Chapter 289
Amelia's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "In this day and age? There's no need to drag things out. We're both adults."
"But there's still a process," I protested, though my heart wasn't really in it.
"The process is overrated. I've spent the past few days observing you, John. I have a very good understanding of who you are. And I believe you meet my criteria for a partner."
She reached into her bag and pulled out a tablet, handing it to me with a flourish. "See for yourself. I even made a model analysis."
I took the tablet, my jaw dropping as I skimmed through the contents.
[Name: John
Age: 25
Height: 6'2"
Personality: Warm, Gentlemanly, Courteous
Appearance: 8.8/10
Zodiac Sign: Virgo]
Below this was a detailed breakdown of my personality traits, likes, dislikes, even my sleep schedule.
No wonder she'd been so inquisitive these past few days, even making me download those ridiculous personality quizzes.
And then I saw it. Her conclusion, written in bold at the bottom of the page: "Overall Compatibility: Excellent. John possesses all the qualities I seek in a life partner."
This was insane. I'd thought we were colleagues, maybe even friends. And here she was, planning our wedding, our children.
"Amelia," I began, my voice hoarse. "Don't you think this is a bit... extreme? This isn't how you get to know someone."
"Perhaps not for everyone," she conceded. "But for me, it's enough. We connect on an intellectual level, John. You're the first man I've met in a long time who can keep up with me, who challenges me."
"But we haven't even... you know..." I trailed off, flustered.
A knowing smile spread across her lips. "According to my calculations, you've stolen 230 glances at my chest in the past three days. You've leaned in close, as if you wanted to kiss me, at least a dozen times. You've touched my hand 30 times, my backside 20 times..."
My face burned as she rattled off a list of my transgressions.
"And let's not forget the photos," she added, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You're not as stealthy as you think."
I shrank back in my seat, mortified. She'd noticed everything.
"Look, John," she said, her voice softening. "I may not be the most beautiful woman in the world, but I'm successful, I'm independent, and I own a three-bedroom apartment in Sevan City, mortgage-free. I have a car, a healthy savings account... I'm not looking for much in a partner."
"Amelia, I... there's someone else."
She didn't miss a beat. "Are you married?"
"No, but..."
"Then it's not an issue," she declared, waving her hand dismissively. "The point is, you're clearly attracted to me. And I find you very appealing. So why don't we skip the formalities and move in together? We can get married in a month or two. And if we're lucky..." she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "...these next few days happen to be my most fertile time of the month. Imagine that, John. A little one by next spring."
She squeezed my hand, her eyes shining with excitement. "I've already taken care of everything at work. You're the assistant to the director now, remember? I can easily take a month off when the baby arrives. You can cover for me, and Ms. Wilson won't suspect a thing. Our little secret."
I stared at her, my mind reeling. She was planning our entire future, and I hadn't even agreed to a second date.
"Amelia, this is... a lot to process. Maybe we should slow down. Besides," I added, grasping at straws, "I'm not exactly... husband material."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm... I'm not very good with commitment. I'm kind of... promiscuous."
She chuckled, as if I'd told a particularly amusing joke. "Statistically speaking, attractive men with strong physiques are more likely to be pursued by the opposite sex. It's basic genetics, darling. Trust me, I understand."
"But..."
"Don't worry," she interrupted, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I'll work on becoming even more irresistible. Just for you."
I slumped back in my seat, defeated.
'The woes of a handsome man.' I sighed inwardly.
"But I don't like you like that," I blurted out, my voice barely a whisper.
She tilted her head, her gaze falling on the tablet still clutched in my hand.
I couldn't very well tell her I was just trying to check her pulse, could I?
"It's settled then," she announced, her voice firm. "I'll give you two days to pack your things. Then I'm moving in."
And just like that, she'd bulldozed her way into my life.
I snuck a glance towards the private dining room, a strange sense of foreboding washing over me.
Little did she know, she wasn't the only wolf I'd invited into my life.
Amelia patted my hand, her touch surprisingly gentle. Then, she pulled a set of keys from her purse and placed them in my palm.
"Don't lose these," she said, her voice low. "They're the keys to my apartment."
The weight of the keys in my hand was both exhilarating and terrifying.
She was serious. Deadly serious.
Our food arrived, but my appetite was gone.
I watched as Jenny stole glances in my direction. A group of musicians approached their table, their instruments gleaming under the soft lights. Joseph stood, pulling a velvet box from his pocket. Inside, a diamond ring sparkled under the spotlight.
"Jenny," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "I know I messed up. I was a fool to let you go. But I've changed. I've realized the error of my ways. I miss you, Jenny. More than words can say. I don't want to spend another day without you. Marry me. Let me spend the rest of my life making it up to you, cherishing you, loving you."
As if on cue, the other diners erupted in applause.
"Say yes!" someone shouted.
Amelia gasped. "Isn't that Ms. Smith from marketing?"
I fixed Joseph with a look of pure rage, my fists clenching under the table.
"Don't say yes. Please don't say the fucking yes."I cursed.
"Jenny, marry me!" Joseph repeated, his voice echoing through the restaurant.
Jenny's gaze met mine, her lips caught between a smile and a grimace.
My heart sank. Why was she hesitating?
She must be thinking of me. If I wasn't here, she would have said yes in a heartbeat.
The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. Everything I'd done, everything I'd said... it was all for nothing.
I watched, helpless, as she took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry, Joseph," she said, her voice firm. "I can't marry you."
Relief washed over me, so potent it almost brought me to my knees.
She'd said no.
The applause died down, replaced by a stunned silence.
"Why?" Joseph choked out, his face a mask of disbelief.
"Because I don't love you," Jenny said, her voice surprisingly steady. "I don't want to be your wife. I don't want to be your enemy either. Let's just be friends."
"Friends?" Joseph's grip tightened on her wrist. "I don't want to be your friend. You're going to be my wife."
"Let go of me, Joseph."
I surged to my feet, ready to intervene.
But Jenny's eyes met mine, pleading with me to stay back.
My feet remained rooted to the spot.
"Joseph, if you hurt her..." I muttered under my breath.
"John, what is it?" Amelia asked, her hand closing over mine.
"Nothing," I lied, forcing myself to breathe.
She followed my gaze, her expression hardening. "I know you used to work with Ms. Smith, but trust me, this isn't our fight."
There was a knowing look in her eyes, as if she understood something I didn't.
Reluctantly, I sank back into my chair.
Amelia's hand remained on mine, her touch surprisingly grounding.
"Last chance, Jenny," Joseph snarled. "Marry me, or else..."
"Or else what?" Jenny challenged, her chin held high.
"You ungrateful bitch!"
The slap echoed through the restaurant.
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