My Darling, My Dearest novel Chapter 148

Rachel was already near the balcony when she hesitated. She was about to excuse herself and ask for help, but she heard a man talking in clipped sentences. His faint voice was carried across the foyer by the night wind.

He struck her as familiar. Her head tipped to the side, trying to put a face to the voice.

As luck would have it, the corridor was overlaid with plush carpet cushioning her steps.

The people did not notice her. Confusion turned into delight when she realized to whom the masculine voice belonged to. It was from Jack! She was elated and took a step forward.

"How come you suddenly fell in love with her?"

Rachel froze. She recognized that the second voice belonged to Brad. From her location, it was impossible not to listen. "I think she is the right one," Jack said after a few seconds.

"The right one? You mean as a wife?"

She eavesdropped like a thief, despite the instincts that warned her against spying. Rachel stood still and barely breathed. She was looking forward to his response.

'Jack thinks I am a suitable wife? Does he have a crush on me?' Everything around her moved in slow motion, as though the passing of time was suspended.

'Just like I have a crush on him?1

All she could hear was her heart pounding.

Her palms were already sweating when Jack finally spoke. "Let's go back. She's taking too long, I will see what she's up to."

In a daze, Rachel turned swiftly and scurried for the hallway.

But she didn't go too far. She retreated to a corner and then walked out as if she just arrived.

"There you are! I thought you were lost." Jack moved closer to her, relief evident on his face.

As expected, she bumped into them. "I almost got lost. This place is like a maze."

He reached over and took her hand, but Rachel's head was elsewhere. She didn't pull away and let him hold her close.

"It's okay since you are unfamiliar with this place. I almost got lost myself the first time."

"She's here. Let's go back." Brad turned and headed for their room.

A small smile curved Rachel's lips; they talked as if they came out to find her. She pretended not to know and let Jack guide her back.

The others were still at the table when they returned. Eric was now seated between Michael and Marcus, talking excitedly.

Jack and Brad quickly caught up with the discussion. Once in a while, Jack would still affectionately place food on Rachel's bowl.

Rachel furtively watched the man beside her.

She raised her chopsticks and looked at her bowl, but did not eat. Somehow, the meal in front of her was no longer appealing.

When she realized how foolish she was, she lost her appetite.

Thinking of his behavior lately, she thought they were getting along quite well. She assumed he wanted them to start over because he fell in love with her.

Yes, he did want them to start over, but not because he loved her.

The woman he loved was Celine. But suddenly, he changed his mind and chased Rachel.

'Is it because he finds me as a more suitable wife?1

For the remaining of the dinner, Rachel only pretended to eat. She was mostly toying with her food, feeling a little sad.

Women were always eager to fall in love. At this point, she had to admit it was true.

Maybe she still had a little vanity left and thought Jack was smitten with her. To her defense, she was initially vigilant with his sudden change of heart. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, she became attracted to him.

But hearing him was like a splash of cold water on her.

It was rather hypocritical, but she had also considered having a relationship with Lucas in case she never fall in love.

Maybe they were just the same, Jack also had

his own reason.

'Is he fed up with the triviality of love and decides to turn to his nominal wife instead?

Is that it?1

Jack did not miss Rachel's change in behavior. "What happened? You look unhappy." The baritone of his voice reverberated through Rachel.

She lightly moved her lips to mask her expression. "Nothing."

"Don't you like the food?"

"It's great."

Her curt replies warned him. He sensed there might be something wrong but found it improper to ask given the occasion. He pushed his anxiety on the backseat and took a mental note to ask her later.

At that moment, Brad discussed the progress of the Pearl Resort.

The project was on-going. If everything went well, the resort would be completed during the second half of the year.

They talked about business until the dinner ended at nine o’clock. Since Jack did not drink, he drove for Rachel and Eric.

Rain fell just when they were about to leave. The doorman held an umbrella and sent them to the parking lot.

Like Rachel, Eric's behavior changed. In such a short time, he had exchanged phone numbers with Michael and his friends. Rachel lamented that Eric was not as efficient when meeting girls.