Chapter 25: Final Showdown

After he left, I’d been in a deep emotional slump for a long time.

The days blurred together, each one heavier than the last. My heart ached for the sound of his laugh, the weight of his gaze.

When people said he’d been taken away by a rich woman, I actually believed it!

The rumors gnawed at me, turning every quiet night into an interrogation. I wondered if I’d ever be enough for someone like him.

I couldn’t reach him by phone, no replies on Instagram—it was like he’d vanished from the world!

I checked my phone obsessively, fingers itching to dial his number, even though I knew it was pointless.

If he hadn’t contacted me in time, I really would have called the cops!

I’d already drafted the missing person’s report, just in case. The thought of losing him forever was unbearable.

Turning over in his arms, I continued to ask:

My curiosity finally won out. “Then why didn’t you reply to my email?”

“As soon as I got your email, I bought a ticket. I wanted to surprise you! But you gave me a shock instead!”

He pulled back just enough to look me in the eye, his smile lopsided. “Seeing you with Derek—I didn’t expect that.”

Thinking about how he saw me with Derek, he must have been shocked too!

I blushed, embarrassment warring with amusement. The tangled web of our pasts had finally brought us back together.

I smiled. “But I still haven’t forgiven you!”

My words were teasing, but I knew he could see right through me.

He lowered his head, and the dangerous atmosphere instantly enveloped me.

His lips brushed mine, and I felt the world tilt. For a moment, there was nothing but heat and longing.

“Then I’ll have to use that method.”

He grinned wickedly, his intentions clear. I pretended to protest, but my heart wasn’t in it.

I instinctively tried to run, but he grabbed my ankle and pulled me back.

We tumbled onto the bed in a tangle of laughter and limbs. The room filled with our joy, drowning out the ghosts of the past.

Don’t be fooled by Jason’s proper appearance—in private, he’s a completely different person!

He was wild and playful, nothing like the reserved singer I’d first met. I found myself falling for him all over again.

I pushed against his chest. “Jason, I just got off the plane…”

My protests were half-hearted at best, my resolve already crumbling.

“It’s fine, I’ll do the work, you just relax!”

He winked, his confidence infectious. I surrendered, letting the moment sweep us both away.

After all that, it was past midnight!

The clock blinked 12:38 a.m., my stomach rumbling in protest. I nestled closer to Jason, content and exhausted.

I was hungry and tired, sulking in his arms.

He kissed the top of my head, promising pancakes in the morning. I forgave him on the spot.

He seemed to be in a good mood and brought up the reunion.

“A good buddy of mine asked me—will you go with me?” he asked, eyes hopeful.

I deliberately teased him: “Derek will be there too. Aren’t you afraid something will happen between us?”

He narrowed his eyes, lips twitching in amusement. “Go ahead and try!”

His hand slid down my waist, and his smile was so dazzling it made my hair stand on end!

There was a possessiveness in his touch, a playfulness that left no room for doubt. I giggled, swatting his hand away.

“Go ahead and try!”

He meant it as a joke, but the spark in his eyes said otherwise. I rolled my eyes, secretly thrilled by his jealousy.

What a petty man.

But he was my petty man—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.