?Chapter 1369:


    “Just a talk.” Melvin’s voice was steady, his expression giving nothing away. The cup in Jessica’s hand trembled just a bit as a flicker of regret crossed her mind.


    Maybe she had acted too quickly.


    Still, he hadn’t stopped her; she couldn’t resist.


    After steadying herself with a slow breath, she faced him. “Of course.”


    “You realize I didn’t mean to turn my head at that exact moment, right?” A sharp glint returned to his gaze as Melvin studied her face, searching for her reaction.


    Jessica’s breath caught, her lips forming a thin line as a spark of nervousness flickered in her gaze.


    Melvin picked up on her quiet pause and gently asked, “Am I right?”


    Her cheeks flushed, but she tossed back with a yful huff, trying to mask the butterflies in her stomach. “So what if it is? You still turned around and stole my first kiss. Doesn’t matter if it was an ident—the oue’s the same.”


    Melvin’s eyes locked on hers, steady and unreadable.


    Her fingers tightened around the ss, betraying her calm fa?ade. This was overwhelming for her. When had his presence started to feel so… intense? She was losing her cool, and fast.


    “You’re right,” Melvin said softly, his voice calm as he nodded in agreement.


    Jessica blinked, caught off guard by his easy eptance.


    He stood, gently taking the ss from her hand. “Let me help you.”


    “Huh?” Jessica’s mind was still spinning, not quite keeping up.


    “You said you wanted water, right?”


    “Oh, yes, thanks.”


    “My pleasure.” Melvin filled the ss with water and handed it back.


    Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, “I’m staying home with you for the next two weeks. If you need to go anywhere, I’ll drive you.”


    Jessica tilted her head, puzzled. “What does that mean?”


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    He shrugged, keeping it vague. “I’ve cleared my schedule. You’re in charge for now.”


    “You’re not going to work?”


    “Nope.”


    “Are you serious?” Jessica felt like she was in a dream.


    Melvin gave a small nod, his face calm but certain.


    She bit her lip, still trying to wrap her head around it.


    Everyone—Gerard, Freya—had always said Melvin lived for his work, barely taking a break.


    But now…


    She studied the man standing before her, cool and collected, yet something about him felt different—like a quiet change was stirring.


    “You love your job,” she said, curious. “Why take a break now?”


    Melvin smiled faintly. “First time in a rtionship. I want to make it special for you.”


    Jessica didn’t respond, sensing there was more to it. She could tell that wasn’t the full story.


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