49 × The Third Wheel

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So she hadn't left the city yet. The woman hadn't gone off to Beijing to live the life she wanted with her new and sought-after promotion. And maybe with a new boyfriend, too.

It had already been six days since the unexpected death of Jenson's mother. Why was Charmaine still here in Los Angeles? And with him?

The unpleasant surprise turned into annoyance and confusion sooner than Jessi could guess why the woman was acting as if nothing happened. As if she and Jenson hadn't called it quits months ago.

Jessi sat still, her chair five seats behind the two.

Beside her, Darren looked busy with his phone and paid no mind to the ongoing ceremony. He seemed as distracted as she was.

Her curiosity eventually overwhelmed her self-restraint a minute later. "I thought she'd be in Beijing by now," she murmured while trying not to scowl.

"Same," was all Darren said in reply.

"Then why's she still here?"

"Just for the funeral...I guess." Darren cleared his throat and kept his voice down.