Ch. 2231..2240

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2231

These are photos of Larry and Jessica at the airport. But why did they travel together? For a holiday? Larry's so busy all the time, how could he suddenly take a holiday? Plus, he would definitely tell me, right?

“Don't worry, Joan. We can ask Larry about it when he's back,” Caspian explained in embarrassment.

Is that really necessary though? Joan pondered.

If he told me earlier, I wouldn't have assumed these things of him. Yet he didn't say a single word to me or Caspian. How am I supposed to trust him?

“It's fine. I'm heading back now. You should get some rest. Call me if there's anything. I'll be back in the evening to bring you dinner.” Joan left the ward soon after.

Why must the truth be so cruel? Is my life so easily trifled with? Joan sniffed as she left the hospital.

She wandered absentmindedly across the busy road. Countless cars honked at her while drivers shouted at her careless behavior. She appeared to be lost in her own thoughts as she ambled along. Her eyes seemed utterly lifeless.

“Hey, Joan!” At the other side of the road, a man was shouting at her.

Joan didn't react at all.

At the sight of a huge lorry bearing down on her, the man reached out and pulled her into his arms.

“Hey, what are you doing? There are so many cars around! Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?” Caiden told her off while stroking her hair worriedly.

“Huh? There were cars?” Joan answered weakly.

What's wrong with her? Why does she look like her soul just left her body? Did she fight with Larry? Did Larry scold her? That can't be, right? Larry literally treats her like the moon and the stars. He wouldn't upset her like this.

“What happened? Why are you acting so carelessly with your life?” Caiden demanded.

“Nothing. I'm just tired, so I wasn't paying attention to the cars,” Joan answered while shrugging.

Lies! I know she's acting like this because she's upset. I can see right through her.

“You're really going to pull this act with me? I know exactly how you feel. Come on. I'll buy you a meal.” Caiden dragged her with him.

“Hey, I'm not going with you. I want to go home and rest!” Joan whined.

Is she dumb? You should treat yourself to a nice meal if you're upset. No matter how moody you are, you shouldn't let yourself starve! And what's the use of sleeping anyway? Once you're up, you'll feel upset two minutes later once you've remembered what's happened.

“Sleeping is useless. I'll tell you now that it doesn't solve anything. Trust me; good food is the best medicine for an upset woman,” Caiden coaxed her as he brushed her hair.

“Don't touch me. People might get the wrong idea.” She shrugged off his hand.

“Why do you care so much about how people look at you? Shouldn't you just do whatever makes you happy? Since the day you made a meal for me, you've been so careful about keeping others in the dark about us meeting. Are you avoiding me because you're scared of a scandal? Well, when are you going to stop running away from me?” Caiden goaded.

He needs me to tell him what he's done? This stupid jerk's done so many questionable things that I've had trouble explaining myself to Larry.

“Why should I avoid you? It's not like I'm successful anyway,” Joan muttered.

Well, she's right. I'm not going to let her get away from me, no matter which corner of the Earth she has run off to! Even if she chooses Larry in the end, I won't have any regrets.

“Joan, I like you a lot!” Caiden blurted.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2232

Huh? What is he saying? We're in public, for god's sake!

“Hey, cut the crap. This isn't your house or the hospital. There are a lot of people around.” Joan patted his elbow lightly.

How cute of her. Since when does love require a time or place? I can express my love anywhere I want. But I know she can't accept me now, especially since she's still married.

“Why? Shocked at what I said? Come on, let's go get a meal.”

The restaurant they visited was crowded. People were dining elegantly, and there was a delicate scent of roses in the air. Soothing music completed its warm ambiance.

“Would you like some red wine? Coffee?” Caiden asked softly as he stared at the woman seated across him.

“Red-, erm, I'll just have a coffee,” Joan stumbled over her words.

Why didn't she just order the red wine if she wanted it? Perplexed, Caiden stared at her.

“Why did you change your mind about the wine?”

“I don't want to get drunk,” Joan answered honestly.

