Chapter 52 – A Deal in Disguise

“So, you came,” Jefran said as he stood up from his seat upon seeing Jeslyn enter the restaurant’s private room.

“Have a seat,” he offered politely, his demeanor calm and composed—so much so that it startled Jeslyn. Just yesterday, he had exploded in anger, shouting at her like a man betrayed. But today… it was as if none of it had ever happened.

“I can seat myself,” Jeslyn declined as he pulled out a chair for her.

“It’s fine. I’m used to doing this for you, remember?” he said gently.

Not wanting to argue, Jeslyn finally sat down across from him.

“I ordered steak for you—medium rare, just the way you like it—and the best wine they have here,” Jefran said with a calm smile.

Jeslyn stared at him for a few seconds, her gaze sharp and filled with unspoken questions. His face was composed, his voice soft. But inside, she was churning. This man—just days ago, he had accused her, screamed at her like she was the worst kind of traitor. And now… this? Warm smile, soft tone, and even remembering her favorite order?

“Jefran…” Jeslyn looked straight at him. “You don’t have to do all this. I didn’t come here for a romantic lunch.”

Jefran smiled, lifting his glass of wine as if unaffected by her tone. “I know. But that doesn’t mean we have to meet in anger. There’s a lot we need to talk about, Jeslyn.”

Jeslyn frowned. “Your anger yesterday... everything you said... all of that’s just gone now? What is it you really want from me, Jefran?”

Jefran remained silent for a moment, then gently set his glass down. “Jes, I was angry—furious, even. And hurt. I felt betrayed. Not just by you… but by Leonel. My own brother.”

Jeslyn sighed. “I never wanted you to feel betrayed, Jef. But the truth is… I was never able to fully love you the way you hoped. I tried. But it wasn’t enough.”

“I know,” Jefran replied, surprisingly free of resentment. “That’s why I asked to meet. Because there’s something important I need to discuss with you.”

Before Jeslyn could respond, a waiter arrived with two plates of steak, the savory aroma filling the room. He also placed a bottle of wine on the table.

“Thank you,” Jefran said courteously. Jeslyn remained silent, observing him. She couldn’t read his intentions.

“Let’s eat first,” Jefran said once the waiter left.

“I want to know what you have to say, Jefran,” Jeslyn pressed, staring him down.

“Relax, Jes. Eat while it’s still warm. Cold steak doesn’t taste good,” he said casually, cutting into his meal.

Reluctantly, Jeslyn picked up her fork and knife and took a bite of her steak.

“Jes, I want us to go through with this engagement.”

Thud.

Jeslyn choked on her food and began coughing harshly.

She quickly grabbed her glass of water and took several sips, trying to catch her breath. Her eyes widened as she looked at Jefran, who remained perfectly calm, cutting his steak like he hadn’t just dropped a bomb at the table.

“What did you just say?” Jeslyn’s voice was raspy but firm.

Jefran straightened his posture, set down his utensils, and looked at her directly. “I want us to continue with the engagement. To get married, as originally planned.”

Jeslyn shook her head slowly, still trying to grasp what she’d just heard. “After everything? After knowing I love someone else—and you also have someone else—you still want to marry me?”

“I know it sounds insane,” Jefran admitted. “But please, hear me out.”

Jeslyn narrowed her eyes. “I’m listening.”

He took a deep breath. “This isn’t just about us. You know how our families operate. This marriage isn’t just about love or a relationship between two people. It’s a pact between two powerful families—reputation, business, legacy. You know that, Jes.”

Jeslyn clenched her jaw, trying to contain her rising anger. “So you want me to marry you… just to protect your family’s reputation?”

“It’s not just that,” Jefran said quickly. “I also don’t want to lose. I don’t want to be seen as the man who got left behind—especially not by his fiancée who ran off with his older brother.”

His eyes finally revealed the emotion he’d been suppressing. “You know how the media can twist everything. You know what will happen to my family—and to you—if this scandal leaks.”

Jeslyn’s blood boiled. “So that’s it? You want me to marry you so you don’t look bad? So you can keep your perfect image?”

Jefran shook his head, looking at her with a complex expression. “I want us to end this in a way that doesn’t destroy everything our families have built. If you truly don’t want to marry me—fine. But help me. At least... let’s go through with it, then divorce respectfully afterward.”

Jeslyn froze. “Get married… then divorce?” she repeated in disbelief.

“Think of it as strategy,” Jefran continued. “The wedding goes ahead as planned. After some time, we quietly separate with a mutually agreed reason—no scandal, no drama. Then we’re free to live our lives.”

Jeslyn shook her head, shocked, angry, disgusted. “You really haven’t changed, Jefran. Even after all this, you’re still obsessed with image. You never truly cared about me, did you?”

“Jeslyn…” he tried to speak, but she had already placed her fork down and looked him dead in the eyes.

“I’m done talking about this. Tomorrow night, at the family dinner, I’ll announce that I’m canceling the wedding,” Jeslyn said, standing up, furious.

“Do you even really know Leonel?” Jefran asked, his voice sharp. “How well do you really know him, Jeslyn?”

“That’s none of your business!” she snapped.

“Don’t let him fool you!” Jefran insisted, his voice intense.

“So far, you’re the one who fooled me, Jefran! You lied. You played me. If you truly loved another woman, why didn’t you say it from the start? Why lie?”

“I know I was wrong. I didn’t want to lose you or the wedding. Honestly… I would’ve chosen you over her. But I couldn’t let her go. She... satisfies me in ways you never did,” Jefran said quietly, lowering his gaze.

Jeslyn laughed bitterly. “Well, now it’s all out in the open. Stay with her. And stay out of my life.”

She turned and began to walk away. But after two steps, she froze.

Jefran’s final words echoed behind her.

“Leonel… isn’t my parents’ biological son.”

Thud.

***