Arrogant Man VS Unyielding Woman novel Chapter 113

Jean had no idea why Zed had brought her to the seaside. She couldn't even guess as to what he wanted to do now that they were here. But she still followed Zed.

"Why did you bring me here?" Jean looked puzzled and asked him.

"I was once told that standing at the seashore and feeling the cool sea wind is a good way to relax, especially when a person is feeling overwhelmed, " Zed answered.

Jean scrunched her nose when she heard his explanation. That cannot be it! Perhaps she had misunderstood him? On impulse, Jean stood on her tip-toes and placed her palm on Zed's forehead. She looked even more bewildered when she realized he wasn't unwell. "You aren't feverish, " she said in awe.

"Why did you do that?" Zed frowned as irritation set in.

When Jean didn't reply, he asked her again "Why did you touch my forehead? What made you think that I might be unwell? Why did you speak with such astonishment?" Jean shook her head and continued whispering with the same incredulous tone, "You are nuts. Yes, that's it! You must be raving mad."

A cool breeze brushed across Jean's face. The wind felt so nice that she closed her eyes and lifted her chin. Jean took a deep breath and felt as though the salty sea wind was energizing every atom of her being.

Slowly she looked up at Zed, only to find his frosty gaze was fixed on her.

'Did I say something wrong?' Jean wondered.

"You have a heart of stone, don't you?" Zed was burning with anger. He had been considerate enough to take her for a drive and share this spectacular moment with Jean because he knew that she was upset. And instead of being grateful, she was mocking him.

"This trip was for me? I was upset and you thought I'd feel better if you brought me here?" Jean couldn't believe her ears. She was stupefied. 'Zed truly has no selfish reasons for bringing me here? He's being incredibly thoughtful today. Why?' Jean wondered.

Zed had always been harsh with Jean. He rarely said a kind word to her. He satirized her relentlessly and he couldn't stop complicating their relationship with his jealousy and insecurities every time he saw or heard about Ethan. Yes, he had been considerate at times. But those were small gestures that didn't inconvenience Zed. This, however, was completely unexpected.

Jean felt ashamed of her reaction. She tried to conceal her emotions as she didn't want to show others her most vulnerable side.

Jean had no idea how to tell Zed that she was remorseful and that she did care about his thoughtful gesture.

Now that she knew that he had brought her to the seaside because he was genuinely concerned, she smiled and spoke sincerely, "Thank you for bringing me here. I was just kidding when I said you were raving mad."

Zed studied Jean. When he heard her candid explanation, his anger settled.

Jean looked at the water and thought of the few times she had been to the beach as a child. Although she had seldom come here, none of her trips had been memorable. She did, however, remember the time she tried to arrange a meeting between Zed and Eva here.

She remembered how she had been swept away by the waves that night and how it was pure coincidence that Ethan had been around and had rescued her and taken her to the hospital.

However, it must be recognized that destiny ties people together.

Since it was getting late, only a few couples in search of a romantic setting were left on the beach. While some were strolling hand-in-hand on the beach barefoot, others were huddled on blankets, whispering and giggling.

There was only one streetlight on the beach. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the dim streetlight cast a pale glow. In the distance, Jean could make out the figures of the lovers under the silvery moonlight.

"So, what do you say? Would you like to go?" Zed asked. Jean's face glowed as a bright smile danced on her lips. She glanced at Zed before running for the beach.

Zed felt his heart soar at her smile.

Zed followed Jean. He watched as she promptly took off her shoes and played with the sand between her toes. He couldn't get over how childlike she could be. This was one of the things that endeared Jean to Zed.

Jean had to admit that Zed had suggested a good idea. Upon seeing the sea and the beach, her depression and gloom had disappeared without a trace.

Jean's conscience urged her to thank him again.

Once Zed had caught up with her, she turned and started walking. The cool, wet sand under her feet felt incredible.

She spent a little while playing like an innocent girl, building sand castles and drawing circles in the sand.

It was dark but Jean's silhouette stood out boldly against the fading light. Zed had never seen Jean smile so brightly. She truly seemed overjoyed.

Jean looked like an angel flying through the clouds. Her simple cherubic smile seemed to be infectious and Zed could not help grinning as well.

"Zed! Come here! There are so many shells!" Jean illuminated the sand with the phone flash, as she called out to him.

Zed looked at her blankly for half a minute. Jean didn't wait for Zed to respond. She rushed to him, grabbed his arm, and pulled him toward the shells.

Under the dim light of the phone, Jean and Zed began sorting through and picking up shells.

This experience was so unlike her reality that Jean felt as though she were in a pleasant dream.

......

After a two-day vacation, Jean returned to her usual routine. She was at the company all day learning how to edit photos and collect materials.

Maranda was also an intern like Jean. But it seemed that Maranda was busier than Jean.

During lunch, Maranda was complaining about her enormous workload and how she had to spend nights working.

Jean chewed on some food thoughtfully before saying, "The company has not been busy with big assignments recently, has it? Then why did you have so much work?"

"It is your fault." Maranda stared at Jean and complained, "It is all because you. If you hadn't accompanied the boss on that business trip, I wouldn't have to take responsibility for your work!"

Jean's eyes widened as she understood. When she had gone for the shoot with Sonny, all the work for the interns had been left to Maranda.

Jean smiled awkwardly, "Since you have helped me, I will surely treat you to a dinner."

Maranda's eyes kindled with happiness, she nodded repeatedly as she said, "What a wonderful idea! When can we go?"

"How about now?" Jean asked.

"Now?" The smile suddenly died from Maranda's face as she became unhappy, "Are you kidding? We are in the middle of a work lunch, Jean. You can not do this to me!"

Maranda pouted in annoyance. She held her hand and acted coquettishly. Jean lift her eyebrows and pretended to contemplate. After thinking for a moment, she pursed her lips and said, "I'm beginning to regret offering to take you to dinner!"

"How dare you!" Maranda groaned and turned her back toward Jean. "You promised me! Why do you have regrets?"

Jean had already outguessed her so she laughed out loud, "I am just teasing you. When would you like me to treat you? I'll take you for a dinner whenever you want."

Upon hearing this, Maranda turned to face Jean with a huge grin. She spoke with excitement, "I would like a feast to replenish myself."

Jean liked Maranda because she always gave her an honest opinion and she was not assuming and artificial. It was such a stroke of luck for Jean to have found a friend and colleague like her.

Although Jean had to repay Ethan and pay the rent, she still had enough money to treat Maranda to a dinner.

The afternoon sun was dazzling. The women basked in it's warmth.

After the waiter took away the empty dishes, Maranda ordered two glassed of lemon juice.

"We can finally rest after all these big assignments. It's so nice here. I don't want to go back to the company.'' While drinking the lemon juice, Maranda tilted her head as she thought of something. She asked Jean excitedly, "Did you meet with Selena?"

"Yes, I did."

"Does she looks prettier in person than she does on TV?" Maranda asked.

"Yes, she is much prettier than she looks on TV." Jean answered.

"What do you think of her? Is she a poser?" Maranda questioned.

"Not exactly. She is very kind."

"Did you ask her for an autograph?"

Jean paused when reminded that she had promised Maranda to ask Selena for an autograph. Jean was embarrassed for having forgotten. She scratched her head and smiled apologetically.

Maranda bent her arms over the table and rested her head on them in disappointment.

Jean was just about to comfort her by saying that she still had a chance to get an autograph when her cell phone rang. Catching a glimpse of the name on the caller ID, Jean paused.