She had gotten drunk during her visit to the nightclub with Dustin. They even spent a night in a hotel, causing a huge misunderstanding with Larry. She didn't want to make such a thoughtless mistake again.

“I'm here, so it's fine. Don't worry about getting drunk.” Caiden's lips curved as he reassured her.

Pfft! I should be avoiding alcohol because he's here. Dustin's a gentleman, but I'm not so sure about Caiden.

“Nah, I'm not in the mood for drinks. Just get me the coffee,” she replied lightly.

She really has a unique taste, huh. I didn't know you needed to be in the mood to drink.

“Come on, tell me why you were walking around like a lifeless zombie just now.” Caiden shot straight to the point.

Lifeless zombie? Wasn't I perfectly normal? I should be asking him why he suddenly appeared there.

“It was nothing. I just had a rough night,” Joan fobbed him off with an excuse.

“Why? Larry didn't come home last night? You should keep a closer eye on him. Men tend to have a roving eye when they're at this stage in life.” Caiden seemed to provoke her with his words.

“Cut the crap. Just mind your own business,” Joan rebuked.

Huh, she looks cute even when she's angry. Caiden's lips curved up teasingly.

“Hey Joan, I have a question,” he said softly.

Joan answered him without even lifting her head. “Spit it out, I'm in a rush to get home.”

“What if you and Larry get divorced one day? What are you going to do then? I'm not trying to curse you or anything. I'm just curious,” Caiden asked somewhat coyly.

“Why do you want to know?” Joan spoke carefully while she stirred her coffee.

I don't have the time to think about this now. Larry and I have a lot of baggage between us after being together for such a long time. If we don't solve them ASAP, even a casual conversation will soon become a luxury. Though maybe Caiden's right. Divorce is inevitable.

Caiden's heart suddenly ached at the sight of her pallor. He desperately wanted to know if he was an option in her life if she ever got divorced.

“I'm just curious. Come on, don't leave me hanging.”

Joan had never once thought of what she would do if she ever divorced Larry. Back when Gabriella was still tormenting her, she had entertained the idea of divorce briefly, though she had never planned for anything beyond that.

Maybe I'll just live a quiet life. Work hard and spend time with Delilah and Lucius. Who knows, I might even get my old motivation back and chase after those dreams I never accomplished.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2233

Humans are fickle-minded creatures, after all, especially women.

“I don't know. I'll think about it next time,” Joan answered impassively.

Why isn't she angry? She would have bitten my head off if I had asked her this question in the past. Yet, she's answering me so seriously right now. Is something really wrong between her and Larry? Caiden stared at her suspiciously.

“Joan, are you and Larry ok?” he asked.

“Of course we are. Why wouldn't we be?” she replied lightly while sipping on her coffee.

She's lying! She always looks nervous whenever she lies.

Suddenly, Caiden's lips curved up slyly. He had expected Joan and Larry to break up eventually, but he didn't think it would actually happen this soon. Really, I must thank Larry for going overseas with Jessica. He's given me the golden ticket.

Just wait, Larry. Some day, Joan's going to leave you for me. You can just lick your wounds in a corner with Jessica!

There was a devilish gaze in Caiden's eyes.

“Hey, what are you thinking about? You look really pleased with yourself,” Joan commented.

“Ah? Oh, it's nothing.” Caiden quickly regained his composure as he took a sip of his wine. “Do you want some? Since you're not doing anything later, a little sip won't hurt.”

Joan hesitated as she stared at the glass of ruby red wine.

I do wish I could forget my problems with a glass of wine. I guess that's why they call it “drowning your sorrows.” But no, I shouldn't!

“Nah, you can just drink it yourself.” Joan shook her head.

They continued dining in awkward silence. Joan wasn't in the mood for conversation, and Caiden didn't want to bring up matters that would upset her further.

“I'm going home now. It's late, and I still need to prepare some food for Caspian. I'm worried that he's alone in the hospital,” Joan explained.

