?Chapter 1423:


    The sound of Jessica’s phone conversation made it clear to Melvin that she was awake.


    “Come in,” Jessica called out. Her hair was tousled, and she looked endearingly disheveled.


    “I brought you some clothes. Hope you like them,” Melvin said, stepping inside with two bags in hand. He passed them to her, adding, “And here’s a pair of shoes.”


    Jessica hesitated for a moment. Though she was ustomed to his thoughtful nature, his care still struck her deeply, warming her heart.


    “If they’re not to your liking, I can have someone fetch other options,” Melvin added, noticing her silence.


    She fought to keep her emotions in check, taking the bags from him with a grateful smile. “These will do just fine. Thank you.”


    “I didn’t get any makeup,” he confessed, his hands at his sides, visibly tense. His concern was evident; he feared she might be upset that he had made decisions for her without asking. “I wasn’t sure what you’d want.”


    “It’s fine.” Jessica smiled reassuringly. Makeup was something she rarely bothered with—usually just a touch of sunscreen, concealer, and a swipe of lipstick. “It’s just the paperwork,” she added lightly. “No need for makeup.”


    “Marriage isn’t something you rush into.” Melvin tried once more to reason with Jessica.


    “You don’t have to say another word,” Jessica interrupted, her eyes locking onto his with a gravity he had never seen before. “I’ll only ask this once more—will you marry me, yes or no?”


    Melvin opened his mouth but couldn’t bring himself to speak. He longed to pour his heart out, but he reminded himself—he was no longer a boy chasing whims. An adult has to weigh not just feelings, but the consequences.


    “So that’s a no?” she pressed again.


    “I’m sorry,” he finally replied, his voice thick with turmoil.


    “No apology needed.” Jessica rose from the bed, drawing a clear line between them. “Since you’ve made your choice, then from this moment forward, I hope you won’t show up in front of me again. If you do, I’ll take it as your silent agreement to marry me.”


    Your update hub: g?lησv?ls?c?m


    “Jessica—” Melvin started to protest.


    “Think it through,” she said coolly, gathering her clothes and heading toward the bathroom.


    Melvin stood there, stunned, the words tangled in his throat. She was already gone.


    For the next thirty minutes, silence reigned between them—or rather, Jessica gave him no opening to speak at all.


    At exactly 8:20, she collected her belongings and prepared to leave.<fn8149> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? F?nd-Novel</fn8149>


    Melvin, like a child caught breaking something precious, offered hesitantly, “Let me drive you.”


    “There’s no need.” Jessica declined, pausing to nce back at him, her eyes a swirl of emotions. “Remember what I said. Until you know what you truly want, stay away from me. I don’t want any false hope.” With that, she walked out.


    Melvin wanted to follow, but his feet felt like they were made of stone. He simply stared at the door she had just closed behind her, his face unreadable. Only after what felt like ages did he pull out his phone and send her a message. But it bounced back. That was when it hit him—he’d been blocked. Even his alternate ount had been shut out.


    .


    .


    .