Chapter 16
“Jarrett, 1…” Joselyn’s voice trembled. Her mind was in complete turmoil.
Jarrett gently held her hand and said softly, “I didn’t want to scare you, so I planned to wait until you grew up before confessing. But I never expected you to leave and never come back, making me wait all these years.”
Joselyn’s mind went blank. She couldn’t process this revelation.
She whispered, “But… Mom and Dad wouldn’t approve.”
To her surprise, Jarrett smiled. “I already told them how I feel about you before you came back. They fully support us. In fact, when we were little, they saw how much I doted on you and
hought about having us marry each other even back then.”
Joselyn could hardly believe it, so Jarrett took her home to ask Charlie and Larissa directly.
Sure enough, they were completely supportive. They even smiled and said, “Josie, Jarrett has always taken such good care of you. If we entrust you to him, we’d have nothing to worry about.
Joselyn’s mind was a whirlwind of confusion. She had no idea how to respond.
Sensing her unease, Jarrett said softly, “It’s okay. From now on, let’s go on dates. I’ll help you see me as a man, not as your brother. If you fall for me, we’ll get married. If not, I’ll go back to just being your brother and protect you as always.”
Over the next few days, Jarrett stayed true to his word. They went on a date every day from Monday to Friday.
And with each date, he slowly chipped away at the walls Joselyn had built around her heart with his actions.
On Monday, Jarrett took Joselyn to a high–end restaurant. The place was elegant, with soft lighting that cast a romantic glow. They sat by the window, overlooking the dazzling city lights. Nervous about being on a date with Jarrett, Joselyn kept her head down.
Jarrett pulled out her chair with care, waited for her to sit, then took his own seat. Noticing her nervousness, he smiled and leaned in slightly. “From now on, I want you to repeat a phrase in your mind whenever you feel nervous.”
Joselyn looked up, startled. “What phrase?”
“He’s not my brother. He’s a man who loves me,” he said.
On Tuesday, Jarrett took Joselyn to the beach. They strolled along the shoreline. The waves rhythmically crashed against the sand. Joselyn’s white sundress fluttered in the sea breeze. As Jarrett watched her, his gaze was filled with affection.
Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew her hat away. Without thinking, she ran after it, but Jarrett was quicker. He caught it effortlessly and placed it back on her head.
“Be careful,” he murmured. “I don’t want you getting hurt.”
Joselyn looked up. Het heart skipped a beat when she met his gaze.
On Wednesday, Jarrett took Joselyn to a private theater. They chose a romantic film and settled into the plush seats. Their surroundings were quiet,
As the movie began, Joselyn gradually became immersed in the story, while Jarrett kept stealing glances at her.
When the lead couple on screen embraced, Jarrett gently took Joselyn’s hand. She didn’t pull away.
He slowly placed her hand on his lap and held it gently. Joselyn trembled slightly but didn’t withdraw.
With each passing day and every date, Jarrett was quietly breaking down the walls in her heart. The image of him as just a brother blurred, replaced by that of a man who made her heart
race.