Why is she so worried about that bodyguard? She's just going to ignore me? I'm the most eligible bachelor she's ever going to find!

Caiden sighed but didn't reply.

Ten minutes later, Joan got up and left the restaurant.

Caiden wanted to send her home, but she refused. She didn't want others to spread rumors about their relationship.

Caiden seemed lost as he stared at Joan's disappearing figure. Why doesn't she care about me? Is she really not worried about me at all?

His heart suddenly sank.

Caiden didn't know that Joan had been worried about him shortly after his discharge from the hospital. But after seeing him today, she could tell he was living well enough. There was no need to concern herself over his wellbeing.

“You're back. Come, let's eat,” Delilah said.

“Ms. Young, you should go ahead. I'm not eating with you. I need to prepare some food for Caspian. There's no one looking after him in the hospital,” Joan answered.

“Why can't Larry do it? Oh, what about that other woman?” Delilah asked in a hurry.

“They're both not here. Maybe they're busy.” Joan darted into the kitchen.

Delilah's gaze darkened. Why were they both absent at the hospital? Did they go out together? I knew that Jessica wasn't some simpleton.

“Joan, why are you taking care of Caspian in the hospital when your own husband's so busy at work all the time? You haven't even dropped by to visit him, yet here you are rushing to bring home-cooked meals for Caspian. Sometimes I really wonder what's going on in that head of yours.”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2234

Delilah wanted to provoke Joan and remind her of her love for Larry.

What else could be on my mind? I've only been hoping for Caspian's recovery and thinking about Larry's “busy” days at work. Who knew it would all boil down to this.

“Ms. Young, Lucius, please have your dinner. I'll be back soon. Don't you worry.” Joan left the house with a few containers of food.

“Grandma, what's Mommy doing? Why is she in a rush?” Lucius asked.

“Oh, your Dad's friend is injured. She needs to take care of him.”

“Oh. What about Daddy? He hasn't been home in so long. When is he coming home? I miss him so much,” Lucius asked as he stared forlornly at Delilah.

Delilah sighed and gave him a nugget.

I don't know when Larry's going to come home or if Larry and Joan's relationship will ever be the same again.

“Hey, Larry. Where'd you go?” Caspian asked worriedly.

There'll be hell to pay if he isn't back yet.

“Why? Is something wrong?” Larry asked.

“Nothing. I just wanted to know where you were. The situation with Joan is not looking great.”

Ah.

“I got it. I'll be at the hospital tonight.” Larry hung up.

She doesn't know, right? Even Caspian doesn't know about this. I didn't tell her, so she shouldn't suspect a thing.

A hint of regret flashed through Larry's eyes. I should've told her from the start.

“What's going on?” Jessica asked from beside him.

“Nothing, let's go,” Larry replied.

They got off the plane when it was already dark outside. Jessica seemed nervous at her surroundings.

“You can head home first. I'm going to the hospital,” Larry announced.

“I'll go with you,” Jessica said in a rush. Home? Do I even have a home anymore?

Larry didn't protest, knowing he wouldn't be able to convince her. As he drove to the hospital, however, he couldn't help the guilt that threatened to overwhelm him.

I need to explain all this to Joan.

“Hey, what's going on? Are you ok?” Jessica nudged his elbow in concern.

“It's fine.”

The car descended into an awkward atmosphere.

Something must be up, or he wouldn't look so moody. Did Joan find out? But what else would she do if she found out? Shouldn't they trust each other if their love is true? Maybe Joan threw a fit at Larry. That's quite petty of her, then.

Fewer people were milling around the hospital at his hour. The atmosphere was silent. Even the nurses and doctors took great care to take quiet breaks.

“How is it? Is it good? I made it myself,” Joan said as she kept the containers.

“Joan, I'm really not pulling your leg, but this is the best food I've ever tasted in my life! It's even better than anything I've eaten at a Michelin starred restaurant!” Caspian praised.

He wanted to cheer her up and get her mind off Larry and Jessica. The two of them had never engaged in a romantic relationship. It would be a pity if she suspected Larry of cheating on her.

