Mr Melendez Your Wife Wants Divorce Long Ago novel Chapter 188

**Chapter 188**

It had become painfully clear to Georgina that if she wished to navigate the waters of divorce from Jayceon without turmoil, she would need to summon every ounce of strength and determination she possessed. As she sat at the table, her eyes fell upon the half-eaten crab resting on her plate, its shell glistening under the dim restaurant lights. She bit her lower lip, a futile attempt to stifle the surge of emotions threatening to spill over.

When she had first returned to the country, Jayceon had enveloped her in care and affection, making her feel cherished and safe. But now, a chilling distance had settled between them, leaving her to wonder: why had he grown so cold? Was it truly as that woman, Arabella, had insinuated? That he was buckling under the weight of his grandfather’s expectations, deliberately creating space between them to cope?

Yet, even if he chose to withdraw from her life, it was too late to alter the course that had been set. After today, Arabella would assume the role of godmother to her son. The implications of that were profound; in the future, her son would be free to call Jayceon ‘Dad’ without hesitation, and their relationship would inevitably become a matter of public knowledge.

“I’m stepping out for a smoke, too,” Samuel announced, casting a knowing glance at Arabella before placing his utensils down with a clatter and exiting the restaurant.

On the open-air balcony of the living room, Samuel sauntered up to Jayceon, who was leaning against the railing, his elbows resting heavily upon it. “A peaceful polygamous household,” Sam quipped, a teasing lilt in his voice. “How does that feel?”

Jayceon, cigarette poised between his fingers, remained silent, his gaze lost in the horizon. He turned slightly to acknowledge Sam’s presence but offered no words in return. Sam, however, was not one to let him off the hook that easily.

Lighting his own cigarette, Sam stood shoulder to shoulder with Jay, the night air thick with unspoken tension. “I never would have guessed that Arabella had the grace of a matriarch. You really hit the jackpot there,” he said, a smirk playing on his lips.

Jay’s response was a muttered, “She’s lost her mind!” The frustration in his voice was palpable, as if he were grappling with a truth he couldn’t fully accept.

“If she’s lost her mind, it’s because you drove her to it!” Sam shot back, his tone sharp, laced with a mix of concern and exasperation.

With a weary sigh, Jay closed his eyes, taking several deep breaths as if trying to anchor himself amidst the storm of his thoughts. “This isn’t the outcome I wanted,” he finally admitted, his voice low and heavy with regret.

Turning to face him, Sam pressed on, “Jay, whether you want to admit it or not, Arabella doesn’t love you anymore.” He watched as Jay fell into silence, the weight of his words hanging between them like a dark cloud. “You’re the one who extinguished that confident, radiant Ms. Palmer—the Arabella who once had only eyes for you.”

With his eyes closed, Jay’s mind flooded with memories of how Arabella had once adored him. Back then, she was a beacon of laughter and joy. She radiated youth and beauty, confidence and passion, like a vibrant red rose blooming solely for him.

But the Arabella standing before him now was a shadow of her former self—sensitive, silent, her eyes devoid of the spark that once lit them up.

Hearing the familiar sound of footsteps, Jayceon turned to face Arabella. Her smile was bright, yet it felt like a mask. “Are they gone?” he asked, struggling to conjure a smile in return.

Arabella’s voice held a hint of frustration. “They hardly ever get to visit. You could at least spend some time with the kid. What kind of father are you?”

As her words settled in his chest, Jayceon felt a tightness grip his heart, a mix of guilt and regret swirling within him.