Chapter 440

Jesse glared at Veda, remembering Chris's advice, "Look, I get you have your reasons, but this is on you. With the way your wife is, if you'd just been upfront from the start, your kids would be in elementary school by now. But no, you had to be stubborn. Just show some vulnerability now, let her feel sorry for you. There's still a chance."

Thinking about that, Jesse's expression softened, and he looked at Veda with a pitiful gaze.

Chris's tactic worked like a charm. The moment Jesse put on that face, Veda felt guilty and couldn't meet his eyes.

Jesse recalled more of Chris's advice, "Now's the time to drop your pride. Go to her, act cute, roll around, show your loyalty. And get her a gift. Doesn't she love jewelry? Buy her some."

Jesse had hesitated then, saying, "My assets are still under investigation. Sienna said it'd be a while before I get them."

Simon, overhearing their conversation, handed Jesse a card. "Take it and go win her back. Veda's waited long enough. You think a few sweet words and a snap of your fingers will make her forgive you?"

"Taking your money feels wrong."

Chris shoved the card into Jesse's hand. "Just take it. He's got plenty."

Jesse looked at the two of them, unsure if they were comforting or mocking him.

Regardless, to win Veda back quickly, Jesse reluctantly took the card and bought her two bracelets without any guilt.

He carried the expensive gift around daily, following Veda but too embarrassed to give it to her, afraid she'd think he was trying to buy her off.

Now, he didn't care about anything. He pulled her off the motorcycle and, before she could explode, slipped the bracelets onto her wrists. "Don't hang out with those guys. They don't even know your bracelet size."

"And you do?"

Jesse shook her hand gently. "This is the proof. I remember everything."

"When did you measure?"

"No need." Jesse held her wrist. "I just know."

Veda rolled her eyes, about to speak, but Jesse beat her to it. "Honey, life's too short. Can we stop wasting time being angry and fighting?"

"You know life is short?"

Veda kicked his shin in frustration. "Do you have any idea how I've lived these years, not knowing if you were dead or alive, uncovering more lies as I went? Do you know how much I've suffered?"

"I know you suffered."

Jesse looked at her earnestly. "You can hit me, yell at me, just please forgive me."

Veda looked at him. Despite him being around her all this time, she hadn't really looked at him closely until now.

She realized that the years had worn away his youthful impulsiveness.

Jesse was now calm, emotionally stable, and considerate, no longer the reckless guy he used to be.

The former troublemaker now had a mature look in his eyes.

"Jesse."

Veda sighed, "I have so much resentment and anger. I've forgiven you in my heart, but if I don't let it out, I can't promise I won't bring it up later."

Jesse smiled. "So, what do you want to do?"

Veda raised her hand. "Three slaps. After that, I won't mention it again, and we'll be good."

Jesse didn't hesitate, leaning his face forward. "Slap me as much as you need."

Veda wasn't joking. She took off the bracelets and handed them to Jesse. "Hold these, so they don't get damaged."

Jesse took the bracelets, and before he could react, Veda slapped him hard.

He stared at her in shock as she quickly delivered two more slaps.

Afterwards, she said, "Unexpected slaps hurt less. Jesse, we're good now."

Jesse touched his face. "So, I..."

Veda took back the bracelets. "Where's the box?"

Jesse stammered, "I thought it was inconvenient, so I just..."

Veda's expression changed. "You just carried something so expensive in your pocket?"

"It was a special situation."

Veda carefully checked the bracelets for damage, then went upstairs to put them away safely.

"Let's go," she said, swinging her arm. "You coming?"

Seeing her gesture, Jesse lit up with joy and ran to link arms with her. "Are we taking the motorcycle?"

"In this cold? My knees will freeze. We're hitching a ride!"

"With who?"

"Royce."

"Aren't we helping him move? How do we hitch a ride?"

As Jesse finished speaking, Rhett's car pulled into the complex. Seeing Veda, he honked from afar.

Rhett stopped the car and rolled down the window, looking at the two holding hands. "What's this?"

Veda raised her hand. "Sorry, we're back together."

Rhett gritted his teeth in frustration, closed the window, and drove off.

"He's jealous," Jesse said. "Let's get a cab."

As they left the complex, they saw Rhett's car parked nearby.

"Are you helping me move or not?"

Rhett glared at them, especially Jesse. "Henry, I'm warning you, treat my friend well."

Veda kicked his car. "Friend? When you were chasing me, was I just a friend?"

"That was youthful foolishness."

Rhett gestured for them to get in. "Hurry up, my parents are waiting to move into the new house."

The moving took most of the day. The younger ones were busy organizing the house, while Eris and the others prepared food at Chris's place, planning to cook a few dishes at the new house to wrap things up.

Isadora and Sloane's health had improved significantly. After rehab, Sloane could walk slowly, and Isadora was doing even better, often taking walks with Sienna.

Simon, Kelvin, and Sloane chatted in the study, while Eris kept Isadora out of the kitchen, with Sienna keeping her company.

Looking at the lively scene, Isadora said to Sienna, "Sienna, take a walk with me."