“Ok, you can lay off the praises now. I'll cook for you more often if you really want it,” Joan replied.

“I can't trouble you like that, Joan. Larry's going to be pissed at me if he knows you're cooking me for every day,” Caspian retorted.

Joan's heart sank. Would he really? I don't think so. Isn't he enjoying the company of another woman now? That woman's younger than me, prettier than me, and has a great personality. She talks like a Disney princess. How can I compete with someone like that?

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2235

Joan scoffed at Caspian's words. She looked unhappy.

“Joan, it's late. You should go home soon. You're going to have a hard time hailing a cab. Larry's going to be back really soon. I'm sure he'll explain everything to you,” Caspian stated determinedly. He hoped Larry didn't ruin the opportunity he had so carefully laid for him.

“I know. I'll get going then. I'll be here again tomorrow.”

“Yup. Don't worry about it. You don't have to come here every day, you know. I'm feeling great!”

Caspian sounded nonchalant but in reality, his whole body was in tremendous pain.

Joan already knew of Caspian's bullheadedness. He'd never show his weaknesses in front of others. It's one of the reasons I respect him so much.

“Ok, stop moving around. You don't have to pretend you're okay. I'm leaving.” Joan pushed open the doors of the ward.

She was stunned at the two visitors outside the ward.

“Oh, you're back. Caspian's inside, the two of you can visit him now. I'm going home.” Joan made a move to leave.

“Wait!” Larry shouted.

“I'm just saying a few words to Caspian. Wait for me. I'll send you home,” he added.

“No need. You haven't seen each other in days, so I'm sure you have a lot to catch up on. I won't disturb you then. Bye.”

She left the hospital without a backward glance.

Joan had never thought a scene this dramatic would ever happen to her. She wasn't blind; she could tell that Larry and Jessica had just returned from overseas.

Did they go on a honeymoon? Or a romantic holiday? Could it actually be official business? Not like that's got anything to do with me. Whatever Larry does has nothing to do with me anymore. It's not like I can even help him with anything in the first place.

“Oh, you're back?” Caspian grunted.

Shocked at his rude tone, Jessica managed to collect herself quickly. Did he know what Larry and I did overseas?

“How are you coping? Are you feeling ok?” Jessica asked gently as she sat down beside his bed.

“Yeah, I'm feeling great. There's nothing for me to do anyway. I'm having the time of my life here,” Caspian said sarcastically.

I can hear the jealousy oozing out of his words. Larry smirked.

“It's just a few days. It hasn't been that long,” Larry answered.

“Larry, don't you think a few days is a long time? What's wrong with you?” Caspian shouted impassionedly. I guess he really likes Jessica.

Larry smiled, though there was no visible reaction from Jessica.

Maybe she doesn't like Caspian? She probably hasn't realized her own feelings for him yet.

“Jessica, it's really late. You should go back now. It's not good for a woman to be out alone at such a late hour,” Caspian advised, though Jessica had no plans to go home.

Larry turned to Jessica. “You should get a hotel room tonight.”

After some more small talk, Jessica left the ward, leaving Caspian and Larry alone.

“Larry, Joan found out about your overseas trip,” Caspian said quietly.

“I know.” Larry had guessed as much and was mentally preparing himself for the potential fallout. Some things are just too hard to explain.

“You should have a long talk with Joan. She's really upset. By the way, Joan has photos of you and Jessica together on her phone. There were photos from both of your overseas trips.”

Meanwhile, Caiden and Joan had met up in a café.

“Joan, are you ok?” Caiden asked.

“Yea,” she replied indifferently.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2236

It was a gloomy look on her face, and Caiden found himself feeling upset. Is Larry that important to her? That thought itself made his eyes dull.

“Why are you looking for me?” Joan asked as she raised her head to look at the person opposite her.

“Oh, it's nothing, really. It's just that it's been some time since we've met, so I missed you,” he mumbled as he scratched the back of his head.

