Chapter 357 Hope, I love you

Maple Valley had already hit winter, so they picked a spot with a nice, warm climate for their honeymoon.

It wasn't peak tourist season, so when Elissa got to the beach, it was pretty empty. But that didn't stop her from having a blast.

Since they were out and about, they couldn't miss out on the stunning views and tasty food.

"Elissa, go change your clothes first. I'll grab you a drink," Efren said.

"Okay."

Elissa nodded and headed to the changing room.

Just as she finished changing, someone else walked in. She didn't pay much attention, busy fixing her clothes.

But then she caught a whiff of jasmine.

Francis had that scent too, but his was mixed with fir. This one was pure jasmine.

Zipping up, Elissa walked out without even glancing at the newcomer.

Jessa blocked her path.

"The Peterson family has deep roots. They won't let someone with no background marry Francis. He's into you now, but it's just a fling."

"Since we're both women, I'm giving you a heads-up. Cut your losses and don't get too involved."

"And using another guy to provoke Francis? Not the smartest move."

Jessa spoke gently, smiling like she was genuinely concerned, trying to seem like she was doing Elissa a favor.

But Elissa knew very well that Jessa was actually here to intimidate her.

"Thanks for the heads-up," Elissa said with a smirk. "But maybe you should focus on using your advantages to marry Francis."

"Don't act like he'd marry you if I wasn't around," Elissa added.

A flicker of malice crossed Jessa's eyes, but her expression stayed the same.

Jerry wasn't easily fooled. Knowing Elissa was Hope's friend, he wouldn't hold back a warning.

Jessa had expected this.

Whether Jessa could marry Francis was one thing, but the main goal was to keep Francis and Elissa from getting closer.

Otherwise, with Francis's current power, the Peterson family might not be able to control him.

And if things got really bad, Francis might even break away from the Peterson family to marry Elissa.

"Sorry, I've been with the Peterson family since birth, so I know them well. You don't need to worry about that."

Elissa laughed, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Really? I'm so envious of you."

Jessa's smile got even more genuine. "People need to know their place. How could a top-tier gem be put in an ordinary box?"

"Oh, absolutely," Elissa's smile widened. "I can't wait to see if you can still smile like that when I marry Francis."

Jessa didn't see that coming, and her smile started to fade.

"You're really delusional," Jessa said.

Elissa calmly tied her hair up, looking way more relaxed than Jessa, who was starting to get a bit rattled.

"Listen, it's not that I can't have a future with Francis. It's just that I like someone else now, not him. So, stop bugging me about this. I'm not interested in dealing with you. I'm busy dating right now."

With that, Elissa pushed the door open and walked out, coming face to face with Francis.

She didn't even glance at him, nor did she care if he heard what she said. But as she walked past him, he grabbed her arm.

Elissa tried to pull her arm back but couldn't.

She frowned, clearly annoyed. "Mr. Peterson, where's your dignity?"

Francis had been waiting outside after changing his clothes, but after a while, he felt Jessa had been inside for too long. Worried something might have happened, he walked in.

He heard Elissa say she didn't like him anymore as he reached the door. Grabbing her, he didn't know what to say.

Elissa's words left him speechless.

"Elissa."

After a long silence, Francis called her softly.

Elissa's gaze was cold. "Francis, don't make me feel that my past affection for you was disgusting."

Francis had let Jessa act all high and mighty towards Elissa, so why pretend to care now?

Francis clenched his jaw, gripping her harder without realizing it.

"Let go of Elissa!"

Efren had bought drinks and some of Elissa's favorite snacks, which made him a bit late.

"Do you ever think about how much it hurts Elissa when you force her like this?"

Efren grabbed Francis's forearm. "You might not care, but I do. I won't let you keep treating Elissa this way."

As Efren spoke, he tried to pry Francis's hand off.

Francis just pulled Elissa closer to him and looked at Efren coldly.

Francis looked at him with disdain. "Is that all you got? Stop playing the hero."

"Acting all innocent and sweet, pretending to love her, but in reality, you're just after her connections, resources, and money."

Those words were harsh.

At that moment, Efren dropped the pretense and went all out against Francis, the sound of bones cracking could be heard.

But Francis wasn't about to let go. He twisted Efren's hand hard.

Efren gritted his teeth, trying not to cry out, his face turning red and his eyes welling up.

Meanwhile, Francis stayed calm, even though his fingers were a bit hurt and his forearm was scratched and bleeding.

"This is none of your business," Elissa said.

The sound of a slap echoed, stunning everyone.

