The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1174

Neera hesitated for a moment and then, in a quiet voice, replied, “Not yet.”

Chad offered his advice, saying, “Even though I'm not sure what's going on between you two right now, you're still engaged, and there are feelings between you. Something this significant should ideally be discussed with him. But if you're not ready to share, it's ultimately your decision. Just don't let yourself regret it.”

“Okay.”

After hanging up the phone, Neera found Jean's number and contemplated for a while.

Finally, she summoned the courage to dial his number, but the call couldn't get through.

At that very moment, Jean was on a plane.

After handling the affairs of Lordsworth Estate, he hurriedly made his way to District Twenty-One.

His thoughts were solely focused on reaching their destination as quickly as possible to reunite with the woman he longed to see.

As his phone was turned off during the flight, he remained unaware of Neera's attempt to reach out to him.

After landing, he got into a car and learned about the call from Ian.

“Mr. Beauvort,” Ian began cautiously, “I just received a call from the subordinates. The neutral party has established the rules for the district president selection. They've chosen Mount Cloud's forest as the location. The one who passes through the forest and reaches the white flag wins.”

Upon hearing this, Mr. Beauvort's expression soured instantly, and his aura darkened.

“Mr. Beauvort, where shall we go now?” Ian inquired, taking care of his choice of words. “Should we return to the other mansion, or should we go see Mrs. Beauvort?”

He added, “I just inquired, and there are Bartitsu Guild personnel watching Mrs. Beauvort's hotel. If you were to show up abruptly, it might not bode well for you or Mrs. Beauvort, especially with the selection taking place tomorrow.”

Jean's lips tightened into a straight line as his anticipation gradually gave way to disappointment.

Staring out the window, he replied coldly, “Let's go back to the mansion.”

At this critical juncture, he couldn't act recklessly and put Neera in danger.

The mansion was a residence he had acquired in District Twenty-One under a false identity. No one knew who lived there.

When Jean returned to the mansion, he sat on the couch, pondering for a moment. Then, he decided to call Neera.

At this time, Neera was still awake, but it took her about half a minute to answer the call.

Soon, the deep voice of the man came through the phone. “It's quite late. Haven't gone to sleep yet?”

Neera replied with a soft “No, not yet. What's up?”

Jean hesitated for a moment, the words on the tip of his tongue swallowed back. He said, “Nothing. Just wanted to hear your voice.”

Neera turned on her side, gazing at the moonlight seeping through the curtains. Her earlier courage to tell him had vanished.

He was so gentle, and if he knew about this, he would surely worry and rush over.

But she didn't want him to be involved in this dangerous situation.

If that was the case, maybe it was better not to tell him.

“Why so quiet? Is there nothing you want to say to me?” Jean suddenly inquired.

Neera hesitated for a moment, pulling herself out of her thoughts, and then responded without much consideration, “No, there's nothing.”

On the other end, Jean's eyes were half-lowered, filled with a myriad of emotions, and he felt a deep sense of tenderness.

This woman, no matter what she faced, was accustomed to silently bearing it and moving forward on her own.

Her steadfastness and bravery always tugged at his heartstrings.

He was about to say something when Neera spoke again.

“Well, it's not that there's nothing...”

He was puzzled. “Hmm?”

There was a clear hesitation on the other end, and after a few seconds, a soft voice said, “Actually, there are some things I've been wanting to tell you for a long time, Jean. About what happened six years ago, I know you didn't mean to hurt me. I also understand your true feelings for me. I've never doubted this.”

Jean didn't expect her to bring up this topic and his pupils constricted. “Neera...”

“Let me finish,” Neera interrupted, her words measured and deliberate. “The reason I've been avoiding you is because I couldn't accept it at first. The impact of that night was huge, and you know it. I couldn't connect you, the man I love, with the man who hurt me. The thought of you being that man made me feel suffocated. However, during our time apart, I gradually calmed down, and I started missing you. I've also started to accept the truth. Jean, I forgive you. The past is in the past, and it was an accident. Luckily, we have three beautiful children together. Destiny brought us back together, and perhaps it was all meant to be. I've thought it through. When I return, let's make amends. What do you think?”

Under normal circumstances, Jean would have been overjoyed.

This was the moment he had been longing for.

However, at this moment, he couldn't find any happiness.

His heart ached to the point where he could barely breathe. He understood why she was saying these words now.

At this moment, she must be feeling very anxious and scared of the unknown future. And yet, she was pretending that nothing was wrong and gently forgiving him...