The truth was, every passing day without her by his side, he missed her. It was only that day he could not bear not seeing her anymore, and that was why he called to see her.

“If there isn't anything, let's not meet anymore. I have work,” Joan softly replied.

The job at the supermarket? That was where Caiden was stumped. He could not wrap his head around why she would work at an ordinary job in a small village supermarket. She's clearly a talented woman. As long as she wants it, she can get a job a hundred times better than this one.

“Joan, would you like to be my assistant? I'm currently looking for an assistant,” Caiden suggested in a serious tone.

She probably won't agree to it. it took me ages to get her to agree to meet me when I called her earlier. If she has to spend time with me all day, she'd probably go mad.

“No thanks. I'm not interested in becoming your assistant. My job at the supermarket is pretty nice. It's not tiring nor hectic, and my friends are all there,” Joan rejected.

Naturally, she did not want to have too much contact with Caiden. If rumors about her spread again, Joan was sure she would not be able to stay in the village anymore.

“What are you afraid of? You and Larry are husband and wife. Don't you have basic trust? Is it that odd to spend time with me? Moreover, it's not like there's anything between us,” Caiden blurted out.

He's right, but it doesn't mean I cannot care about everything. Moreover, there are too many things at stake here.

A while back, rumors had spread when Caiden, Joan, and Lucius had participated in the school's field trip. If she were not to keep a distance from him, the other would assume the worst.

“Caiden, don't you think that we're from completely different worlds? I'm a married woman with a son and a husband. I'm not like you. You can do anything you like, but not me. I have to take into consideration many things,” Joan responded.

She hoped that the man could put himself in her shoes and stop meeting her. Exhaustion was catching up to her, and sometimes, she found it hard to breathe under the weight of life.

“How are we different? You're Joan, and I'm Caiden. What's wrong with Caiden liking Joan? What's wrong with Joan not liking Caiden? None of these are wrong. What's wrong is the timing,” Caiden bellowed in the midst of his agitation, and it shocked her.

She did not want to listen to those words; she hated the man for saying such foolish things.

“Stop. I've made it clear that it's impossible for the two of us. I only think of you as my junior,” Joan asserted as she shook her head.

Caiden sneered. As expected, she still hasn't accepted me. I still have no place in her heart.

“Okay. You cannot like me, and I won't force you to. But at the very least, can't we be friends?” Caiden murmured, hope shining in his eyes.

Can we? Even Joan herself was lost. She was afraid of Larry getting jealous, and she was afraid of something happening in the future.

Sometimes, a woman would overthink a matter, but it was not because they were sensitive; it was because they were cautious.

“We can be normal friends,” came Joan's reply.

It was evident that she was rejecting Caiden.

He probably understands what I mean, right? Despite that thought, Joan had a look of doubt on her face as she studied the man.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2237

“My, who's this?” A familiar voice sounded out.

“Why are you here?” Caiden hissed.

“What's the matter? Why can't I be here? This café isn't yours anyway,” Noelle retorted.

He's still in contact with this woman? Is there something wrong with Caiden?

Noelle scoffed. Wait. Doesn't he like Ms. Young? Why is he meeting Joan? What's going on? Has he changed his mind?

“Oh? Caiden, why aren't you looking for Ms. Young?” Noelle deliberately voiced.

Has this girl lost her mind? Why would I look for Ms. Young? All Caiden did was shoot her a silent glare.

“What's wrong? You're quick to change girlfriends, huh? I remember Ms. Young taking care of you when you were in the hospital. In fact, the two of you seemed close,” Noelle continued while looking at Joan from the corner of her eyes.

Joan knew what the other woman was trying to do. Back then, Caiden and Delilah were only putting on a show to get rid of Noelle.

“What are you talking about? This has nothing to do with you, so leave!” Caiden snarled.

He's angry? Whatever he said was whatever she would never do. She sat down on the couch beside him before tilting her head and looking at him in admiration.

“What are you doing?” the man questioned.

