Chapter 64 Cold War
Francis wasn't good at comforting women, and with Jennifer's attitude, he had even less interest in pleasing her. Still, the driver took them both to the hotel Francis had booked. Even though they'd argued, they still had to share a bed that night.
Francis had booked a suite. He went to the study to handle work. Jennifer stayed alone in the living room. First, she replied to Declan's message telling him not to worry, then turned on the TV, keeping the volume low on a variety show. She sat on the sofa, her expression calm as she watched the guests play hilarious games. She wasn't really watching those silly stunts—she just felt a bit lonely and wanted to hear some noise.
Fortunately, the driver soon brought her luggage. She simply took out her sketchbook and started designing jewelry. She carefully admired the collector-grade pearl for a while, thinking about how to perfectly showcase its beauty. Make it into a necklace, use drill-less setting so the pearl's perfection wouldn't be damaged, keep the lines simple but with highlights. Soon, a simple draft appeared on paper. Only then did Jennifer realize her stomach was aching from hunger. Tonight, because Francis suddenly showed up, she hadn't eaten a bite. She quickly ordered a meal set, requesting that room service bring it immediately.
While eating the tender steak, Jennifer couldn't help thinking of Yasmin's face. She and Francis were from the same circle. If Francis were to marry in the future, it would probably be a business marriage with a woman like that. She shook her head. She shouldn't have such unrealistic fantasies. She and Francis—it was just a short-term sexual relationship that could end at any time. So she warned herself again not to develop real feelings. Hadn't she learned enough from Eugene? Francis was just playing around with her from the start. He hadn't even said he loved her. He didn't bother lying to her. How could she be moved by the favors he gave her? Was it because her romantic experience was too limited?
After finishing work, Francis sat in the study for a long time. He thought about what Declan said: "Why don't you let me have her?" An inexplicable irritation rose in his heart. Actually, he was with Jennifer just for pleasure, without thinking about the future. They were very compatible sexually, and Jennifer was gentle and good-tempered, taking care of him in many ways in daily life, so he was willing to live with her. But today Declan's words made him think about the future. After he and Jennifer separated, would she be with Declan? He didn't want to see that happen—at least not now.
When Francis came out to wash up, Jennifer was already in bed, lying obediently on one side with her back to him. He gently lifted the covers and lay beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder from behind, asking softly, "Are you asleep?"
Jennifer responded quietly, "What?" but didn't turn around.
Francis had been busy lately. They hadn't had sex in several days. Smelling the sweet scent at Jennifer's neck, he felt desire rising. Even though they'd just argued, Francis still decided to follow his desire. His hand slid down to her waist, pulling her into his body. Jennifer felt something hot pressing against her from behind. She felt a bit repulsed, but she didn't refuse. This was the service she was supposed to provide for Francis, wasn't it?
Francis's hot lips lingered on her cheeks and neck, but Jennifer didn't get aroused as quickly as before. Instead, her heart felt a bit cold, because at this moment she deeply understood that Francis just treated her as a tool to relieve his desires. Her response wasn't enthusiastic enough. Francis grunted with dissatisfaction, turned her head around, and kissed her. Jennifer obediently opened her mouth, but her eyes remained calm throughout. Francis sensed something was wrong. He frowned, staring into her eyes and asking, "Are you not feeling well?"
Jennifer's curled lashes trembled a few times. Francis's deep blue eyes were like surging seawater—being stared at by him this closely was really easy to get lost in. She said softly, "No, you can do it if you want."
She said it so reluctantly, as if she had no needs herself and sex was only to satisfy him. A surge of anger rose in Francis's heart. He liked mutually passionate sex—otherwise, what was the difference from rape? He let go and sat up, saying impatiently, "I don't like your attitude right now. How long are you going to throw this tantrum?"
Jennifer pressed her lips together, considering for a moment before speaking. "I'm not throwing a tantrum. It's just that I'm not skilled enough yet and haven't satisfied you."
Francis took a deep breath. "You weren't like this before. Being so passive-aggressive now—are you jealous?"
Jennifer turned her head away. "No, I know I have no right to be jealous. I'm just recognizing what our relationship really is."
"Fine, very good!" Francis angrily threw off the covers and strode into the bathroom, turning on the shower. He took a ten-minute cold shower, finally suppressing his desire and anger. Then he went into the study. Tonight, he would sleep in a separate room from her!
Jennifer lay alone in bed, staring at the ceiling for a long time before falling asleep. When she woke up the next day, Francis was already gone. He hadn't left a word. It was Casey who sent a message saying they had to go on another business trip, had already changed Jennifer's flight ticket, and the driver was booked—someone would come to pick her up later. She replied, "Okay, thank you, Casey."
In the airport VIP lounge, Francis rubbed the bridge of his nose and asked, "Is she awake?"
Casey knew this "she" referred to Jennifer. He answered, "Yes, Ms. Brown just expressed her thanks to me."
Francis nodded. After a while, he suddenly looked at Casey. "I remember you're married and have a pretty good relationship with your wife?"
"Yes, thank you for your concern, Mr. Carter," Casey replied politely.
"So do you know why women get angry so easily?"
Casey swallowed. This was the first time Francis had been troubled by relationship issues. He needed to think carefully about how to answer. He thought for quite a while before saying, "Because of hormonal influences, women generally have richer and more sensitive emotions. My wife often gets angry with me over small things. I let her calm down first, then sent flowers and gifts to apologize and make her happy. I know she gets angry because she cares about me."
Francis looked at him with disdain. "Apologize? Why should I apologize when she's also at fault? I didn't expect that you're so capable and efficient at work, but have no principles at home."
Casey smiled awkwardly and wiped the sweat from his forehead, saying, "It's different. You can have many women, but I only have one wife. When two people live together, sometimes right and wrong aren't that important, because she's more important to me."
Francis lowered his eyes, thinking about something, and said nothing more. Casey didn't disturb him either, only calling out when the announcement reminded them to board, "Mr. Carter, we should go." Their upcoming schedule wasn't easy either.