Chapter 21: Kisses
Unknowingly, she rose from her seat, her eyes wide with anticipation, as if her very gaze could make her desires cling to Jared’s form.
Julia’s perceptive eyes captured every nuance of Naomi’s reactions, revealing a quiet satisfaction. There was no longer a need for her to assert herself; Naomi’s remorse was palpable, like a bruised ache in her very core.
“Are you Jared? How could you possibly be Jared? Isn’t Jared an unsightly, balding man?” Naomi’s astonishment left her words stumbling and incoherent.
“Naomi!” Neil’s stern reprimand cut through the air, a signal for propriety to reclaim its place. His gaze shifted to Jared as he continued, “My daughter can be impulsive with her words. Please overlook it, Mr. Jared.”
Jared’s aloof gaze grazed past Naomi in a fleeting manner, the disengagement happening within the span of a few heartbeats.
“Congratulations,” Jared directed his attention toward Joseph.
“Yes//boss.” Joseph presented a carefully prepared gift to Jared.
Approaching Anthony, Jared extended his greetings, “Grandpa Anthony, I wish you enduring happiness and a long life.”
Anthony’s face lit up as he accepted the gift with a joyful expression.
The gift from the Brooks family’s patriarch undoubtedly bore exceptional significance.
“I always knew the rumors were baseless. Your grandmother was a vision of beauty and grace, a true enchantress. How could you be as the gossip portrays?” Anthony’s contented smile was aimed at Jared.
The prospect of such remarkable talent becoming his granddaughter’s spouse was enough to make Anthony revel in delight, even during the quiet hours of the night. “Now, I can entrust Naomi to you without any reservations,” Anthony affirmed, prompting Naomi to rush forward, her gaze locked onto Jared with fervent fixation.
“On that day, I left you standing. I deeply apologize,” Naomi’s voice held a tinge of
remorse.
Julia, her lips curling into a faint smile, took a step forward, addressing Naomi, “No need for apologies. In fact, I owe you a word of gratitude.”
Recognition flickered in Naomi’s eyes as she identified Julia as the one who had struck her in the mall.
With delicate elegance, Julia arched an eyebrow and her lips curved in a hint of amusement, “Indeed, it’s me.”
A rush of determination surged within Naomi as she lunged forward, attempting to pry Julia’s grip from Jared’s hand.
yours,
However, Julia’s embrace only tightened, her words deliberate, “He used to be but the day you left him standing, we wed. We hold a certificate that binds us. He’s now my rightful husband, so why should I let him go?”
Naomi’s shock reverberated, her voice wavering, “What? How could this be? How could you…”
Drawing a marriage certificate from her bag, Julia presented the evidence before Naomi, “See for yourself. Jared, Julia, united in this document.”
A half–step retreat from Naomi followed, her pupils quivering as they fixated on the certificate held by Julia.
A surge of bitterness and regret coursed through her.
“No, you
can’t claim him. He was meant to be mine! Give him back!” Naomi’s desperation surged forth.
“Regret is an unattainable elixir, no matter your wealth,” Julia retorted, her gaze then shifting to Jared, noting his favorable expression. She believed her performance had indeed earned her reward.
“Darling, shall we?” Julia’s smile toward Jared radiated warmth.
“Of course.” Jared’s eyes lit up with a visible delight, and he began to exit the private room with Julia.
Just as Julia prepared to release his hand, Jared’s grip tightened, a low, magnetic murmur reaching her ears, “She’s on her way out.”
Almost on cue, Naomi appeared, her persistence undeniable.
Yet, the object of her pursuit extended beyond Naomi herself. Jared’s striking handsomeness couldn’t be denied.
“Jared, I deeply apologize for my past actions. It was my folly and I was misled by rumors. I’m not superficial, but the whispers of your unattractiveness led me astray. Please forgive me. I pledge to make amends twofold in the days to come,” Naomi’s blush deepened, urgency lacing her words.
Anxiety threaded Naomi’s voice – the allure of Jared’s unparalleled handsomeness was- undeniable. His elegance transcended the ordinary, a natural nobility that set him
apart.
Missing out on a man of such extraordinary caliber was a lifetime’s regret she couldn’t bear.
Jared’s voice remained resolute, void of emotion, “Naomi, I am married to her. Our
chapter concluded the day you left me standing. Please respect my decision and refrain from pursuing this further.”
Naomi’s gaze fractured, torn between Julia and her own desires, her lips parting to protest.
But before her words could form, she was witness to Jared’s unexpected move – his
arms encircled Julia’s waist, and with a determined pull, he brought her into passionate kiss
