Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 217

Chapter 217

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, making the buzz of Joshua's phone seem even louder. He

glanced at the screen-it was Allison calling. His expression hardened as he picked up, his voice rough, "Hey,

Allie."

Allison heard the rasp in his voice and immediately worried, "What's up, Joshua? Did something happen on your

way back?"

"No," he replied curtly.

A brief silence hung between them. Then Allison added, "I made it here safely. The trip was smooth, and this

place is really tucked away. The caretaker here is super nice and really attentive. Everything's good."

Except, | miss you like crazy and worry about you. But she kept that thought to herself. This wasn't the tfor

sweet talk. Joshua had bigger fish to fry, and all she needed to do was keep her head down and listen.

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

Joshua's reply was just a non-committal grunt. Allison noticed he seemed distant today, probably still reeling

from whatever went down earlier.

"Well... | guess I'll let you go so you can get back to work," she hesitated.

Joshua's gaze drifted out the window, where the sunlight streamed in, and he gathered every ounce of strength

he had left. His eyes were red as he said carefully, "Allie, let's call it quits."

He couldn't put it off any longer. His grandfather had been right; the Owens family, being straight-laced business

folks, couldn't stand up to Chris's ruthless tactics. Every day they delayed put them in more danger.

Allison stood there, stunned, her mouth opening and closing without a sound as she clutched the phone. Out of

nowhere, tears spilled down her cheeks.

After what felt like forever, Allison's lips quivered, her voice shaky with tears, "Is this because you're worried

about dragginginto it?"

"No, I've just realized this isn't working. You..."

Joshua took a deep breath, trying to keep his tears at bay, as he continued, "I used to think you'd be the perfect

wife. Only someone with your looks and background could fit into my family. But..."

He closed his eyes, swallowing the lump in his throat, "But now I've realized Thaven't had my fill of life yet. |

don't want to settle down with just one woman. So, let's endit. Forget about me. I'm sorry"

The house on the estate was a quaint two-story cottage with a little garden. From

Allison's window, she could see the garden below, now a picture of neglect,

mirroring her own heartache.

Allison curled up on her bed,

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

clutching her blanket as silent tears

flowed. An hour had passed since

they hung up, and she hadn't stopped crying. How could one person have so many tears?t felt endless.

She didn't believe Joshua's excuse about needing more fun. That wasn't him. It had to be because of Chris He

was trying to keep her safe by pushing her away. Still, those words cut deep, and she couldn't just brush them

off. She didn't want to cry, but the tears wouldn't stop.

Winter days ended early; by just after six, the sky was already dark. A gentle knock on the door broke the

silence, and the housekeeper softly called, "Ms. Allison, dinner's ready."

Allison sniffled, her voice scratchy, "I'm not hungry, thank you."

Maybe the housekeeper didn't catch that, as she knocked again, "Ms. Allison, are you asleep?"