Ice and Fire novel Chapter 303

"I had been abroad for the past a few years until I met Mond and stayed with him. I intended to remain living abroad with him, but he wanted to return to start his business. So we came back." Jean explained with a reluctant smile.

Jean didn't want to talk what happened after her divorce with John. Those were painful memories and she didn't want more people to know. Luckily, only a few people knew about them.

"Oh, that's great!" said one woman.

"Jean, you are so lucky to know Mond. I heard he's a nice person. Seize the opportunity firmly, " another woman said.

"I will, " Jean said simperingly.

After chatting with the group of women for a moment more, Jean excused herself, telling them she needed to meet up with some friends and left.

After taking several steps, Jean noticed John standing not far off. She hadn't forgotten his thin figure and after all this time, he was still as thin as ever.

A surprised John saw Jean at the same time.

Jean thought a moment and decided to say hello, so she approached John and greeted him.

"Are you here all alone?" Jean asked calmly.

"Yes, " John nodded as he looked into Jean's eyes. He went quiet, not knowing what else to say. After a long silence, he asked, "When did you get back?"

"I've been back for some time, " Jean told him. He had become more mature and sensible since she saw him last time, and his attitude towards her had changed, it appeared.

"How have you been?" asked Jean. She hadn't expected to be able to be so calm in front of him, because of the past they shared. The marriage between them had become a thing of the past. While standing here with him again, there was no surge of emotions in her heart, and she felt calm and indifferent seeing him.

"I've been good, and you?" John added, "Now that you're back, are you staying?"

"Yes. I will be staying here. I like the city and it feels good to be home." replied Jean.

"That's good!" John agreed, nodding his head.

Both of them went silent, not knowing what to add.

Jean felt the tension that the awkward silence brought, so she asked, "Well, are you still single?"

Since she'd returned, she hadn't concerned herself with asking how John was, and hadn't heard any news about him. So she assumed he hadn't gotten married. She just wanted to confirm it.

"Yes, I am still single. I'm used to living by myself, " confirmed John. He didn't look at Jean; instead, he looked at a light close by. He didn't know when his heart had turned to stone and love seemed less important to him. Perhaps it was when Cherry left the city or the moment he had seen his fate.