Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 778

Janice understood the meaning behind Alicia's words immediately. Her eyes dimmed slightly, and a strange bittersweet feeling stirred inside her.

Wade glanced at Alicia. "How are you getting home?"

Alicia smiled. "The driver's waiting. He can take me home. Don't worry."

Ariel knew then that Wade would be spending the evening with Janice. She looked over at Janice, who quietly clenched her fists to calm herself.

Ariel felt a sudden pang of sympathy. She reached out and ruffled Janice's hair, whispering, "Figure out how you feel on your own. You two can talk tonight."

Only Janice could feel whether Wade was suitable for her.

Even if Ariel, as an onlooker, could tell that Wade might not be all that enthusiastic, Janice's feelings were real. It wasn't something that could be dismissed with a few words.

Janice didn't quite understand.

Chad stepped forward. When he noticed the hope in Janice's expression, his gaze darkened as he said, "Call me if anything comes up, okay?"

Janice waved her hand. "Okay. You're treating me like a kid."

Chad said nothing more.

As he prepared to leave, his gaze swept over Wade.

Jayson, on the other hand, didn't concern himself with anyone except Ariel. Once the meeting wrapped up, he simply took Ariel's wrist and led her out.

Ariel glanced at his profile. There were actually a few things she wanted to ask him.

…

After Ariel, Jayson, and Elsie left, the group reached the exit. Alicia hadn't gotten into her car yet.

Bradley, familiar with Wade, nudged his shoulder and smirked at Janice. "Well, well, Wade. You've been hiding a fiancee from us all this time, huh?"

Roland added, "How could you do this? You never even introduced her."

Wade wasn't interested in the conversation.

Alicia just smiled. "Wade's a quiet one. You know that."

Roland exclaimed, "Well, he's not quiet in his actions. He treats you really well."

Alicia looked down, smiling softly, and didn't deny it.

Wade gestured. "Come on, get in. I'll take you out for dinner."

Janice was nervous because they hadn't seen each other in a long time. Wade hadn't returned to Croinia for two years. Today was their first meeting in a while, and a small hope fluttered in her chest.

She got into the passenger seat.

As she settled, she noticed something in Wade's car that didn't match his usual rugged image.

Hanging from the rearview mirror used to be a good luck charm she had gotten for Wade. But now, it was replaced by a cute little rabbit charm.

Wade's life as a special operations pilot was dangerous, and training could sometimes go wrong.

So Janice had made a special trip to a renowned shrine to pray for the good luck charm. She had hiked all night—13 straight hours—just to reach it, hoping he would always stay safe.

Now the good luck charm she had prayed for was gone. It felt like her symbol had been silently erased.

If she remembered correctly, Alicia loved rabbits.

Janice's heart twisted. After a long moment, she finally asked, "What happened to the good luck charm I gave you?"

Wade froze as he fastened his seatbelt, then replied casually, "Probably lost it."