“Nothing. I just miss you, so I'd like to watch you quietly. It's fine; you can keep chatting with her. I won't make a sound nor disrupt the two of you,” Noelle muttered with a smile.

While it was true that she had not disrupted them, the atmosphere had turned tense.

The words in Caiden's mind escaped him, and since Joan had nothing to say to him, she was silent as well.

“What's wrong with the two of you? Why are you both spacing out? Weren't you having a great talk before I came? Why are the two of you mute now? Are you feeling shy because I'm here? It's all right. I'm a young one too, so I get it,” Noelle voiced.

What does she get? If she really gets it, she should've left a hundred years ago. Why is she prolonging her unwelcomed stay here?

“Your brother's been looking for you recently, so it's best that you go home,” was Caiden's response.

Stupid man. He even involved my brother in his lies. At that moment, disdain was in Noelle's eyes as she looked at him.

“What are you talking about, Caiden? I've just come from my brother's place. How can he possibly be looking for me?”

Oh my god. This girl's really trying to make things difficult for me.

In the end, they parted ways unhappily. As Noelle's appearance had made the atmosphere tense between Caiden and Joan, Caiden was furious.

“Why did you go there?” Caiden questioned, irritated.

Please. It's just a coincidence. You were the ones who came to the café I always frequent.

“Caiden, I never thought you were there,” Noelle drawled.

But so what if I did? I'd still go there.

By then, Noelle had realized what happened between Caiden and Delilah was just an act. The one he had a crush on was Joan, and there was no way her conclusion was wrong. How dare he play tricks like these? He's really looking down on my intellect, isn't he?

“Fine. You should go home. I'm going home as well,” Caiden curtly said.

He's chasing me away? Why? That house isn't just his. No way am I going back!

“Let's go back together to find my brother,” Noelle answered with a grin.

“Your brother isn't at home. It's been a long time since he has come to my place.”

Caiden just did not want her to go to his place; he did not want her to cause any trouble again.

In fact, he wished he would never see her again. Out of sight, out of mind. As long as she did not appear in his line of sight, he would probably get to live longer.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2238

“I still want to go there. My brother has called to tell me that he'll be going to your place.”

She's just doing this on purpose! Gloom veiled across his eyes when he turned to look at her. What sins have I committed in my past life to meet a hellcat like her?

In the living room, Joan sat on the couch in a daze. Her eyes were fixed on the ceiling above her.

What's Larry doing now? Will he come back tonight? Who is he with now? What is Jessica doing? How close is Jessica and he now?

Thousands of questions were whirling in Joan's mind.

“Hey, what are you thinking about?” Delilah asked as she walked over.

What can I think about? Why would I think about anyone other than my husband? Joan sighed as a flicker of sadness danced past her eyes.

“It feels horrible for me to watch the two of you. One is passive, and the other refused to come home. You don't even have a chance to communicate. Why can't the two of you make time and have a good chat?” Delilah urged anxiously.

What is there to talk about? Should we talk about what's going on between Jessica and him? Should we talk about Caiden and me? Joan lost herself in her thoughts again.

Abruptly, curiosity overtook her. When did my life change? Did it change the moment Caiden appeared in my life? Or did it change when Jessica appeared?

“All right, don't think about it anymore. It's not going to help you. Hurry up. Lucius will be done with his school in a bit, so it's time to cook. Larry might be home for dinner tonight,” Delilah reminded.

Really? Is he finally coming back? All of a sudden, excitement traveled across her body. It had been eons since she had the opportunity to enjoy that man's hug. At that very moment, she yearned for his touch.

“Look at that smile on your face. You really have to resolve this misunderstanding between the two of you tonight; no one can help you.” With that said, Delilah left the living room.

Time ticked away. The boy was back from school, and the sky was gradually darkening. Yet, there were still no signs of Larry.

“Mom, is Dad coming home for dinner?” asked Lucius when he walked out of the room.

“In a while, Lucius. He might be back in a while,” Joan whispered, her fingers running through his hair.