Elissa shook her hand and looked at Francis coldly. "Mr. Peterson, one slap should be enough for you to get the message, right?"

Francis looked shocked, letting go of Efren and rubbing the cheek that had been slapped.

Now, one side of his face had scratches, and the other had a handprint, making it symmetrical.

"Francis!"

Jessa stepped forward, her eyes full of concern, her voice gentle. "It's swollen, does it hurt?"

As she spoke, she tried to pull Francis away. "Francis, let's go over there. I'll get some ice for you."

Francis didn't move, just kept staring at Elissa.

Elissa tried to pull her arm back, but he wouldn't let go.

Elissa's temper wasn't great, and her patience was wearing thin. This was really getting on her nerves.

"Francis, your behavior is really disgusting."

Meanwhile, at the hotel.

After dinner, I put Celestia to sleep and was about to get up when I was hugged from behind.

"Honey..."

I didn't know how Jerry, with his busy schedule, was always full of energy.

I gave him a playful glare. "How about we have dinner with everyone tonight?"

Jerry knew I was changing the subject. His lips lingered on my ear and neck, ignoring my suggestion.

I turned my head to avoid him. "We agreed to have dinner the night after the wedding, but because Jessa was in the hospital, we couldn't. Now that everyone is here..."

I held Jerry's wandering hand, my breath becoming erratic, my words coming out in fragments.

"I'm talking to you, Jerry! Don't... no..."

As night fell, the sea breeze was cool, but the floor-to-ceiling windows were fogged up.

When my hand slid down, it was covered by a large, warm hand, our fingers interlocking as he pressed my hand back against the window.

Celestia's sudden noise interrupted our intimacy.

I instinctively pulled away from Jerry and ran to the crib.

Celestia was awake, playing with her little feet, very well-behaved and not crying.

When she saw me, she smiled and babbled as if talking to me.

My heart melted, and I poked her cheek before quickly heading to the bathroom to freshen up.

When I came out, Jerry was blocking the door.

I took a step back, feeling a bit guilty. "Well, it's about time. You should take a shower too, and then we can have dinner with everyone."

Jerry didn't say anything and went into the bathroom. I thoughtfully closed the door for him.

Just as I picked up Celestia, my phone rang.

I freed one hand to check the phone; it was Madison.

Madison: [How are you guys having dinner? Should I take Celestia so you can enjoy your honeymoon?]

I felt my face heat up but tried to stay calm.

Hope: [Let's all have dinner together. We're coming out now.]

I realized there was no avoiding it, so I decided to leave Celestia with Madison.

Hope: [As for Celestia, I'll leave her with you, Mom!]

I couldn't be as carefree as Jerry.

I didn't feel right about letting the child hear those embarrassing sounds.

The bathroom door opened.

I looked over and quickly averted my eyes in embarrassment. Jerry wasn't even wearing a towel.

I turned my back to him. "Mom just messaged, inviting us to dinner."

Jerry grunted in acknowledgment.

I knew he wasn't happy about the sudden pause, but I really couldn't take it anymore.

But this couldn't be brushed off. I planned to have a good talk with Jerry after dinner.

Couples should address and resolve issues promptly.

"Hold Celestia for a moment."

Once I was sure Jerry was dressed, I handed him the baby and went to change.

Madison was already waiting at the door. When she saw Jerry and me come out, she paused slightly before reaching out. "Let me hold her."

"It's okay, Mom, I've got her," Jerry said and walked towards the elevator.

Madison whispered to me, "Did you two have an argument?"

I shook my head. "Don't worry, I can handle it."

Madison didn't want to interfere in Jerry's and my matters. "I know you always handle things well."

I whispered to her, "I wanted you and Garry to have a good time, but now I'm making you watch Celestia."

Madison replied, "We don't need these few days of your honeymoon to have fun. When we get back, you can take care of Celestia yourself."

I laughed. "You said it was impossible before, but now you're planning future activities."

Madison gave me a playful glare. "You're a mom now, but still act like a child."

I linked my arm with Madison's. "I'm your daughter. Of course, I'm a child in front of you."

Garry just watched us with a smile.

Jerry had already entered the elevator, holding the door open for us.

Celestia lay on his shoulder, reaching out to me.

I held Celestia's little hand and played with her.

Celestia drooled with laughter, happily tugging on Jerry's hair.

Jerry pretended to be in pain and said seriously, "If you pull all my hair out and I'm not handsome anymore, your mom won't want me and will find you a stepdad."

I pinched Jerry's waist.

He glanced at me with no particular emotion.

