I don’t love 3

Posted by admink, ? Views, Released on May 14, 2025

Chapter 3

“Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you home?” Jared tightens his grip on my hand as we walk side by side outside the hotel

Here we go again. He already asked me the same question seven times and just like how I previously responded to him, my answer remains the same. “No need. You still have to go to work, right?”

Jared nods his head with hesitation. “I see

soon then,” he says with a smile..

I see you soo

Please, don’t. However, regardless of my opinion, I gave him a positive reply instead. “Only when you’re not busy anymore. You can’t slack in doing your job just because you started dating. So don’t dwell on our relationship so much and focus on your work like you used to.”

Right. Jared and I settled everything by getting into a relationships, which he insisted. I tried to get away from it, but his words pierced through me that my conscience wouldn’t let me in peace unless I agreed.

After a long discussion about our responsibilities as lovers, Jared didn’t waste any moment and did his part. He helped me take a bath and get dressed. Then, we ate breakfast together. I know lovers do most of the things together, but the way he understood the concept is a little different. We’re supposedly just ‘dating‘ not ‘married‘ yet.

On the other hand, despite me keeping silent. I’m still struggling to cope with these sudden changes. After all, it’s hard to believe that I’m finally dating, and he’s not Lucas. It’s surprising, even for me, who used to say ‘I won’t date anyone but Lucas. But of all things. Jared Greenwelche as my boyfriend is mind–blowing.

It’s me, the foolish, find that stupid alcohol to blame

“What do you mean?” His brows straighten. “Are you telling me not to take you seriously?”

Ah. He’s showing me his signature painful expression again–Sometimes I think he’s only acting like this to make fun of me inside his head. Like, how can he be so adorable. like a puppy every time I say something that goes against his will! It feels like he wanted me to agree with whatever he’ll say while putting his cute side to good use.

I sigh. “It’s not like that. What I’m saying is you should have something important to do, right?”

Come to think of it, I haven’t inquired what he’s doing. Theard he’s loaded back in college, but I’ve been in the corporate world for a couple of years and haven’t heard of Jared or any Greenwelche in the circle. He’s employed at least, I guess.

“Work is important, of course.” A smile appears on his face, which brightens my day in an instant. Strange. So I’m going to finish work as soon as I can and spend the rest of the day with you.”

Gosh. Can someone slap me hard to make sure I’m not dreaming! Jared is actually attacking me with sweet words. And I will not lie and say that t don’t find it amusing.

“Really? Do you know where to find me! I won’t be telling you my address. So if you want to spend your time after work with me, come and find me first. I meant it as a joke, but Jared’s bright expression changed.

“Are you saying that you don’t want me to drive you home so I won’t know where you’re living?”

Ah. It’s not like that. I was sincere when I told him not to drive me back, but thinking about not giving him my address is a pleasant idea. He won’t be able to find me when he doesn’t know where I’m staying

“Do you think I can’t find you when I want to?”

I give up. He looks like he’s going to burst into tears. I don’t know what to do when he cries in front of the building while others can see us. People would either think 1 dumped him, or worse, bullying him. This man.. he can make me quiver in fear and melt in quilt. What’s with him?

“All right. Don’t give me that look” I extend my hand in front of him, asking for his phone. “Give me your phone, I’ll save my number and address in your contact list”

Just like that, his face goes back to how it was a while ago. An excited jared nods his head and gently hands his device.

“Here” I hand his phone back when I’m done. He smiles as he checks my phone number and address. Isn’t he old enough to be blushing over something riväl

Ah I got myself an interesting boyfriend, buhe

Ah, Daphne, Can you cook!”

Me? Why is he asking this now!

“I can manage. Why?” I return his phone and observe the look on his face. It seems like he wanted to say something. “Do you want me to cook for you‘

Yeah right! I didn’t forget how he mentioned ‘cooking for each other earlier when we were having breakfast. I don’t know if he’s naturally like this but instead of getting a boyfriend, it looks to me like I’m babysitting a grown up man.

Jared bobs his head. “Will it be alright?”

Of course not. I’m tired in the evening after work. I usually have dinner outside.

“Hnam. Do you have anything you specifically wanted to cat? How about having dinner together?” I know I should reject him, but like a moth, Elet my guard down and head towards the flame.

“Anything you cook will be fine.”