“I should call Daddy.” At that, Lucius moved, about to grab his phone.

“No need. I'm back,” came Larry's voice as he reached out to lift the boy into his arms.

“Dad, you're finally back! I thought you weren't going to come home tonight again! I missed you so much!”

At the sight of the father and son's interaction, something warm seeped into Joan's heart.

“Ms. Young, it's time for dinner,” Joan yelled from the dining room.

At the table, the family of four enjoyed their appetizing meal. However, there was something strange about the atmosphere, and everyone could sense it.

“Mom, why aren't you talking?” Lucius suddenly said.

Joan's head snapped up as she awkwardly glanced at the boy in front of her.

“What's the matter? Why do I have to speak while we're eating?” she queried instead.

“But, Mom, you didn't do this before today.”

Lucius was right. In the past, Joan tended to nag and rant about nutritious foods. Yet that day, she was silent, and it made Lucius perplexed.

“All right. Eat your food quickly. Don't you have homework to do?” Joan said as she placed a meatball on Lucius' plate.

Are Mom and Dad fighting? The boy's gaze flitted between Larry and Joan. It was clear to his eyes that the two adults looked ill-at-ease.

Abruptly, Lucius uttered, “Grandma, did you know this? My deskmate cried today.”

Delilah went along with the boy and replied, “I don't. Why?”

She knew Lucius must have a plan in mind.

“It's because his parents were fighting, and apparently, it's really bad. I heard him say his mom and dad haven't been talking for three whole days. He's extremely unhappy about it,” Lucius replied.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2239

Dear me. The little boy's getting smarter and smarter. He's even spinning tales to trick his parents now.

“My deskmate's afraid that his parents will divorce. If that happens, he doesn't know who he should go with,” Lucius continued.

When Joan heard his words, an invisible hand wrapped itself tightly around her heart. On the other hand, Larry knew the boy was doing this deliberately.

“Joan, eat more. You've grown skinnier,” Larry suddenly said, much to Lucius and Delilah's delight.

Dad's quite a big-hearted man. No matter whether Mom has made a mistake or not, and no matter the mistake Mom makes, he'll still make the first move to reconciliation.

Lucius sighed in relief before returning to his food.

“Huh? Oh. You too. You should eat more too. You've been working overtime quite often recently. It must be tiring for you. Here, have more meat.” With that said, Joan took two pieces of meatballs and placed them onto Larry's bowl.

“Mom, you're biased! You only gave me one meatball earlier, but you've given Dad two! I knew it. You love Dad more than you love me. In fact, you don't love me at all,” Lucius huffed, seemingly jealous.

It was all just an act to make the atmosphere less tense.

Meanwhile, Delilah, who was beside them, had a wide grin on her face. “My dear grandson. Aren't you a bright boy?”

Larry swiftly took the opportunity to explain, “Joan, there are some things I'd like to talk to you about. There isn't anything between Jessica and me. A while ago, some accident happened to her parents overseas.”

Oh. So that's what happened? I didn't know. A sense of guilt rushed up Joan's chest. He didn't do anything to wrong me, but I've been doubting him the entire time. Have I gone overboard?

“What about you? Are you not going to explain what's going on between you, Caiden, and Dustin?” Larry softly asked as he pinched her cheek.

They had to thank Lucius for giving them the opportunity to talk.

The boy's words had been a hammer to their hearts. Although they were suspicious about each other, and they did not even want to bother with each other, Lucius' words made them put aside their dignity and began rekindling their relationship.

“Caiden's my junior, and he's my savior. Something happened to him a while back, and no one took care of him while he was in the hospital. He doesn't have the best of relationship with his family, and he had some grudges with his mother. He doesn't have friends either, and that's why I took care of him instead. As for Dustin... What happened that time was just an accident,” Joan quietly explained.

At the end of the day, the two were still rational; neither of them disrupted each other while they explained.

Joan felt as though it had been ages since she had chatted with him while lying in his arms. Closing her eyes, a wave of satisfaction washed over her. I hope this lasts forever.

