Chapter 3 The Kiss

I shook my head and pointed at the plate. Then, I said politely, "Thank you, but I like seafood pasta very much. You do not have to trouble yourself."

Ronald frowned. "I don't like it when you talk like that."

What, was he expecting me to prostrate myself and express my unwavering and undying gratitude to him for making me food? I put on a smile that looked more like a sneer before going back to my food.

Unfortunately, tonight was so not my night. Even my fork was working against me. My hand shook right after I twirled up a mouthful of pasta, causing it to fall back onto the plate. The sauce splashed against Ronald's face.

Silence fell between us. I could sense Selina had stopped eating right away while I kept tabs on Ronald through the corner of my eye. He was wiping the sauce off his chin with a tissue. His face was tense, and he sighed.

Then, he took my fork and plate. I stared at him in shock. Yes, I might've embarrassed him in front of his true love, but keeping dinner from me was a touch too far.

"I'll feed you—"

"Don't take my din—"

We spoke at the same time, and froze. His lips twitched, perhaps from a mirthless smile. After dinner, Ronald was going to the guest room and clean it up for Selina.

Ronald's choice to dismiss the servants had given them an opening to have an affair right beneath my nose. The thunder was getting louder, and Selina was scared of thunder in the story. I knew Ronald wasn't coming back to bed that night.

So, I felt a little dejected as I sat on my bed and hugged my legs, while my eyes scanned my surroundings. The room was filled with the scent of Ronald and me, and I was the one who had placed all the decor.

No one knew that the bedroom of the aloof Ronald was filled with plushies and colorful decor. Alas, Ronald wasn't mine now. Then again, he never was mine.

I stared at the bedroom's door, counting down to the moment the system took me back. Yet, it didn't matter how hard I blinked as all I saw was the same old door. So, I asked the system what was going on.

The system was confused, and it kept checking the protocol. "The protocol shouldn't be malfunctioning. Maybe they haven't gotten to fourth base."

I pouted in disdain. "Your protocol sucks. Do you expect me to help them out or something?"

It seemed that the system figured that it was a grand idea. "You're right! We don't know how far along they are. Maybe you should check it out!"

Wow, what a way to crush my heart. Then again, we would never see each other again after tonight. So, I got out of bed and wore my slippers. Then, I went over to the guest room for our final meeting.

I snuck to their room but heard nothing coming from within. The door was ajar, so I tried to find the perfect angle that would let me take a peek at how far along they were going at it inside. Yet, all I saw was Selina smiling on her bed no matter how hard I looked.

Ronald must've done something stellar to make her smile so happily. I peeked my head out as far as I could, but I'd forgotten that I would risk exposure if I leaned ahead.

"What are you doing?" A voice came from behind. It nearly made me jump and fall, but a strong arm pulled me back up and kept me steady.

I turned around only to see Ronald giving me a weird look. He was holding earplugs. Selina noticed the commotion, and she came out holding her phone.

It was then I realized she had been on a video call alone.

"What are you doing here?" I blurted.

An imperceptible smile curled Ronald's lips, but he said, "That's my line."

"I thought…" I started, but I had no idea how to finish that sentence.

"You thought?" Ronald arched his eyebrow and put his arm around my waist right in front of Selina.

I was going to push him away, but he leaned down and chuckled into my ear. "Are you jealous, Jessica?"

I looked at Selina, whose eyes were growing wide with disbelief. Just when I was about to argue my innocence, Ronald kissed me right in front of her.