Ice and Fire novel Chapter 496

"Jackson, do you mean I have no choice but to be a daughter-in-law of the Chu Family?" Cherry asked playfully.

"That's exactly what I mean, " Jackson said decidedly. 'When I decided to marry her, I made up my mind to keep her as mine for this lifetime, ' he thought to himself.

"There's nothing Jackson wants that he can't get. So you're bound to get back to him sooner or later, " Derek said, chuckling. 'What an interesting and romantic conversation, ' he thought.

"Jackson, thank you for loving me, " Cherry told her husband affectionately. She looked on him with great adoration.

"My little fool, " Jackson replied lovingly. He stroked Cherry's hair gently. This moment, right here, he knew he was the happiest man in the world. 'I have a warm, loving family, and I live with them, my doting wife and darling son. They are the people I love most on this earth, ' he thought as his fingers wound through Cherry's long hair.

Derek pretended to cough. "Please, I'm still here, " he remarked bashfully, turning his head away.

"You know, Derek, after you and Amy get married, you two might be in such a close relationship just like ours now, " Cherry joked. 'Derek hasn't felt the happiness that such a close relationship like ours brings. They've only seen each other a few times. Once they're spending more time together, he'll be immersed in the sweetness that love brings.'

"Maybe, " Derek casually responded, pretending not to care.

The three of them continued to chat in the living room, awaiting Derek's fiancee to finish her piano lesson with Joe.

Once her tutoring time was over, Amy returned downstairs. She smiled as she noticed the three of them were talking cheerfully and humorously, and she walked towards them.

"What are you talking about?" Amy asked, taking a seat beside Derek.

"Amy, as Derek's fiancee, I hope you can teach him a lesson, " Cherry joked, a sly smile spreading her lips.

"And what is it?" Amy asked, yet to notice Cherry's expression. Derek grew uneasy beside Amy. 'I can't lose my good image in front of Amy. She needs to know I'm a perfect man.'

"Did he offend you?" Amy asked, growing concerned. She finally saw Cherry's smile and realised it was a joke.

"Yes, he did, " Cherry pouted. "He attacked me with words." She looked at Jackson for confirmation. "Right, Jackson?"

Jackson nodded at Cherry, a faint smile adorning his lips.

"Cherry, stop making fun of me, " Derek begged anxiously. He looked at his best friend. "Jackson, " he complained, "how can you be so partial to your wife here?"

"Nothing is wrong with me being partial to my wife. Who else should I dote on, if not my darling wife?" Jackson's smile grew as he glanced at Cherry.

"Okay, fine. I yield, " Derek sighed.

Amy knew that Derek was at a disadvantage. "Cherry, you're playing a trick now, aren't you?" Amy said as she watched the good chemistry between Jackson and his wife.

"You got me, " Cherry replied, sticking her tongue out and winking at Amy.

"Your eyes gave it away. Besides, Derek wasn't teasing, " Amy continued.

Hearing Amy's defense, he held her tight to him. "I'm glad you're on my side. I'm not their match, " he said excitedly, looking down at Amy in his arms with affection.