BOOKSDRAMA Chapter 1737
Chapter 1737: Not on my watch
Back at Mama...
Jessa stood by the entrance, arms crossed, chin raised, and one brow arched as she watched the Davises' car speed away from the property.
"Now my mood's sour," she muttered, glaring at Charles. "Tch. Charles Bennet, what were you thinking? Why'd you bring those two pieces of work here?"
She marched back to the table where Charles, Allison, and Nina sat. Charles barely spared her a glance before turning to Nina.
"I'm sorry, Nina," he said. "I didn't expect you'd be here today. I only brought them so the elders could talk."
Nina shook her head with a gentle smile. "Don't apologize, Dad. If anything, thank you for trying, for my sake."
"Nina's right, Charles," Allison added with a nod. "I think it's for the best she was here."
"I agree! Why were you planning to ambush me and your wife like that?" Jessa asked sassily, dropping into her seat. "It's a good thing Nina was here. Otherwise, that's not what they'd be hearing from me!"
Allison chuckled weakly at Jessa's still-fuming expression. Then again, she couldn't really blame her-Jessa had every reason to hate the Davis couple. Even Allison was still upset with them. But...
"Jessa, it seemed like they were trying," Allison said gently. "For whatever reason, I just hope their actions come from the heart."
"Hmph."
Nina smiled and reached over to hold Charles' hand. "Thank you, Dad."
"You don't have to thank me," he replied, gripping her hand lightly. He gave her a small nod and a warm smile. "I'm just doing what I should—as your father."
Her smile widened as his gaze softened.
Releasing her hand, Charles gently reached over to stroke her hair. The gesture caught not just Nina off guard-Allison and Jessa both raised their brows at the unexpected tenderness.
"Nina," Charles said, voice gentle yet firm, "you're getting married soon. To a man I think I can trust."
He pulled his hand back and leaned on the table, locking eyes with her. "But just in case-Dad will always be here, alright? I won't let anyone hurt your heart. So promise me... promise me this marriage makes you happy."
"As long as you don't have a shred of doubt about marrying Finn, that's all I need to hear. Whether it's now or even at the last minute-Dad will always take your side, if it's for your happiness and peace. Do you understand, Nina?"
Nina blinked, her eyes studying the sincerity in his. Her chest felt warm, her lips trembling as she nodded slowly-pressing them into a thin line, holding back the emotions swelling inside.
"Yes, Dad," she whispered. "I understand."
Charles nodded, pleased, and gently patted her hand. "Good girl."
Allison's expression softened as she watched the exchange. She leaned a little closer to her husband and offered him a loving smile before turning to Nina.
This was exactly what she meant when she said Charles led their family. He always made time to sit down and talk to their children-be it their sons, Penny, or Nina. To her, that was what made him not just a good husband, but a wonderful father.
Moments like these reminded her of how lucky she was.
"How cheesy," Jessa grumbled, clearly flustered. "I'm more used to your idiotic side. This doesn't suit you."
Everyone turned to her. Allison and Nina stifled a laugh. Charles simply shook his head in mock dismay.
"It's true," Jessa insisted, gesturing with her hand. "Don't look at me like that."
On a normal day, Charles would've tossed a snarky comment right back at her- but today wasn't one of those days.
"Anyway." He cleared his throat and stood. "I only stopped by because of the Davises, but I've still got work to finish at the office."
"Oh?" Allison perked up, standing with him. "I'll walk you out, then."
"It's alright," he said, shaking his head before turning to Jessa. "Hey. Walk with me a sec."
"Hey?" Jessa repeated, pointing at herself. "Did you just call me 'hey'?"
"I'll be outside," Charles waved over his shoulder, already heading for the door.
Jessa scoffed, rising from her seat. "Charles, are you trying to pick a fight?" "Just walk with him," Allison said with a sigh. "No fighting today-can we try that?"
Jessa's face twisted in defiance, arms crossed. Allison and Nina exchanged knowing looks as the restaurant chime rang out gently.
"Just go," Allison added, defeated. "He probably has something important to tell you."
"I promise I won't eat the samples till you're back," Nina chimed in teasingly.
Jessa remained unmoved-until her eyes drifted to the entrance, where Charles stood with his back turned, clearly waiting for his ride.
"Fine," she muttered, rolling her eyes.
Allison and Nina watched her curiously as she walked out.
"I wonder what it's about," Nina murmured.
"It's probably nothing," Allison replied, though her gaze lingered thoughtfully on
the door.
Meanwhile...
Jessa reluctantly made her way outside, dragging her feet as she stopped beside
Charles.
"I swear, Charles, if this isn't important, you'll be doing more than wiping tables.
You'll be washing dishes."
Charles chuckled and shot her a sideways glance.
"Well," he began, clearing his throat as his ride pulled up in front of them. "I...
actually forgot what I was going to say."
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"What-?" Jessa's brows drew
together, but before she could react, he placed a hand on top of her head. Not ruffling her hair-just resting it there, steady and deliberate. The content is on Novelxo.org! Read the latest chapter there!
Her eyes widened.
Before she could retaliate, Charles spoke.
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"Jessa, don't think about her
anymore," he said quietly. "I won't let her ruin your life brour family's peace: So stop worrying. That's not gonna happen. Not on my watch." The content is on Novelxo.org! Read the latest chapter there!
Jessa's eyes dilated even further. She looked up at him, only to meet his wide grin. He pulled his hand away and gave her a firm nod before opening the car
door.
But just as he stepped inside, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder.
"I think this finalizes it," he said smugly. "You're not the big sister anymore. You
can call me Big Brother from now on."
With that, Charles climbed into the car and slammed the door shut.
The car pulled away, leaving Jessa standing there—alone.
"Hah," she scoffed, watching the car disappear down the road. "That fool..."
Her lips pressed into a tight line as her eyes softened.
She didn't need to ask who he meant. There was only one "she" who had ruined
Jessa's life, and who continued to haunt it.
Priscilla.
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Somehow, Charles's words felt like bandages pressed over old scars-ones left not just by Priscilla,
m
but by Jason too. Wounds that still ached in the little Jessa buried deep
in her heart. The content is on Novelxo.org! Read the latest chapter there!
"That idiot thinks just because he did one good thing, he's earned the right to be
my big brother," she whispered, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.
"Over my dead body."