Dead at Heart novel

Chapter 849 Ariel offers Jayson a place to sleep on the large bed, and he quietly accepts, asking her to turn off the lights. Despite lying close together, a clear distance remains between them, reflecting Ariel's belief that Jayson, a man who could have any woman, would never be interested in her. Jayson, however, struggles with his feelings, quietly reaching out to hold her hand and even kissing her softly while she sleeps, though she instinctively slaps him without waking.

The next morning, the distance between them remains, and Ariel begins to relax, thinking Jayson might truly be a gentleman. Over the following days, Ariel excels in her PR role, no longer dealing directly with Jayson as Larry takes over coordination and client meetings. She is pleasantly surprised by the kindness and professionalism she encounters in the business world, which boosts her confidence and skills significantly. As the year-end holidays approach, Ariel expects Jayson to leave, but instead, he unexpectedly insists she accompany him on an emergency business trip to Nacledra.

He keeps the true purpose of the trip-a secretly planned honeymoon-a secret, aiming to spend time alone with her and be more direct about his feelings. This surprise marks a turning point, hinting at deeper developments in their relationship. "It's fine. The bed's large enough-you can sleep here," Ariel said softly, trying to sound casual. Without a word, Jayson rose and climbed onto the bed. He settled down quietly, closing his eyes almost immediately. "Please turn off the lights," he requested in a low voice. "Oh... okay," Ariel responded, a little surprised by his sudden seriousness.

She reached over and switched off the lights, then lay down at the opposite end of the bed. A noticeable gap separated them, an unspoken boundary. She was painfully aware that Jayson could have any woman he desired. There was no way he would ever be interested in her. Yet, despite the fact that a living, breathing man was lying so close, Ariel drifted off to sleep without a second thought. Jayson turned his gaze toward her, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. Did she really think he was some kind of gentleman? Did she believe he was incapable of having impure thoughts?

He reached out, tempted to tease her by pinching her cheek, but caught himself just in time. Instead, he hooked her pinky finger gently. The simple touch caused his Adam's apple to bob slightly, leaving him with a restless ache. Slowly, he took her entire hand into his, feeling how delicate and soft it was. Not wanting to wake her, he shifted closer and rested his head on his hand, studying her peaceful sleeping face. Her long lashes cast shadows on her cheeks; her features were finely sculpted, delicate and refined. Her lips, a soft shade of pink, glistened faintly with lip balm.

They looked full, inviting, and radiant. He found himself captivated by their gentle curve. Leaning down, he pressed his lips softly against hers. His chest rose and fell rapidly, and his fingers clenched the bed sheets, veins standing out as he fought to control himself. An overwhelming desire to possess her surged through him, each wild impulse replaying relentlessly in his mind. In her sleep, Ariel suddenly gasped for air and instinctively swung her hand. Her palm landed sharply on Jayson's cheek with a crisp slap.

She didn't wake, but the sudden sting snapped Jayson out of his fevered thoughts. His cheek tingled from the unexpected blow. It was the first time in his life that anyone had ever slapped him. He stared at Ariel for a long moment, stunned. Realizing he needed to regain control, he quietly got up and slipped into the bathroom. If he didn't, he feared he might lose his mind entirely. When Ariel woke the next morning, the space between them on the bed was unchanged. Her defenses relaxed a little. Maybe Jayson truly didn't fancy her and was, after all, a gentleman.

She quickly got up to freshen up, not daring to glance back. Once she left, Jayson opened his eyes slowly. The woman he had loved all this time was lying just beside him. There was no way he could sleep with her so close. That deliberate "safe distance" had a reason. As a hunter, he had to make sure the prey let down its guard. In the days that followed, Ariel shone in the PR department. Jayson still appeared occasionally, but she no longer had to deal with him directly. Larry took over the coordination, freeing her from Jayson's watchful eyes.

Before long, Larry began taking her to meet clients. The business world was its own closed circle. At every meeting, she inevitably ran into Jayson. He kept his distance, maintaining a formal, cool demeanor, and she responded with professionalism. Find the newest release on find⸺novel.net To her surprise, most of the executives she met were genuinely kind. She had always assumed that social drinking and networking came with unspoken rules, especially for attractive women like herself. She had worried about awkward situations beforehand.

But during this time, everyone treated her politely and respectfully. She hadn't encountered any trouble at all. This realization filled her with joy. Still, Ariel was naturally competitive. Once she committed to something, she aimed to excel. Within three months, her confidence grew, and her skills improved markedly. Larry noticed her progress and entrusted her with more significant projects. As the year-end holidays approached, the company announced a break. Ariel assumed Jayson would return to his parents' home during this time. Instead, he surprised her with an unexpected proposal.

"I'm going on an emergency business trip. You're coming with me. Any problem with that?" he said bluntly. Ariel didn't want Jayson to think she was incompetent at work, but she found the idea strange. "Me? What kind of business trip?" she asked, puzzled. Jayson's expression remained unreadable. "You'll find out when we get there. We're going to Nacledra," he replied flatly. He didn't mention that this trip was actually the honeymoon he had secretly planned. Though three months had passed since they registered their marriage, he wasn't interested in beating around the bush.

He simply tricked her into coming along so it would be just the two of them, allowing him to be more direct with her. This chapter delicately explores the tension and unspoken emotions simmering between Ariel and Jayson, capturing their complex dynamic with subtle gestures and restrained desires. The physical distance they maintain on the bed mirrors the emotional barriers they both struggle to overcome, highlighting the vulnerability and restraint that define their relationship.

Despite the quiet moments of longing and frustration, the narrative gently reveals their mutual respect and the slow, tentative steps toward understanding each other's true feelings. As Ariel gains confidence in her professional life and navigates the challenges of her new role, the story balances personal growth with the unfolding romantic undercurrents. Jayson's unexpected proposal for the business trip hints at a turning point, promising a shift from guarded interactions to a more intimate connection.

As they navigate this trip together, tensions are likely to rise, revealing vulnerabilities and desires neither fully anticipated. The quiet distance that once separated them may give way to moments charged with unspoken feelings, and the true nature of their connection may begin to surface. Readers can look forward to a blend of emotional intensity and subtle power plays that will deepen the intrigue and keep hearts racing.