I couldn't help but laugh, finding his childish act of pretending to be angry and waiting for me to coax him quite amusing.

When we arrived at the restaurant, Elissa and the others were already seated.

A long table had been reserved, with Elissa and Efren sitting at one end and Francis and Jessa at the other.

Jessa held an ice pack, trying to place it on Francis's face, but he tilted his head to avoid it.

The lighting on this side wasn't very bright, so I couldn't see clearly, but it seemed like Francis's face was different on each side, with the left side a bit swollen.

I sat down next to Elissa and asked, "Did you hit him again?"

Elissa nodded, "Talking sense to him doesn't work; I had to use force."

I rubbed my forehead, and Efren, sitting nearby, gave me an innocent smile, making it hard for me to say anything.

"Handle it yourself. If you really can't solve it, let me know."

Elissa waved her hand, "You and Jerry enjoy your honeymoon. Don't worry about me."

I nodded and asked, "Have you ordered?"

"I've ordered. See if there's anything else you want."

Elissa handed me the menu.

Madison took Celestia and sat with Garry across from Jerry and me.

Jerry had one hand on the back of my chair and the other casually on his leg.

He glanced over at Francis.

Francis moved closer and sat next to Jerry.

Now that I was closer, I could see the handprint on Francis's face.

I even heard Jerry say, "You've really something."

Getting slapped twice in one day.

Francis probably had never experienced such humiliation in his life.

I pursed my lips and quietly said to Elissa, "If you really don't want anything to do with Francis, I can have Jerry talk to him. Hitting him isn't a solution."

Elissa propped her chin on her hand and said dramatically, "How can you take his side? Don't you love me anymore?"

Even with my back to Jerry, I could feel his sharp gaze on Elissa.

Elissa suddenly sat up straight, raising her hands in surrender, "Mr. Hammer, don't be mad. I was just joking."

I turned around, but Jerry wasn't looking at me; he continued talking to Francis.

"Something's off," Elissa whispered to me, her voice barely audible, "Did you two have a fight?"

I smiled helplessly and said, "Don't change the subject."

Elissa teased, "It seems like you're changing the subject too."

I didn't know why I was surrounded by so many childish people.

"No."

I touched my nose. "Our issue is minor and can be resolved in one night. But what about you? What's your plan?"

Elissa picked up her phone, tapped a few times, and signaled for me to check mine.

As I unlocked my phone, I glanced at Jerry.

Seeing him drinking with Francis, I slightly shielded my phone to read the message.

Since Elissa didn't say it out loud and sent me a message, she didn't want others to hear.

Elissa: [Can you promise not to tell Jerry what I'm about to say?]

I typed back: [Jerry is always on my side.]

Elissa chuckled, and I looked over.

She put her phone down and said, "Alright, you guys have fun. Don't worry about me."

I frowned slightly. "Don't you trust me?"

"No."

Elissa shook her head and whispered in my ear, "I want to see how things go."

I understood. After all, she had genuine feelings for Francis, and his recent actions had shaken her heart.

But I still reminded her, "Don't push him too far. If he goes crazy, even Jerry might not be able to handle it."

Elissa's eyes twinkled mischievously. "You're just worried about Jerry."

I gave Elissa a sideways glance. "No, I'm concerned about you. If he goes crazy, you might get hurt."

Elissa clinked her wine glass against my juice glass. Since I was breastfeeding, I could only drink juice.

"If I need your help, I'll let you know."

"Alright."

While we were talking, Efren had already peeled the shrimps, removed the fish bones, and prepared the crab meat, arranging it into a heart shape on a plate in front of Elissa.

"Elissa, don't just drink. Eat something, or you'll hurt your stomach."

"Okay."

Elissa picked up a fork to eat, and Efren had also cut the steak for her.

Watching this, I couldn't help but sigh, only to hear Jerry's cold voice in my ear.

"Jealous?"

Before I could say anything, Jerry continued, "Have I not peeled shrimps for you or removed fish bones? Are these really something to be jealous of?"

I patted him, then peeled a shrimp for him.

As I placed it in his bowl, I asked, "Satisfied, Mr. Hammer?"

Jerry looked down at me. "Satisfied, and quite flattered."

I gently bit down on my molars.

"As long as you're satisfied," I said, then lowered my head to eat.

Jerry looked at me for a few seconds, then turned his gaze away without saying anything.

Even though we hadn't had an argument, everyone at the table could sense the tension between us.

Elissa asked me again, and I shook my head, "I'll handle it later."

After a while, Francis clinked glasses with Jerry.

