Chapter 14

Debra sensed Juan’s stiffness and squeezed past him. Inside, the lights were dim, revealing a candlelit dinner table in the living room. Debra was astounded. Obviously, it was Melody’s idea; that explained why Melody had insisted earlier that Juan take Debra home. This was her plan.

“Debra, you’ve got some nerve,” Juan said.

“Not me,” Debra replied, wanting to explain, but Juan threw down his bags and left without looking back. However, upon stepping outside, he found the car had driven away. Debra fully understood Melody’s intention: if she and Juan didn’t stay together tonight, Melody wouldn’t give up.

“Don’t bother,” Debra said. “You sleep in the living room, and I’ll sleep in the bedroom.”

Juan gave Debra a cold look. “I warn you not to play tricks.” With that, he walked into the house.

Seeing the disgust in Juan’s eyes, Debra could only laugh at herself. This is what you get for liking Juan, she thought. Even if you once liked him so much, in his mind, you’re just a woman playing dirty tricks. She didn’t know she was so unbearable to him.

Debra walked to the table, looking at the prepared dinner. Juan might have no appetite, but she was tired after accompanying Melody all day.

“You’re not eating?” she asked.

“No appetite,” Juan replied, sitting on the couch and reading the newspaper.

Debra, being polite, had already started eating. Noticing that she ignored him, Juan looked up. He felt Debra was different, but couldn’t quite place it. Debra sensed his gaze and looked up. “Do you want some?”

“No.”

“Then why are you looking at me?”

Juan looked away. She surely had changed, becoming more detestable.

Debra glanced at the time on her phone. She had planned to meet Marion today, but because of Melody, she hadn’t made it. She hoped Juan would leave soon so she could explain to Marion about Aaron and that piece of land; she had many questions for her.

Juan’s phone rang. Debra looked over and saw the caller ID: Shelia.

“Hello?” Juan’s voice softened. Debra held her breath, listening intently.

“Mr. Nichols, I want to go to the hospital.”

“Hospital? Is your injury serious?”

“Yes, it hurts a bit,” Shelia’s weak voice replied.

Juan glanced at Debra, who was peeking in his direction. He took a deep breath and said, “I’ll come over now.” He hung up.

Debra pretended to eat, her head down. Juan said, “I have to go out for a bit.”

“Shelia’s call?” Debra asked.

“Shelia’s ankle is injured, and I’m going to take her to the hospital.”

Debra nodded. “Go ahead.”

Juan was surprised by her easy agreement.