The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 254

Adrian had booked a table at a high-end French restaurant.

The elegant decor, the soft, ambient lighting, the exquisite table settings—it screamed romance.

It was the perfect spot for a date.

Honestly, Jocelyn wasn't a huge fan of French cuisine.

She preferred hearty comfort food—a bowl of Maria's homemade pasta was her idea of a perfect meal.

Thinking of Maria's cooking instantly made her think of Julian.

She remembered casually mentioning to him once that Maria made incredible pasta and baked amazing pastries.

Julian had said, "I'd love to try it sometime."

And she had replied, "Of course. Come over whenever you're free."

But even now, Julian had never actually sat down for a meal at her place.

Every time he came by, he was in a rush, handling her crises, and then gone just as quickly.

"What are you thinking about?"

Adrian pulled her chair out for her, playing the perfect gentleman.

Jocelyn snapped out of her daze.

"Nothing."

He handed her a menu.

"Take a look. What looks good?"

"I don't mind," she said out of habit. "Just order whatever you want."

That was how they always operated.

What they ate always depended entirely on Adrian's mood.

He smiled softly.

"Tonight is all about what you want."

Jocelyn's mouth twitched into a grimace.

"You acting like this... it's really unnerving."

Adrian's gaze remained gentle.

"Would you like some wine?"

"No, water is fine."

"The house red here is exceptional."

"Seriously, no. I'm not a drinker."

Adrian paused, clearly trying to recall something.

"I remember you getting pretty drunk a few times in the past. I thought you enjoyed it."

Jocelyn laughed bitterly on the inside.

She had only ever gotten drunk because she was forced to entertain his clients to secure deals for him.

She actually hated the taste of alcohol.

"I quit."

Jocelyn stared at him, bewildered.

"What exactly is the point of this?"

"We're going our separate ways," he said smoothly. "I wanted to give you a parting gift. Something to remember me by."

She wanted to laugh, but she couldn't. Instead, a wave of sour melancholy washed over her.

She let out a soft sigh.

"The flowers, the romantic dinner, the expensive jewelry... these were all the things I desperately wanted from you during the three years we were married."

"It's just a shame... it's all too late."

Adrian stared at her, his eyes burning with an intense, unsettling heat.

"If you'd be willing to give me a chance..."

"I'm not," Jocelyn cut him off instantly.

Adrian's brow furrowed.

"I wasn't finished."

"It doesn't matter what you were going to say," she replied flatly. "The answer is no."

Belated affection was worse than worthless.

Any lingering desperation she once had for his love had been completely eradicated, stomped out by the endless times he had trampled all over her dignity.

"I already bought it..."

For the very first time, Jocelyn saw something resembling a plea in Adrian's eyes.