Melinda's heart was numb and emotionless. Her limp body suddenly became tense. The kiss ignited a spark of passion within her. Her pale skin turned pink.
A wave of shame washed over Melinda.
However, that one kiss wasn't enough to simmer the desire that was bubbling ferociously in Jonas's heart. He put his finger under Melinda's chin and forced her to look at him. When their eyes met, Melinda saw that his watery eyes were burning with lust that scared her witless. Jonas's heart ached when he saw Melinda's cold face. She had been like this for a long time and he wondered how to make things better.
"Mellie," Jonas whispered, and his voice was thick with lust. He bent his head and inched forward towards her ruddy lips.
But before his lips touched hers, Melinda turned her head. Jonas grew irritable and pressed her harder, almost squeezing her.
His brain was muddled as he was under the influence of alcohol. The happenings of the past few days weighed heavily on his chest. He couldn't carry the weight anymore.
He wanted everything to be over so that he could embark on a beautiful beginning with Melinda. He wanted to prove that he had always been honest with her.
Jonas wanted to change Melinda's mind so that she would never think about the divorce ever again. He didn't want to lose her.
But it was only wishful thinking.
"Jonas, don't forget the agreement!"
Melinda said. She looked terrified as Jonas began to lose control.
The weight of Jonas's body was pinning her down but he was too drunk and swaying aimlessly. Melinda pushed him away and he fell to the ground with a loud thud, his head colliding against the wall. Melinda yelped in shock as she couldn't see him hurt.
Jonas was back to his senses. He rubbed his head and frowned at Melinda. The passion coursing through his veins froze in an instant when he heard Melinda's words.
He broke into a cold sweat. His body trembled even though the room was relatively warm.
The mention of the agreement was like a sharp dagger, piercing through Jonas's heart. He couldn't take it anymore.
Melinda had slept with Jonas even though they were living together for the sake of the agreement. But she was too depressed today. She was disappointed in him and didn't want him anywhere close to her.
She knew that she would feel cheap and used if she slept with him again.
Melinda felt that she and Jonas were two cheap people who used each other for their needs. Although Melinda was attracted to him, she had built a strong wall in her heart where no feelings could penetrate. It was perhaps the best for both of them to stay away from each other. She didn't have the strength to experience the tumultuous emotions again.
"Wow! That's good. You're a cruel woman, Melinda,"
Jonas muttered. He was devastated and couldn't muster the strength to be with Melinda.
He quickly splashed cold water on his face and left for the company. The atmosphere in the Gu's mansion was growing tense again but Melinda was calm.
However, behind the calm exterior was a violent storm of emotions simmering, waiting to explode.
Yulia immediately informed about Jonas and Melinda's argument to Emily. She also told that their arguments were only paving way for a divorce.
Emily was happy. She felt that it was time for her to return. There were only a few scenes for her to shoot, so she finished acting her part and left for A City.
"Jonas, I'm back," Emily said on the phone as she walked into her apartment. Newspapers and magazines were sprawled on her tea table but there was no news about a possible divorce between Jonas and Melinda.
Jonas had been working hard lately and the financial column was filled with his accomplishment.
When Jonas saw Emily's call, he hesitantly answered the call.
Emily's voice rang happily as if she had forgotten everything. She wasn't embarrassed anymore.
"I'm sorry for what happened the other day. I can explain to Melinda that we are just friends," she said when Jonas didn't answer.
Emily felt that Jonas would be impressed by her thoughtfulness.
She was a great actor and Jonas couldn't see through her lies. He paused for a moment and cleared his throat.
"Are you sure?"
Jonas asked. He was helpless and hoping for a chance to prove himself. His relationship was getting worse and he was afraid that the damage would be irreparable if he didn't do something about it.
"Of course, I'm also involved in this problem. I know that things are complicated and I should have explained it to Melinda earlier. But I got busy with shooting. I'll make this right."
Jonas calmed down a little. There was a little spark of hope in his heart. He felt that Melinda would understand him.
"Okay. Shall we meet at Left Bank Cafe at three o'clock tomorrow?"
Jonas asked, twirling a golden pen with his fingers that cast a dazzling, yellow light on the table.
Jonas's eyes followed the light as his mind was occupied with the thoughts about Melinda.
"Okay," Emily agreed before hanging up.
She wanted Jonas to believe that she had called him only to solve the problem between him and Melinda.
Jonas dropped the pen, ran his fingers through his hair, and breathed a sigh of relief. His whole body seemed to visibly relax.
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