?Chapter 1416:


    “I know I’ve hurt you and caused you pain.” Melvin’s words were heavy, his mind racing with what could have happened if someone else had shown up. “If you need tosh out—yell, hit me, anything—I won’t stop you. But this? You can’t do this.”


    “Do what?” Jessica shot back, tilting her head.


    “You’re ying with fire,” Melvin said inly, bracing himself. “If another guy had walked in and seen you in this room, looking like this, he might have…” His words trailed off, stuck in his throat.


    “Tried to sleep with me?” Jessica finished for him, her voice sharp.


    Melvin’s frustration spilled over. “You knew that. So why go through with it?”


    “I invited him here for that,” Jessica said boldly, her eyes locking onto his. “Since you’re here, let’s get started.”


    “Started with what?” Melvin asked, thrown off bnce.


    Jessica stepped closer, her fingers lightly tracing circles on his chest. She whispered, “Let’s y the grown-up game.”<fn19fe> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? fι?dnοvel</fn19fe>


    Melvin backed away, catching a glimpse of her slightly unbuttoned top. His brow creased with concern.


    “Do I look pretty?” Jessica asked, noticing his nce.


    Melvin stayed silent, slipping off his suit jacket.


    She blinked, confused. Was he going along with it?


    “You look beautiful,” Melvin said softly, his voice warm in her ear. He gently draped his jacket, warm with the faint scent of his cologne, over her shoulders. “It’s chilly in here. Wear this.”


    That small act of kindness sparked a quiet warmth in her heart. She smiled to herself—he was clueless about romance.


    “Don’t ever do this again,” Melvin said, adjusting the jacket. “Guys who y these games aren’t safe. You don’t want to catch something.”


    “I’ll choose someone safe,” Jessica teased, pushing back.


    “How do you know he’s safe without a health check?” Melvin’s tone was firm, unwilling to let her take such risks. “Don’t make your parents worry.”


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    Jessica stood still, a loose wave of her hair falling gently. “What about you?”


    Melvin froze for a moment. “What?”


    “Are you worried about me?” Jessica asked, her voice soft but direct.


    His lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes meeting her clear ones. “Yes, I’m worried.”


    Jessica’s heart skipped a beat. “Do you like me?” she pressed, her tone serious. “If you do, I’ll marry you. If not, I’ll marry Jack tomorrow.”


    “Jessica…” Melvin began, then hesitated.


    “Just tell me,” Jessica cut in, tired of vague answers. “Do you like me or not?”


    Melvin went quiet, his thoughts a tangled mess.


    She didn’t rush him, giving him space to think.


    “I’m sorry,” he said atst, his voice low. “I care about you as a friend. That’s all.”


    “Swear it,” Jessica demanded, needing rity.


    “I swear,” Melvin said, his tone steady and honest.


    Jessica’s eyes narrowed. “If you ever fall for me, I’ll never find happiness again.”


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