Sitting beside him, Debra put on her lipstick and checked herself in the mirror with a faint smile.
âMy folks were just teasing.
No biggie, Axell! I know youâre taken.
T wonât meddle.
â
After a beat, she grew serious.
âToo bad, though.
Dadâs been mulling a promotion for you, but worries about your personal life getting in the way.
Donât fret, Iâll talk to him.
â
Axell was taken aback.
He wasnât naive, and he grasped Debraâs insinuation instantly.
If he ditched Jessie, he could land the head surgeon gig and maybe even become the hospital director someday.
It was a tempting offer.
He hesitated for a moment, torn between options.
But ultimately, he couldnât bring himself to let go of Jessie.
So, he opted for a diplomatic approach.
âLetâs just stay friends, Debra.
â
After dropping Debra off, Axell dialed Jessieâs number as soon as he got back in the car.
Jessie had just finished her shower when Axellâs call came in.
Not wanting to disturb her mom, she stepped outside with her phone, asking softly, âHowâs work? Are you feeling tired?â
Thinking about the awkwardness at Debraâs party, Axell felt a pang of guilt.
But as a guy, he decided to gloss over that part, replying vaguely, âALL good on my end.
I just wrapped up.
And you?â
âIâm just about to hit the hay,â Jessie replied.
Hearing Jessieâs voice, Axell softened.
âIâll make more time for us.
Sorry about today.
â
Jessie managed a faint smile.
She chose to trust Axell.
They bid each other good night and hung up.
As Jessie headed back to her apartment, she spotted someone crouched in the corner of the hallway.
Was that Jeslyn?
Taken aback, she approached cautiously, even flicking on the corridor light for a better look.
Yep, it was Jeslyn.
Hands on her hips, Jessie demanded, âWhat are you doing here, Jeslyn?
Who sent you?â