Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 652

Jayson had mustered all his courage when he asked Ariel that question. He no longer wanted them to waste time doubting each other's thoughts or intentions.

If it had been in the past—when Lucas was still a man worthy of her—Jayson might have accepted Ariel choosing him. But after seeing the things Lucas had done, he could no longer stand the thought.

The sudden news about Lucas and Wendy possibly calling off their wedding caught Jayson completely off guard.

Ariel had once told him clearly that she no longer loved Lucas and was severing ties with him. Yet Lucas had remained the root of Jayson's insecurities for years. At a moment like this, it was impossible for him to remain calm and unaffected.

Ariel never imagined she would see this side of him. It was as if Jayson had cast aside all pretense, exposing his most vulnerable self.

He held her wrist firmly, pressing her back against the glass wall behind her, trapping her in the corner.

"Let go of me first." Ariel caught the subtle, yearning look in his eyes as she tried to pull free.

"I need an answer from you."

Jayson didn't give in to her request. His gaze stayed locked on her.

Ariel met his eyes calmly. His question wasn't even difficult to answer. She didn't have to think deeply about it—Lucas was no longer part of her future.

After marrying Jayson, she had already redefined her relationship with Lucas, considering him more of a family member than anything else.

When Lucas was released from prison, Ariel had been physically and emotionally exhausted, while also burdened with caring for the remaining members of the Walker family. With so few loved ones to rely on, she had welcomed Lucas' release as a small bit of good news.

But every encounter after his release proved otherwise. Lucas mocked and ridiculed her deliberately, making it clear he wanted her to suffer.

Seeing only malice in him, Ariel eventually accepted that Lucas was no longer family. As for the things troubling Jayson…

"I…"

"What are you guys doing?"

A voice from the doorway cut her off.

"No."

"What were you doing, then?"

Ariel confirmed once again how pure and innocent Elsie was. She didn't answer, aware that Jayson's eyes were still on her from behind.

When they entered the testing room, Elsie scratched at her jaw and said, "I didn't mean to pry. But I hope you'll stay professional. Don't let your personal issues affect your work."

Her dislike for Ariel was clear, and it seemed unlikely to change.

"Alright." Ariel leaned forward to examine the data, replying half-heartedly.

Elsie clenched her teeth, then walked to the other side of the room.

The earlier incident didn't slow Ariel's progress. Jayson didn't appear again afterward.