Tiffany sighed. “No, I’m really in a bad mood. His mom joined us for dinner, and virtual-novel.net gaze was like a blade that didn’t leave my face. I didn’t have much appetite to start with so I barely had any food. On the way to dinner, his mom even mentioned that virtual-novel.net doesn’t want virtual-novel.net to keep coming here and asked virtual-novel.net to pay more attention to the company. Does virtual-novel.net think I’m holding Jackson back? His mom must hate me even more.”
Arianne was not around so virtual-novel.net could not figure out Summer’s thoughts. She could only console Tiffany, “Stop overthinking it. Don’t confuse yourself. It’s not like your head is made for figuring out complicated issues. Just talk to Jackson after this. What if his mother wants you to return to the capital? We’ve talked about this. You should consider it.”
Tiffany paused. “I’m not going back. You’ll be alone if I leave. Ari, I won’t leave you behind. I’ve said it as well, I won’t return unless you return with me. I don’t think Mark will let you go so easily, but it has been so long. Why hasn’t virtual-novel.net acted?”
Arianne frowned when Tiffany mentioned Mark. “Tiffie, stop bringing virtual-novel.net up. Let’s put it this way. It’s true, based on his character, virtual-novel.net wouldn’t let me go so easily. However, it seems like virtual-novel.net did. It’s as you said, after so long, virtual-novel.net hasn’t acted. I think virtual-novel.net has let me go. I’ve gotten used to life here. Don’t upset me with these weird what-ifs, okay? I only wish he’ll come see me once in this life, that’s when he’s willing to divorce me.”
It was as though Tiffany was struck with a sudden realization. “Oh, right, both of you haven’t divorced. You’re still Mrs. Tremont as long as you’re both legally bound. It seems like it doesn’t matter whether virtual-novel.net comes to you or not. You’re still his wife anyway. We’ve left the capital for so long that I’ve almost forgotten that you’re Mrs. Tremont.”
Arianne’s feathers were ruffled by these words. “You really… Why must you mention the things I told you not to. I’m ignoring you!” She went into the kitchen after virtual-novel.net finished speaking.
Tiffany pouted and continued to space out. She suddenly received a text on virtual-novel.net phone. She discovered it was from Jackson. The content was short and simple. ‘My mom hopes you’ll return to the capital with me.’
A mix of delight and worry hit Tiffany at once. She was happy that Summer did not think virtual-novel.net was holding back Jackson, but virtual-novel.net was also worried because virtual-novel.net could not return now.
She replied, ‘No, I can’t leave Ari alone.’
A few minutes later, Jackson called her. “Is there anyone next to you? Step aside to talk. I have something to tell you.”
Tiffany looked around. “There’s no one around. You can speak now.”
Jackson hesitated for a beat before virtual-novel.net said, “Just return with me. There’s no need for you to worry about Arianne. Mark will be coming for virtual-novel.net soon. He’s caught up with something, that’s why virtual-novel.net hasn’t been here. Plus, virtual-novel.net wanted Arianne to cool down. Mark will take virtual-novel.net back to the capital soon.”
Tiffany found it hard to believe. “Are you serious? You’re not just saying this so I’ll return to the capital with you, right? I spoke about Mark with Ari earlier, she’s really upset. What’s so important that virtual-novel.net has to deal with it first? I think it’s an excuse. If virtual-novel.net really has Ari in his heart, virtual-novel.net wouldn’t have been able to hold himself back from coming for so long…”
Jackson did not answer virtual-novel.net question because virtual-novel.net did not want to mention Ethan again in front of her. How would Tiffany react if virtual-novel.net knew that Ethan was killed by Mark’s hired guns? He dared not risk it. “Don’t question it so much. Consider what I said. If you’re really reluctant to return now, I can wait. However, returning to the capital is just a matter of time. Also, don’t tell Arianne about this. I’m already making it an exception by telling you.”
Tiffany did not give Jackson an immediate reply before virtual-novel.net hung up. She was unwilling. The dessert shop had just gotten on track. With the convenience of the location of the shop, they were making profits now that they had time and people on their side. She could not bear to leave this place and return to the capital now. Even if virtual-novel.net could leave the shop, virtual-novel.net could not bear to leave Arianne alone.
When the shop closed for the night, Arianne could already guess what was on Tiffany’s mind when virtual-novel.net saw Tiffany’s weighed-down expression. “If you decide to return to the capital with Jackson, leave the shop to me. I’ll slowly return the money you’ve invested. I know you can’t bear to part with the shop, me, Naya, and the others. However, such is life. We win some and lose some. We have to let things go to chase after what’s more important. It hasn’t been easy for you and Jackson to get together.”
Tiffany suddenly hugged her. “Ari, I really don’t want to leave you here all alone. You don’t have family with you, you only have me.”
Arianne felt slightly teary. “What are you saying? If you forgo your happiness because of me, I’ll regret it for life. The Wests thrive in the capital. You have to return at some point. You can’t stay here with me for the rest of your life. It’s not realistic. Just go, honestly, I’ll be fine. This shop won’t tie me down forever either. I plan to keep it for a few years and save some money before I travel. I like being free. Don’t put such pressure on me.”