Francis, feeling miserable himself, seemed slightly comforted by seeing Jerry having issues.

"Argument on the honeymoon? Seems like you two are better off staying home."

Jerry just gave Francis a cold look without saying anything. 'You haven't even sorted out your own mess, and you dare to mock me.'

Jerry decided to do nothing and see how Francis would manage to win over Elissa.

"Francis," Jessa pushed a plate of steak in front of Francis, her eyes looking pitiful and aggrieved, "My hand isn't working well right now. I wanted to cut it for you, but you'll have to do it yourself."

"I'm sorry, I promised Rainey I'd take care of you, but you keep getting hurt. If I had known, I wouldn't have insisted on coming. We have plenty of opportunities to hang out in the future."

Jessa apologized again.

Francis wasn't in a good mood.

Over there, Elissa and Efren were interacting, with one peeling shrimp and the other feeding fruit.

If Jessa hadn't spoken, Francis might have forgotten she was there.

Bringing Jessa along wasn't a well-thought-out decision. Her arm had fractured at his house, and although it wasn't crippled, it needed more time to heal before she could use a paintbrush again.

Since Jerry's group didn't mind Jessa tagging along, Francis agreed to let her come to lift her spirits, fearing her emotional state might hinder her recovery.

"I'll cut it for you."

After all, they grew up together, and she had suffered some grievances because of him.

Francis hadn't apologized to Jessa yet, but she kept apologizing to him.

If Jessa weren't so soft-hearted, she wouldn't have been sent abroad by Wesley for so many years.

She could only return when her grandfather fell seriously ill.

"Don't always feel sorry. Just speak your mind. I'm not a stranger."

Jessa nodded obediently, smiling sincerely, "Thank you, Francis, for always being so good to me."

Francis didn't think he was particularly good.

Jessa was just too easily satisfied.

"Eat up."

Francis, on a whim, cut the steak for Jessa and even peeled a crab and a lobster for her.

Elissa and I watched the whole scene and exchanged glances.

Elissa messaged me: [See that? Provoking me.]

I replied: [Did it ignite your competitive spirit?]

Elissa: [If she had come back earlier, maybe. But now, I just want to enjoy my vacation.]

I could tell Elissa hadn't completely let go of Francis. Otherwise, she wouldn't be putting on a show with Efren; she would have made it real by now.

Elissa's personality was fiery and decisive. If she truly liked someone, she would have acted long ago.

"Hope."

I looked at Madison, "What's up, Mom?"

"Garry and I are done eating. We're going for a walk with Celestia. You guys take your time."

I nodded, "Okay."

Elissa also stood up, waving to Efren, "Let's go."

Efren immediately followed.

Actually, Efren was quite a good romantic partner. Unfortunately, he appeared at the wrong time.

"Jerry, you guys take your time."

"Mm."

Just as I turned my gaze back, I saw Francis get up and leave.

Jessa ran after him, saying, "Francis, they're setting off fireworks over there. Let's go watch."

In the end, it was just Jerry and me.

I finished my juice, wiped my mouth with a napkin, and said, "I booked a night cruise. Do I have the honor of inviting you to join me, Mr. Hammer?"

Jerry raised an eyebrow, stood up, and hooked his arm around my neck, asking, "Trying to make it up to me?"

Anyone who had been intimidated by Jerry's methods would be shocked to see this childish side of him.

On the cruise, I leaned on the railing at the stern, watching the night scenery.

Jerry hugged me from behind.

I looked up and kissed his chin, asking, "Are you still mad, honey?"

Jerry lowered his head and sealed my lips with his.

During a break for air, he pressed his forehead against mine, his deep voice seductive, "Hope, I love you."

I had heard Jerry say sweet things before, but most of the time, he was playful, teasing me.

This was the first time I heard him speak so seriously and solemnly.

He hadn't even said it at our wedding.

I hugged his strong waist and rubbed my forehead against his.

I knew we didn't need many words to understand each other.

Like tonight, even though I was trying to make it up to him, Jerry would never really be mad at me.

And I wouldn't, knowing he just wanted to hear something nice, stubbornly wait for him to give in.

As a couple, we didn't owe each other anything.

My ideal love was just like this.

He and I, side by side, communicating in time, always stayed in love.

"I love you too, and I'm grateful you never gave up on loving me, my most handsome husband."

Jerry hugged me tightly and gently kissed my forehead.

In the distance, fireworks lit up the sky, dazzling and colorful. How I wished this beautiful moment could be frozen in time, becoming eternal.