“But Caiden always liked you. Isn't that so?” Larry suddenly said.

That's right. That man is tough to get rid of. He's still young, so he's easily blinded by love. It's just a pity for Noelle, who has been waiting for him for so long to no avail.

But I'm sure that if she's determined enough, Caiden will realize how good she is.

“But the one I love is you, Larry. You have to remember that no matter what the others say and treat me, I only have you in my heart,” Joan murmured before kissing the man's cheek.

Her words moved Larry, and his grip around her waist tightened.

I knew it. She won't betray me. It seems like I've been too selfish to have doubted her.

“What are you talking about? You were equally angry back then. Honestly, you look cute when you're jealous, but I was quite sad when you were angry,” Joan mumbled.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2240

Guilt abruptly flooded Larry. How could I have doubted her? We've been through thick and thin, and I knew she loved me...

“Joan, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you. This is my fault. Can you forgive me?” he muttered as he pressed kisses onto the woman's collarbones.

His magnetic voice instantly changed the air in the room. As always, he's charming. He's making me fall for him again.

“All right. To be honest, I was angry at you too,” Joan confessed.

Larry knew that too. After all, it would be odd for her not to get angry.

It was a fact that he had spent quite an amount of time with Jessica. Although it was out of respect for her parents, he had to admit that he had neglected Joan's feelings.

Furthermore, things at the company just kept piling up, and he did not have the time to return home to explain to her. That was why the talk had delayed until a moment ago.

“I know, but I've always seen Jessica as just a friend. I'm sure she'll be focusing on her work soon. You know this too. Until the end of Norton Corporation's collaboration with the Zimmers' company, our cooperation with them had been a pleasant one,” Larry explained.

Joan nodded silently.

She understood what he meant. In fact, she understood everything. Regardless of that, she was still unhappy when she saw him with Jessica.

“Don't worry. Jessica's Caspian's,” Larry voiced with a gleeful smirk on his lips.

What? Does Caspian like Jessica? How can that be true? Does he like that kind of woman?

Joan blinked rapidly as she stared at the man in front of her in disbelief.

“That's right. He likes her, but she doesn't like Caspian. However, it's still too early to say that. These two will end up together eventually.” Larry's smile grew.

Immediately, Joan heaved a relieved sigh.

She knew Caspian too well. As long as he had set his mind on someone or something, he would not easily let it go. However, she was curious about which part of Jessica did Caspian liked.

After whispering sweet nothings to each other on the bed for a while, they then went to sleep.

On the next morning, the sun shone through the window to cast light on the ground. Slowly, the woman on the bed stretched before smacking her lips, seemingly satisfied with her sleep.

“It's time to wake up.” The man beside her pulled her into his arms as he ran his fingers through her hair.

“Hm? Why aren't you at work yet?” Joan asked as she groggily opened her eyes.

“That's 'cause I miss you,” Larry whispered into her ear.

Why is he so cheesy all of a sudden? He rarely expressed his feelings for me in the past.

“Are you okay? Are you having a fever? Did it fry your circuits?” Joan then quickly touched his forehead before touching hers.

Our temperatures are the same.

“Joan, I just want to say things that'll make you happy. Why are you killing my mood? Come, let's head to work.” With that said, Larry pulled the blankets away, about to rise.

“Hubby, I get it. Don't leave,” Joan whined as she hugged his waist.

“When are you going to be back in the afternoon? What would you like to eat tonight? I'm going to get groceries from the supermarket and cook for you tonight. Does that sound good?” Joan hummed, her eyes closed.

With her hands on his stomach and her face on his back, Larry felt his body temperature rising, especially when he could feel her shallow breathing.

“Joan, let go of me,” Larry hastily said. If she kept this up, he did not know if he could hold himself back any longer.

However, instead of letting him go, she hugged him even tighter.

Abruptly, Larry spun around and pinned Joan under him. There was a desperate look in his eyes, and his breathing was rapid.