Chapter 985
Jasper countered, “And what about you? How many boyfriends have you had before?”
Imogen’s reaction faltered slightly, a complexity flickering in her gaze. Swiftly, she lowered her head, her tone heavy as she replied, “None.”
Jasper couldn’t miss the despondency in Imogen’s response. Sensing something amiss, he pressed on, “While you may not have dated, I’m sure you’ve had feelings for someone before, haven’t you?”
Imogen offered a wry smile, arching an eyebrow at him. “Well, we’ve all had our companions, haven’t we? No one betrayed anyone, so let’s not dwell on the past, okay?”
Jasper sensed he had touched upon a sensitive subject; it was apparent that Imogen cherished someone deeply. However, constrained by circumstances, she settled for whoever came her way.
Reflecting on this, Jasper felt a twinge of unease. “Well, who was the one who initially brought up this topic?” he questioned.
“Sorry,” Imogen apologized.
Nevertheless, Jasper persisted, unwilling to let the matter slide. “Were you infatuated with someone, or was it unrequited love?”
Imogen swiftly retrieved her pajamas from the wardrobe, evading his question. “I’ll go take a shower now. You can finish tidying up on your own.” Carrying her clothes, Imogen stepped out of the room. With a sigh escaping her lips, she closed the door, burdened by a heaviness in her heart. Suddenly, memories of Ethan Clark inundated her mind, evoking a familiar ache.
Growing up, Imogen and Ethan were inseparable, akin to two peas in a pod. Their bond transcended the boundaries of friendship, hinting at a love waiting to bloom.
Ethan had once whimsically proposed that if neither had found their soulmate by age 30, they should marry each other.
Imogen’s former best friend was well aware of the underlying attraction between Imogen and Ethan, along with their pact to marry at 30.
Despite this knowledge, she shamelessly pursued a physical relationship with Ethan, resulting in an unplanned pregnancy and their rushed marriage this year. This betrayal deepened Imogen’s sense of urgency to settle down.
In the quiet of the night, Imogen and Jasper laid on the modest bed, their bodies tense. Jasper felt acutely aware of each breath, his discomfort palpable in the confined space.
He stole a glance at Imogen lying beside him, his unease lingering despite the separation of their blankets. His heart fluttered erratically, his thoughts scattering like startled deer.
Imogen’s profile captivated him. Her
beauty was enchanting, exuding a luminous and delicate charm that held Jasper’s gaze. Despite being 27, she seemed as youthful as a 20-year-old, her skin radiant and flawless.
A tightness gripped Jasper’s throat as he swallowed hard, discomfort prickling his spine. With a gentle shift, he turned to fully face Imogen, silentlycherishing her presence. As he admired her, his gaze burned with intensity.
In this unfamiliar place, Jasper struggled to find rest lying beside Imogen. After all, she was someone he had harbored feelings for over a decade ago. Throughout the night, his mind wrestled with thoughts, leaving him restless in the darkness.
Meanwhile, Imogen, carefree and nonchalant, slept soundly, her serene state contrasting sharply with Jasper’s inner turmoil.
Nheless, she hadn’t fully reconciled with her marriage and was still clinging to a subconscious denial.
As the first light of dawn filtered in, Imogen opened her eyes slowly, only to be greeted by the unexpected presence of a strikingly handsome stranger lying beside her.
Startled, she pulled back, a moment of panic gripping her before reality sunk in-she was now a wife. She belonged to someone.
Nheless, their union lacked the
foundation of love. It was a product of familial expectations and her desire to move on from Ethan. Thus, Imogen harbored no illusions or expectations for her husband. All she craved was a peaceful coexistence.
Getting up from the bed, Imogen proceeded with her morning routine. After changing into fresh clothes, she savored a hearty breakfast prepared by Carol.
With her belongings in hand, she eventually made her way out. Amidst the struggle of her online store, Imogen had to resort to selling her model blocks at a street market.
However, as she descended the stairs and stepped outside, she was suddenly greeted by a torrent of colored, filthy water.
In an instant, the icy deluge drenched her from head to toe, sending a shock of coldness coursing through her body. Frozen in disbelief, she shivered uncontrollably, her eyes widening as she stared at the two figures standing before her.