1 sigh. How can I come up with anything to cook for him? I will have instant noodles for dinner when I can’t go out and eat. If I am to serve him a bowl of instant noodles, will he be really fine!

(to

“Jared, it’s difficult to come up with just anything. Tell me, do you have any favorite dishes!”

I watch him think for a bit. His eyes sparkled when he came up with something. “How about the food you usually eat? I want to try it with you.

“Noodles” Itaise a brow and try not to roll my eyes. “I have noodles for dinner. Do you want to try it with me?” It will be really nice if he’s fine with it. I’ll just have to boil water, wait for a few minutes and it’s done.

Daphne.. Jared brushes his hair back. I swear he looks so hot. “No wonder you’re so thin. You easily get tired too. I guess it’s because you’re not having a healthy diet”

Er. It’s not about my diet. I was just so busy in the past few weeks preparing for the bunching of the new project in the company. Thanks to my boss who piled up half of his work for me because of having family problems to deal with. In the end, I worked hard because first, it’s my job and second Lucas entrusted it to me. How ironic to know that the ‘family affairs‘ he mentioned before was about getting engaged. Viola! Lucas got a fiance after coming back just when the preparation was complete.

Speaking of Lucas, I think it’s time for me to wake up from my delusion. He’s engaged and will marry whoever his fiance is. Loving him despite the harsh reality slapping my face will only destroy ime. So when I agreed to be Jared’s girlfriend, one of the reasons was to divert my attention from Lucas. The other was to take responsibility for

ту actions.

Jared. I think he’s a nice guy. He saved my dignity back there when I tried to just forget everything and run away. I don’t think any man would do the same as he did. In this generation, a one–night stand in’t a big deal for the majority and even I tried to play it cool. Deep inside, I know that it’s shameful to lose my first time to a man I barely know. I’m not one of those who thinks it’s line‘ and ‘normal‘ these days, I just acted like one. Unexpectedly, Jared turns out to be a responsible citizen.

It may look like I’m using Jared as a rebound or something like that, but just like what I’ve said when I was drunk, maybe it was indeed better if 1 fell for someone who’d be willing to take responsibility for my feelings. However, a person who can do that is scarce. And Jared, who insisted on dating me after what happened.. Maybe he could be one of those rare finds

“Don’t worry, I’ll prepare something nice for you tonight.”

His face glows hearing my reply. “Thank you, Daphne. I’m looking forward to tonight’s dinner”

Ob, please. Don’t. I can only cook simple dishes so when you say it like that, the burden becomes bigger. “No, Jared It’s just going to be a simple dinner. A few homemade dishes and maybe a glass of wine. It’s not anything fancy so don’t expect too much. I rub the tip of my nose while looking away. I hate to admit it, but I don’t want to see his disappointed face after what I said.

“It’s special.”

Huh! I’m surprised by his mumbling that I turn to face him subconsciously.

“You’ll be the one to cook for me so it’s special” Jared moves closer and bumps his forehead on mine. Til bring a bottle of excellent wine tonight, since you’ll be the one who’s cooking. Do you need anything else? I could get it for you on my way.”

What’s this? His face is so close to me that my heart keeps beating rapidly, as if I’m being chased.

“Jared”

Eken his gentle hum sounds great. It’s like he’s eager to listen to me, whatever I’ll say next. He looks like a cold–hearted jerk, but he’s actually warm.

I wonder how he would react if he heard the rumors about him in the past. I suddenly want to know more about this man.

“I have several bottles of wine at my place, so you don’t need to bring any. It’s my treat… Y–You’re too close” I feel my checks burning. I’m afraid I’ll faint if he keeps this close distance between our fees.

“So what? We’ve been closer than this, though. Are you uncomfortable? And, oh! Thanks for the treat”

2/3

Forget it! 1 take back every good thing I said about him. This man, how can he remind me of those embarrassing moments? Plus, we’re outsidel There are people passing by that can see what’s going on.

“Oh, by the way. Do you have ice packs at home?” He asked, moving his face away.

“Ice packs? I do. What about it?” I shot my head to the side, wondering why he askerl about ice packs suddenly.

“That.” Jared bends his head, moving his lips to my ears to whisper. I think you need to apply it to ease the pain. I watched you walk earlier and your limping looks bad. I feel terrible. Please use an ice pack for the meantime until I can get something more effective.”