Chapter 1014

Rowan’s expression softened. “Alright, let’s not talk about Skylar anymore. Didn’t you want coffee? Take a look at the menu and see what you’d like.”

“Okay. Rowan, I love you.” Jenny seized the moment to declare her feelings.

Rowan nodded, but his affection felt muted. Jenny noticed immediately, biting her lip in silence. A wave of fear washed over her. The thought of Rowan no longer loving her was unbearable. His recent attitude had shifted. Then she remembered—they hadn't slept together. The realization struck her with a sudden chill. Even their kisses were quick, simple pecks, almost casual, never deep or passionate. Lately, preoccupied with Edwin, she hadn't considered this. But now…

An hour later, leaving the café, they entered the car. Without warning, Jenny leaned over and kissed Rowan. “You—” Rowan began to pull away, but Jenny deepened the kiss, determined to hold him. It was a bold move he hadn't anticipated. It had been a long time since they'd kissed like that. Jenny's eyes were filled with desire.

When the kiss ended, she wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “Let’s go home, okay?” As adults, they both understood the implication. But Rowan stared, a mix of disbelief and confusion on his face. The Jenny before him felt like a stranger.

He suddenly realized something. He'd always been fond of Jenny, even breaking up with Minerva and defying his family for her. He was ready for a simple life with her. But he'd never imagined intimacy with Jenny. Unlike his thoughts of Minerva, filled with longing for various kinds of intimacy, he'd never envisioned being physical with Jenny. He'd been living like a hermit lately, mentally and physically withdrawn, and yet the thought hadn't occurred to him. He wondered if he simply valued Jenny so much that he wanted to save their first time for their wedding day. Suddenly, Rowan felt disoriented. He questioned whether he truly loved Jenny.

“Rowan, can we go home?” Jenny asked again, thinking he might be overwhelmed.

Rowan snapped back to reality, his expression conflicted. “I have something to do this afternoon. I’ll take you home first.”

Jenny's face fell; excitement and shyness vanished instantly. She stared at him with teary eyes, but he avoided her gaze, concentrating on driving. Jenny tightened her grip, her heart racing with fear. She couldn't afford to lose Rowan. He'd seemed distracted since the encounter with Minerva. She wondered if Minerva's influence affected his behavior toward her.

The thought of Minerva unsettled her. Minerva kept reappearing in their lives. She knew this. But if Minerva and Rowan happened to meet again, she worried about a rekindling of old feelings.