A Life Debt Repaid novel (John and Cordy) novel Chapter 285

John pursed his lips, but he didn’t turn around to reply. Even so, Jessica remained standing behind him.

"Your grandfather requested me to visit," she explained. "He said it's been a while since I've come to North City, and that he missed me. I went straight to Levine Manor, but he insisted that I come to you. I came because I couldn't refuse—I would’ve called ahead if I had known. I'm sorry I made things so awkward."

John swallowed as he turned around to look at her, but he wasn’t angry and didn’t blame her for anything. Despite his guilt, he didn’t have any kind words for her, and merely said bluntly, "Come on, I'll take you back to your hotel."

Cold disappointment seized Jessica's heart.

So, he still refused to let her stay here.

Even when they were abroad, he would send her home in the same manner—no matter how late it was, or how many vacant rooms there were at his place.

Even after returning to Zidonia, he remained as distant as ever.

At first, Jessica used to think that it was because he was simply distant towards others.

Now, however, she understood all too well that he was simply uninterested in her, even though she had stupidly waited for him to make the first move for years.

It was certainly too late for her to regret anything now. Had she known this would happen, she would’ve given up on keeping up appearances and tried to woo him straight on.

Had she done that, Cordy Sachs wouldn’t have a chance to sneak in between them!

Even as she got in John's car and left his apartment, he still spoke very little.

She could feel his distaste and anger towards their engagement, but he never took it out on her or demanded a reason. In fact, he didn’t react at all when she told him that she didn’t know and was forced into it. He remained as cold as he always was towards her.

"Johnny," she called out.

"Yeah," he replied, though he didn’t bother to turn and look at her. His eyes stayed glued outside the window.

"I heard there's a sports meet in Dicky's school tomorrow."

"Yeah."

"Your grandfather asked me to go with you. I was going to say no, but he said—"

"You can come along," John agreed immediately.

Jessica couldn’t stop herself from smiling just then.

Even if John was exceedingly distant towards her, he wouldn’t turn her down for anything.