?Chapter 1406:


    As Melvin stepped inside, his gazended on the phone, catching his attention.


    Jessica noticed and cut in sharply, “So, what’s this about?”


    “I’ll help you pack,” he offered, moving further into the room.


    “My clothes? How are you going to help with that?” Jessica teased, trying to rattle him. “What if you took something personal, like my underwear, and hid it?”


    Melvin’s cheeks flushed. “I wouldn’t!” he shot back, flustered.


    Jessica smirked, enjoying his difort. “Sure about that?”


    “I mean it,” Melvin insisted, his ears now bright red. “If you’re worried, you can stay and keep an eye on me.”


    Jessica’s teasing faltered, her heart caught in a tug-of-war.


    She knew he was kind, always had been. Even now, as she pushed his buttons, he stayed calm, only wanting her trust. How could she not feel something for someone so…


    Steady, so true? From their teenage days to now, he hadn’t changed—loyal, dependable, always there.


    “Jessica?” Melvin’s voice broke her thoughts, soft with concern.


    “I can pack myself,” she said, brushing him off. Then, remembering his message, she held out her hand. “Let me use your phone. I need to make a call.”


    “Where’s yours?” Melvin asked, curious.


    “It’s dead,” Jessica replied, quick as a whip.


    Without a second thought, he handed over his phone.


    When he lingered, she added, “I’d rather you not listen in.”


    “Fine,” Melvin mumbled, reaching for his phone.


    Jessica blinked, confused. Was he taking it back?


    “I’ll unlock it,” Melvin rified, seeing her hesitation. He opened the phone, handed it back, and stepped outside, giving her space.


    His thoughtfulness only deepened her suspicions—he cared for her more than he let on. Why else would he jump to do everything she asked?


    Fresh updates now on g?lnσνe??s


    Steeling herself, Jessica opened an app, knowing it was wrong to snoop but needing answers. Was this “Mel” really him?


    The truth hit her fast—his chat list had only one name: hers.<fn8158> For original chapters go to FιndＮovel</fn8158>


    She checked his contacts.


    No one else.


    Her heart should have soared, but instead, she wondered why he hid his feelings. What was stopping him?


    Asking him outright wouldn’t work. He was stubborn, always sticking to his code.


    Jessica closed the app, covering her tracks, and skipped the call she’d imed she needed. Even if Melvin checked, he’d assume she deleted the log.


    She opened the door and handed his phone back, her voice cool. “Thanks.”


    “Jessica,” Melvin called softly.


    “Yeah?”


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