Chapter 96
I picked up my instant noodles again and ate while watching TV.
Jason hadn't come over or said anything since entering the room.
I didn't want to pay much attention to him.
But hearing some noises, I got curious and instinctively turned to look. I saw Jason crouching in the corner doing something.
From my angle, he looked gloomy, huddled in that corner.
That's when I noticed Jason had brought a box in with him.
He had opened the box and taken out something white.
I looked closer. It was a robot vacuum.
I'd seen ads for this brand on my phone recently. Their robot vacuums had lots of features, but they were too expensive. I wouldn't consider buying one.
I pressed my lips together, feeling conflicted.
After Jason finished setting up the robot vacuum, he walked over and sat down right next to me.
I scooted over a bit while holding my noodles.
Jason moved closer again.
I frowned and asked, "What's wrong with you today?"
Worried I'd spill my noodles, I had to put them down and move over a bit more.
Jason stayed silent, just kept pressing close to me.
"Jason!" I raised my voice and called his name again.
Jason just kept pressing against me.
After going back and forth like this several times, Jason had pushed me all the way to the edge of the couch.
I frowned, sighed, and asked calmly, "What exactly are you trying to do? Can't you just talk to me?"
But Jason kept his lips pressed tight, leaning against me while staring at the TV.
I followed his gaze.
The show was at the part where the female lead was about to sacrifice herself for others.
But Jason showed no emotion, not a hint of being moved.
Yet he stared intently, as if the content was fascinating.
I shook my head, not wanting to sit with him anymore.
I stood up, planning to dump my noodles and clean up. Suddenly, my wrist tightened. A strong pull yanked me down onto Jason's lap.
"What are you doing?"
The distance between us closed instantly. My heart pounded.
I stared wide-eyed at Jason, "You suddenly show up at my place and won't say anything."
I tried to get up, but Jason wrapped his arms around me.
His arms were strong and firm, his burning hot body temperature against my skin made even my face feel warm.
"You..."
"Sue, I know everything now."
Jason buried his head in my neck and shoulder, his voice low and hoarse.
He breathed in my scent, his tone choked with tears, "...I'm sorry, it's all my fault. If I hadn't hidden things from you back then, you wouldn't have been so tired. I'm sorry. Because I didn't trust you, we missed out on all this time."
The room fell deathly silent.
I instinctively held my breath.
I never thought he'd learn the truth about what happened back then.
After all, so much time had passed. The truth didn't matter anymore.
Even telling myself this, my heart still ached.
The hurt from the past wasn't something I could easily forget.
In the silence, our breathing became clearer.
I could even hear Jason's racing heartbeat.
My heartbeat quickened, too.
I looked down, seeing the top of Jason's head.
My fingers twitched. I couldn't quite resist. I wanted to touch his head.
Just as I reached out, the sound of the door lock turning came from the front door.
I jolted, pushing Jason away without hesitation!
Jason, who'd been leaning against me, hit the couch back unexpectedly.
And I was still sitting on his lap...
"Mommy?" Jessica poked her head in, eyes full of curiosity, "What new game are you playing with Daddy?"
Grandma Cooper came in behind her. Seeing Jason and my position, her eyes crinkled with a smile.
Her gaze knowing, she said with a grin, "Looks like we came back at a bad time! I'll be going now!"
"Grandma..." I opened my mouth to explain, but Grandma Cooper had already left.
Jason looked at me resentfully.
He sat up too, leaning back against the couch.
I quickly got off Jason's lap.
Jessica had already run to the bathroom to shower.
Only Jason and I were left in the living room.
Just then, the TV was playing the male lead's passionate confession to the female lead.
When I was watching to pass the time earlier, I didn't think much of this show.
But these lines in this moment, so awkward!
"Make yourself comfortable. I'm going to hang the laundry," I said.
I walked stiffly to the balcony and took the washed clothes out of the washing machine.
Jason quietly followed behind me.
I pretended not to notice. When I reached for a hanger, he handed me one.
I paused, then took it.
As soon as I smoothed out the clothes and hung them up, Jason naturally took them from my hands and hung them up.
His movements were so natural, it gave me the strange feeling that this was how we should have always been.
I asked, "You actually do housework now?"
"What's the big deal? Not just housework. As long as you're willing, I'll do anything." Jason answered matter-of-factly.
He smiled and added, "Of course, if you want to do something to me, I'm completely open to that too."
I bit my lip and said, "So full of yourself!"
"I didn't say what specifically. What do you want to do?"
"...Shut up."
"Only if you kiss me."
I was speechless and glared at Jason.
The laundry was done.
I turned to go back inside. Jason blocked my way, holding out his hand, "Give me your phone for a second."
"Why?" I asked.
He answered, "The robot vacuum is set up. I'll connect your phone to it so you can schedule cleaning in advance. It'll make housework much easier."
I gripped my phone tighter and refused, "I don't need it. Take it home and use it yourself."