her head, moving a little closer. “So, are you in?”


    Melvin needed to be sure. “So, you mean just pretending?”


    “Not exactly.” Jessica shook her head. “We’d just keep things the way they are, only people would call us a couple. And if you end up liking someone, we drop the whole thing.”


    That idea still rubbed him the wrong way.


    “Since you’re not crushing on anybody, can’t you help me out for my birthday?” Jessica knew just how to get under his skin. “This is all I want for turning twenty-eight.”


    “I can do all those things with you,” Melvin’s answer came after a pause. “If what you want is just to see what it feels like, we don’t have to put abel on it.”


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