chapter2184

Jason listened, calm as dusk. No irritation shadowed his eyes. He simply crossed the cramped kitchen in three sure strides, as though closing the space between them might also brush away her guilt.

"Chelsea, you really don't have to do any of this. Just stay here and live well. I can still take care of us." His voice was gentle, almost apologetic.

He bent, pried the damp rag from her fingers, and gave a crooked smile. "All right. Go on-sit down and breathe. I'll handle the mess."

Chelsea stayed rooted to the floorboards, sorrow swelling behind her ribs until breathing felt like punishment.

"Jason, why don't you teach me?" The plea slipped out, fragile yet stubborn.

There had been a time when she thought herself untouchable—a girl fluent in four languages, who could trade quips with executives, unravel market charts, glide through ballroom steps, coax music from ivory keys. She had believed that made her whole.

Only now did she realize she could not even navigate the simplest rhythms of ordinary life.

"I can't teach you," Jason said, shaking his head, the answer as unmovable as stone.

Confusion flooded her face. She caught his hand, fingers tightening. "Why not? Please don't think you're mistreating me. I want to learn. Aren't these the things most people do?"

Jason held her gaze. "You're not most people, though. You were born never having to scrub a floor. The moment I chose you, I promised myself you'd never have to― unless I'm dead."

He meant every syllable.

Chelsea had been the woman he loved at first glance his first love, once so distant she felt like a dream he dared not touch.

Now that the dream was real, he guarded it like breath.

She clapped a hand over his mouth. "Don't you dare talk like that."

Her rebuke trembled, as if even the words could shatter.

Jason wrapped his fingers around hers, lowering them tenderly.

"I'm serious. As long as I'm here, I won't let you do a single chore. Now, please— rest. Let me finish up."

Chelsea tried one last protest, but he guided her into the living room before the sentence could form.

With no fight left, she sank onto the couch and watched him move-his silhouette framed by kitchen light, sleeves rolled, shoulders bent to work.

Chelsea wasn't the fragile socialite people imagined. She had chosen Jason, fully aware of the life waiting beyond the gates of privilege.

Yet seeing him scrub after a full shift bruised something inside her an ache that felt like pity and shame entwined.

Unable to sit in comfort, she slipped toward the balcony for a broom, hope sparking that she could still help.

Out on the narrow balcony, the moonlit air smelled of detergent. Reaching for the broom, her eyes caught the suit jacket Jason had hung in the corner.

Her heart lurched.

The once-sharp jacket was now a wilted, wrinkled thing-unfit for any office.

Only then did she see the second mistake she had made that night.

She eased the jacket down, snapped a discreet photo, and called into the kitchen, "Jason, a friend wants to

drag me out for a little late night shopping. I'm heading out.

Jason glanced back over his shoulder, sponge still dripping. "It's late. I'll send you there."

"No, that won't be necessary. If you drive me over and she's there, things will get awkward." Chelsea tossed out the excuse as casually as

someone flicking fint

rom a sleeve, hoping Jason wouldn't press her any

further.

Thankfully, Jason's shoulders softened. "All right. Just come back early. If it gets late, call me. I'll pick you up, no matter the hour."

Chelsea gave an emphatic nod, the movement almost child-like in its certainty.

"Okay." The single word came out soft, carrying acceptance rather than blame. Then, with one decisive step, she rose on her toes and pressed a quick, warm kiss to his cheek—soft as a feather yet loud as thunder in the hush of the room.

Color rushed into Jason's face. His skin burned, his pulse drummed in his ears, and it felt as if every drop of blood inside him had started to boil.

Catching his stunned expression, Chelsea lifted the corner of her mouth into a triumphant arc. "All right, then. Bye bye!"

Only when the door clicked shut behind her did Jason snap back to himself.

He lifted his fingers to the spot on his cheek where she had kissed him earlier. His pulse drummed like a trapped bird.

Forcing the rush of feeling back down, Jason turned and plunged his hands into the sudsy water, scrubbing pans before emotion could betray him.

Outside, Chelsea inhaled the night air. She hadn't asked anyone to join her for a leisurely shopping trip Instead, she headed straight for the boutique where Jason had bought that particular suit.