novelraw Chapter 159: His Quiet Assurance
Chapter 159: His Quiet Assurance
Chapter 159: His Quiet AssuranceJoanne looked over at him,
That was his world. He could slip into it with ease. She, on the other hand, would only make things harder. And the last thing she wanted was to be a burden—to make him second-guess choosing her.
"Yes," Jeffrey said. His voice was steady. "But I want to go with you."
He turned to her then, fully, his fishing rod forgotten on the ground. His gaze locked on hers, so direct it almost hurt.
"I want you there."
Joanne pressed her lips together, her hands knotting in her lap. Her heart stammered beneath her ribs.
"I know nothing about that world, Jeffrey... Royalties? Celebrities?" she said. Her voice cracked with the weight of her fear. "I’ll stick out like a sore thumb. And what if..."
She didn’t finish that thought. What if you regret me?
Jeffrey heard it anyway.
"Jo..." he said gently, stepping closer. "I’ll be with you."
The way he said it—like a vow, like a promise he’d never break—melted something tight and knotted in her chest.
He understood. He truly understood.
She’d been shoved out of those circles before. Humiliated, diminished. Of course she was hesitant to walk back in. But this time... he wouldn’t let her go in alone.
She bit her lip, watching the sincerity settle deep in his eyes. He wasn’t just saying this. He meant it.
"Are you sure?" she whispered, needing to hear it again—for herself, for her fragile hope.
"100%," he said, without a blink.
Joanne smiled, her heart full and trembling all at once. "Okay," she said softly.
It wasn’t a loud, brave declaration. It didn’t need to be. It was a step—a leap of faith into his trust, his love, his world. A world she was willing to face... because he’d be beside her.
Jeffrey’s eyes brightened, disbelief and joy warring for dominance. "You’ll go?" he asked, grinning like a boy again.
Joanne nodded, her heart fluttering. His happiness made it all worth it.
Splash!
The fishing rod jerked forward suddenly, dragged halfway into the river. Jeffrey jumped to catch it, nearly slipping on the wet rocks. Joanne burst into laughter, the sound bubbling from her chest like sunshine.
He pulled up a wriggling, flapping fish—big enough for dinner for two—and held it up triumphantly.
"Look at that!" he beamed, water dripping from his sleeves.
Joanne just laughed harder. "You’re lucky I agreed before that or I might’ve changed my mind."
They sat for a while after that, curled up beside each other, the sound of the river soothing, the silence now light and comforting. The sun dipped lower, brushing the sky with hues of gold.
Eventually, they packed up and made their way back home.
But as they neared the gates, a truck came into view—one parked just outside, half-hidden by the trees.
Joanne tensed.
Jeffrey’s expression hardened instantly. As they pulled into the driveway, Tom Sullivan stepped out from behind a bush, eyes darting straight to their car.
Jeffrey didn’t hesitate. His hands fisted at his sides.
Not this fool again.