?Chapter 1436:


    With her lips pressed in a thin line, Jessica gave a small nod.


    Lawrence tried again, his curiosity peaking. “So, how long were you into him?”


    “For more than a decade.”


    “A decade?”


    “More than a decade,” Jessica repeated, honest as ever.


    Lawrence almost let out a string of curses, but he held back. He remembered what Jessica had shared earlier, along with the fact that the man seemed to like her back, so he bit his tongue.<fn7ff8> Discover more novels at find[?]ovel</fn7ff8>


    After a moment’s thought, he offered, “Want to talk about it? Maybe I can give you some advice—or at least give the guy a piece of my mind.”


    “I’ve alreadye up with something.” Jessica shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “If nothing changes in a month, I’ll look for you.”


    Lawrence nodded with a smile.


    Time drifted by, and Lawrence found himself sprawled across the sofa. Jessica’s eyes lingered on him. He carried himself with a confidence that drew attention, every bit as polished as ever. Unable to resist, she grinned and asked, “So, Lawrence, exactly how long have you known my uncle?”


    Lawrence gave a half-smile before answering, “Longer than you’d believe.”


    Jessica’s eyebrows shot up. “After all those years, you still haven’t managed to win him over?” Her voice carried both teasing and disbelief.


    She tried to picture herself pursuing Melvin with that kind of stubborn devotion, putting everything on the line. Honestly, she doubted she couldst half as long before her pride pulled her away. Every now and then, she would sneak back into the country just to catch a glimpse of Melvin, to see for herself how he was doing.


    Her feelings for him had always been real, but she had also learned the value of keeping her self-respect.


    Lawrence hesitated before saying, “We did have something real.” Regret crept into his voice. “When we were together, I made a mistake, and he ended it with me.” His usual charm faded, reced by a flicker of remorse.


    Jessica fell quiet, turning the situation over in her mind. “What happened between you two?”


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    Lawrence spoke up, the weight of the past clear in his voice. “He caught me telling my parents I never really cared about him. I said I was only with him for my own gain.” Even now, the memory left his expression troubled. Regret tugged at his features, mixing with a sorrow that lingered long after the words were spoken.


    Jessica’s lips tightened, and her brows drew together.


    Lawrence let out a sigh. His shoulders dropped, as if the confession had lifted something off his chest. “But honestly, that wasn’t even the worst part.”


    “So you said something even harsher?” Jessica’s voice lost its earlier yfulness. The mood had turned somber.


    In her memory, Jacob was the sort of person who took rtionships to heart. Just hearing what Lawrence had admitted already felt like a punch to the gut. Anything more would be even harder to ept.


    Lawrence confirmed her suspicions with a reluctant nod. “That’s the reason he’s never forgiven me. He’s kept me at arm’s length ever since.”


    Jessica leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of her. “What did you actually say?”


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