Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 873

After deciding on her next step, Janice struggled to sleep that night. Finding a reliable actor who could pull everything off smoothly wasn't an easy task, and the thought kept her awake.

By the time she arrived at the office the next morning, she was drowsy and exhausted.

Chad poked his head into her office as he passed by. "Did you stay up counting stars? I can see the shadows under your eyes from miles away."

Janice leaned back in her chair and said listlessly, "Yeah, I was doing that with my other boyfriend."

Chad raised his brows and clicked his tongue. "If Ari takes first place in the 'Most Loyal Lover' contest, then you're definitely coming in second. Stop bluffing."

Janice clenched her teeth. His words felt belittling, but any retort she could muster would sound unconvincing. Everyone believed she was hopelessly in love with Wade.

It was no surprise that Nicholas had refused to call off the wedding.

Chad stepped inside, dropping the teasing tone. He noticed how downcast she looked. The usually carefree, chirpy Janice seemed gloomy, her eyes devoid of light.

Thinking she might still be unwell, Chad placed his hand against her forehead to check her temperature, frowning. "You're feeling better, right? Why do you still look so pale?"

Janice looked up at Chad and smiled bitterly. "Chad, do you think I could find a marriage partner by going on blind dates?"

Chad's eyes narrowed slightly. He stared at Janice intently. "Are you serious about that?"

She sighed, lowering her head. "I sound childish, don't I?"

Chad said nothing for a while. He roughly gauged the depth of Janice's feelings and her current situation; she had never acted like this before.

Besides, he knew her well. When Janice spoke of something for the second time, she absolutely meant it.

Chad stood perfectly still, his hand remaining pressed gently against her forehead the entire time.

Janice glanced at him. "Chad? What are you thinking about?"

He snapped out of his daze, lightly poking her forehead. "I'm thinking maybe I should talk to that pet cat of yours who knows how to type."

Janice looked puzzled.

Wade, however, glanced back at Chad's retreating figure, his brows knitting. An uneasy feeling stirred within him.

"Is something the matter?" Janice asked, regaining her composure.

"I took the day off," Wade replied. "Let's go pick out our wedding rings."

In his mind, this was an attempt to make amends. He believed inviting her to choose rings would make her happy.

But Janice felt only annoyance. Wade kept avoiding the real problem, acting as if everything was fine and thinking occasional gestures could fix it.

It was the solution she had envisioned. If Wade spoke up, their parents couldn't simply dismiss her.