CHAPTER 3

The bodyguards exchanged brief looks among themselves, clearly uncomfortable with what they were seeing.

 They felt she was collecting too much, but they did not speak openly.

After shopping, Eric took her to a quiet restaurant not far away.

The restaurant was unusually calm compared to the noisy streets outside. 

The smell of fried rice and grilled chicken filled the air, and they ate slowly.  

Jessica kept smiling during lunch, but part of her stayed alert the entire time, afraid Tessy might suddenly appear.

 She joked a few times, and Eric found himself smiling at her comments more than once, something he rarely did around people.

Being around her gave Eric a strange sense of comfort he had not expected.

 Like he enjoyed her company more than he expected.

After lunch, Eric drove her home.

 The road was busy as the car moved slowly past traders selling fruits, drinks, and snacks by the roadside.

When they arrived at their house, Jessica stepped out of the car almost immediately, afraid the moment might drag on too long. 

Jessica did not let Eric come inside.

She added quickly, “You can stop here. I’ll walk inside from here. I don’t want people to start talking if they see your convoy.”

Eric nodded slowly, unable to completely hide the disappointment in his eyes.

He still did not suspect anything. 

But he was not fully satisfied either for stopping half way. 

After searching for her for seventeen years, Eric wanted something that felt more real than a halfway goodbye, especially meeting with her father. He had also hoped Jessica would leave with him immediately. 

Earlier, he had already learned that her father was still alive, and he had planned to meet him properly.

 “I’m not ready for you to meet my family yet,” she said. 

“My dad is not home, next time you can come in for coffee.”Eric looked a little disappointed, but he did not push. 

In reality, Jessica’s mind was already filled with one fear, Tessera must never meet Eric.

 “I have a few things to handle first,” Jessica said firmly. 

 “I’ll travel to Springfield on my own when I’m ready.” 

Eric exhaled slowly, he had waited seventeen years for this moment.  

Eric forced himself to stay patient. Compared to seventeen years, one or two more days should not matter 

He gave a small smile and tried to stay calm. 

“I want you to come live with me permanently,” he said.

 “I don’t want you out of my sight again,” Eric said quietly, and he truly meant every word.

 “not until we get married. 

“I’ll send my private jet whenever you’re ready.”

Jessica held his gaze for a moment. She had done everything she could to keep Eric and Tessy apart, and in her mind, it had worked.  

She did not think too deeply about it. The more Jessica thought about everything that had happened today, the more satisfied she felt inside. 

Eric returned to Springfield that same day. He tried to be patient and wait.  

On his flight back, he kept thinking about Jessy. He also thought about the gifts he had bought for her. 

Every time Eric thought about finally finding her, a quiet sense of relief settled in his chest.

She had waited for him for many years, he will do anything to compensate her for everything.  

As Eric was thinking about Jessica, Jessica slipping in quietly through the back door, careful not to attract attention.

She had shopping bags with her. They were heavy, but she looked satisfied with everything inside them. 

She took them straight to her room and placed them away carefully so no one would see them.

Tessy heard her come in and walked toward her room. 

When Tessy saw Jessica, she spoke immediately. 

“You’re back, why did you leave the mall so quickly? I looked for you, but the shop attendant said you left with a man. “Who was it?” Tessy asked curiously, completely unaware of what had already happened. 

Jessica paused for a moment, then smiled lightly.

Jessica forced herself to stay relaxed before answering.

“Oh, sorry,” she said lightly.

 “I couldn’t wait. Matt came to pick me up.” 

Tessy raised her eyebrows and smiled in a calm way. 

“Oh, I see… Matt again,” she said. 

Jessica gave a small playful expression, not taking it too seriously.  

Matt was Jessica’s boyfriend, and Tessy already knew about him, so it did not feel like something serious to explain further. 

Jessica brought out the necklace that their mother  had given to Tessera.  

She handed it over to Tessy. 

Tessy stretched out her hand and collected it. 

She examined it in her hand and looked up to collect the second necklace. 

But Jessica’s hand remained still.

Tessy said “

Tessy’s brows slowly pulled together.

“I gave you two necklaces… where is the other one?”

Jessica did not change her expression at all.

 She answered without any concerns in her voice.

“I’m sorry,” Jessica said calmly.

“I lost it when I went out with Matt.”