Jessica hesitated for a moment before responding to Jonathan’s heartfelt request. “Alright, I’ll take care of it. You should rest, Jonathan. Your health comes first.”
Her agreement wasn’t just about delivering food—it was clear Jonathan hoped to mend the rift between her and Ethan.
On the other end of the call, Jonathan’s voice lit up with gratitude. “Thank you, Jessica. Just make sure he eats. Ethan has a terrible habit of skipping meals when he’s busy.”
“Got it,” Jessica replied, her tone neutral.
________________________________________
Preparing for the Visit
After the call ended, Jessica informed Holley she had to leave and made her way out of Vera Villas.
She stopped by a nearby five-star restaurant to pick up a selection of dishes before heading to the Triumph Consortium, Ethan’s company headquarters.
Upon arriving, Jessica bypassed the main elevators and made her way to the CEO’s private elevator. She pressed her thumb against the biometric scanner, expecting it to deny her access.
When the elevator doors opened with a soft beep, she blinked in surprise.
Her fingerprint still worked.
Jessica had assumed Ethan would have revoked her access long ago, but apparently, Jonathan had ensured her registration remained intact.
As she stepped inside the elevator, memories of the past washed over her. Back then, she had personally delivered Ethan’s meals.
However, Ethan had explicitly told her to stop after only a few deliveries. Not wanting to cause tension, she had shifted to preparing the meals but leaving them anonymously at the secretary’s desk. It wasn’t until later that Ethan had discovered the truth.
How naïve I was back then, Jessica thought with a faint, self-deprecating smile.
________________________________________
The Lobby Whispers
Unbeknownst to Jessica, her use of the private elevator stirred a flurry of whispers among the employees in the lobby.
“Who was that woman using the CEO’s private elevator?”
“Do you think she’s his wife?”
“No way! The CEO’s wife was described as plump and plain. That woman was gorgeous!”
Speculations rippled through the crowd, but Jessica remained oblivious as she stepped out of the elevator and headed straight to Ethan’s office.
________________________________________
A Surprised Secretary
At the CEO’s office, Tinsley Quinn, Ethan’s secretary, looked up in surprise as Jessica approached.
“Miss, may I help you?” Tinsley asked cautiously.
Jessica greeted her with a polite smile. “Tinsley, it’s been a while.”
The familiarity in Jessica’s voice threw Tinsley off. “I’m sorry, but… who are you?”
“It’s me, Jessica,” she replied.
Tinsley’s eyes widened in astonishment. “Mrs. Clark? Is it really you? You look so different!”
Jessica chuckled lightly, offering no further explanation. “Is Ethan in his office?”
“Yes, he’s inside. Please, go ahead,” Tinsley said quickly, still reeling from the shock.
Jessica nodded and knocked on Ethan’s office door.
“Come in,” came his deep, familiar voice.
________________________________________
Ethan’s Reaction
Ethan looked up as Jessica entered, his brow furrowing immediately. “Why are you here?”
Jessica placed the food containers on his desk, avoiding his gaze. “Jonathan sent me to bring you lunch.”
A smirk tugged at Ethan’s lips. He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “Jonathan sent you?”
Ethan assumed this was an excuse. He remembered how, during their marriage, Jessica had taken it upon herself to prepare his meals, even when he had discouraged her.
After Jessica had left for Chixdon, he had only discovered the truth when his meals began tasting different. Curious, he’d questioned his assistant and learned Jessica had been making the meals all along.
________________________________________
Unwanted Memories
For three years, Ethan had tried to move on, but his life remained filled with reminders of Jessica.
None of the meals he’d had since her departure tasted quite right. Even his clothes, shoes, and personal items—all of which Jessica had once cared for meticulously—seemed to carry her presence.
Reverie Villa, their shared home, was the worst of it. Every corner, every detail in the house had her touch. Unable to bear the emptiness, he had avoided going back there altogether.
These thoughts swirled in his mind as he stared at Jessica, who remained indifferent and distant.
________________________________________
A Sudden Command
Jessica turned to leave after delivering the food, but before she could reach the door, Ethan’s voice rang out.
“Stop!”
Jessica paused, her back stiffening slightly, but she didn’t turn around.
“What now?” she asked, her voice calm but cold.
Ethan rose from his chair, his expression unreadable as he took a step closer.
“You don’t get to walk in here and act like you’ve moved on completely,” he said, his tone laced with an edge she couldn’t quite decipher.
Jessica finally turned, her gaze steady. “I brought you lunch because Jonathan asked me to. Nothing more. Don’t make this into something it’s not.”
Ethan’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
After a tense silence, Jessica added, “Make sure you eat. I don’t want Jonathan blaming me if your health deteriorates.”
With that, she left the office, leaving Ethan standing there, staring after her.