“Hmm? Like?” Jennifer asked when she noticed Javier wasn’t replying to anything and waited for him to finish his sentence but in return, all she received was shook from his side. 

“Nothing. Just answer the first question. Will you marry someone who will support your career then, if not Lucas?” 

Javier’s question made her a little bit confused. She never gave thought to it because from the very start, since when she attained the age of marriage, the date was fixed and she was asked to marry Lucas. 

It never gave her enough time and space to decide what she wanted in her life. Although, in the end, she was going to run from her wedding, it never made her wonder what kind of husband would she prefer?

There was a confusional look on her face when she gave his words some thought. Javier was still waiting for her answer when he noted that she was still in a very daze.

“Jennifer? Are you alright? I asked you something..” he reminded her once again when she just put her small smile to reply, “I never considered anyone to be my husband but I would love it if someone would support my career and let me do any job.. or help him in his business. Why not be independent in your own way?” 

Her answer suddenly melted his heart, making it full of gardens and flowers blooming into it. The smirk of his widened even more at the thought of having her as his bride.

“That is good. Do not compromise on your career at all. There are many assholes who will try to cage you so never give them much attention, alright?” Javier gave her a piece of advice.

His advice sounded like concern and order yet she behaved as if it was very much common to hear. ‘Obviously, if I go for a love marriage, I will see all those aspects…’

But Javier shifted the topic back to her family once again in the interest to know more. “So, you brother and your’s equation… how is it?” 

“As it is between another brother and sister. We do fight a lot but… it’s alright, at the end of the day we are brother and sisters by blood.” Her reply was in a casual tone.

But she will never understand the complicated relationship any other siblings can share and go through, Javier thought and smiled at his own relationships and equations between his parents. 

After a few more minutes they both completed their dinner with happy a conversation. Jennifer told many more things and Javier patiently heard all of them. The conclusion that he got, she was pretty much close to her family and values family relationships very well.

Unlike him, she will try to keep the entire family as one and give her best to not break it. How wonderful it will be for the one who will get married to her?

Javier decided to keep the dishes in the dishwasher. Jennifer changed into more comfortable wear, new clothes for the night, all thanks to Ellen who delivered some ladies’ clothes and she was comfortable with them.

But the prime most problem was yet to be solved. 

“JAVIER!” He heard his name being called out and Javier immediately left his work in the kitchen and walked to her side when she was currently in the bedroom.

“What happened? why are you yelling?” He asked in a worried tone but Jennifer shook her head. Pointing towards the bed, she asked, “Where are we supposed to sleep now?”

“Umm…. on Bed I suppose?” A frown settled down his face when he heard her question, indicating that it made no sense to him.

But Jennifer was getting frustrated by the way he reacted, “I mean where are WE supposed to sleep? There is only one bed I can see for now.” Jennifer averted her gaze which roamed throughout the bedroom to only see a big bed in the center. 

As it was a one-bedroom apartment, for a bachelor, he never considered that sleeping would create an issue now. A sigh escaped his mouth on realizing that there was nothing serious because her yell seriously made him worried to hell!

“Well..” Javier looked at the other alternative and answered back, “I can go and sleep on the couch outside. You can take the end here and be comfortable.” 

While saying this he took the extra pillow and blanket from the wardrobe and pulled them aside. He also gave her the blanket that she might need in the night and Jennifer just stood there and observed him with extensive eyes.

She didn’t say a single word against the idea and let him take the lead, but deep down, she was curious. ‘How is he going to manage on such a small couch? Won’t it be difficult for him to sleep there?’ But her lips were sealed.

It was strange to share the end of the bed with someone else and when she was observing him within one minute, he took his belongings needed for tonight and stepped out of the room.

“Good night. have sweet dreams. Call me if you want something.” Saying this he closed the door behind, leaving Jennifer all alone in the room by herself.

Somehow she walked near the bed and took the blanket over her small curved body yet it was difficult to adjust. One side of the entire bed was entirely empty. Was it worth it to make him sleep outside?

Her entire face was not showing any emotions, absorbed totally in the conflicted thoughts. Lips pulled into a straight line when her thoughts kept on diverging on the man… the man sleeping out..

‘Sleep Jennifer… sleep just… sleep…’

….

Meanwhile, things weren’t smooth on the other side.

Back in the Johnson Mansion, it was the time to call the night and both Shawn and Shirley were sitting in their room. Shirley sat on the dressing table, applying her night cream on her face which had wrinkles.

While Shawn currently occupied one of the armchairs, with minimum length of back, to go through the files regarding his business and transactions…

Shirley’s eyes lingered at Shawn when she coughed to gain his attention but unfortunately, he didn’t bait an eye to her. With a lack of attention, Shirley spoke in the most alluring voice of hers.

“Baby, has Javier’s homecoming disturbed you?”