Arrogant Man VS Unyielding Woman

"Shh... Be quiet... or he'll hear you!" Maranda whispered to Jean. She couldn't understand why Jean had suddenly burst out in laughter. And so she asked, "Why are you so happy? You sounded like you won the lottery when John sneezed." Maranda looked around to see if anyone was watching them before she leaned forward and whispered, "Were you cursing John?"

Jean pursed her lips at Maranda's question. She didn't know if Maranda would be happy or annoyed if Jean shared what she had been thinking when John sneezed. However, when Jean saw the sly look on Maranda's face, she knew her friend would not be upset.

Equally, Maranda knew Jean well enough to be able to guess what her friend had been thinking.

"Yes." Jean nodded and placed a hand on her mouth to stop herself from giggling loudly. "He deserves it for rejecting such a charming lady. So don't feel any pity for him! And, don't be upset with me if I curse him secretly, okay?"

Maranda suddenly felt embarrassed and shifted in her seat, "This matter is between you and him. Don't drag me in the middle of it!"

Jean's eyebrows shot up at Maranda's statement. She asked, "You've decided to forgive him since you pushed the blame on me?" Jean blinked rapidly in disbelief as she asked.

Maranda sighed in defeat. "This is all very complicated, " she said still looking around to make sure no one was listening. Her shoulders sagged as she confessed, "How could I stay mad at him? I feel like this is all my fault. I imagined myself as his favorite one." Maranda lowered her eyes hopelessly.

Gone was the huge smile that had graced Maranda's face just a moment ago. Somehow, every time they spoke of John, Maranda seemed to look sadder and sadder.

Jean sighed. She didn't like the situation Maranda had found herself in. She wished there was something she could do to make Maranda feel better. When Jean got no brilliant ideas, she looked out the window in silence.

Their destination was about two hours away. The journey was long and mostly quiet. Once they reached the bus stop, Jean and her friends hailed a taxi and piled their luggage into the trunk before climbing in.

Once at the hotel, they grabbed their luggage and made their way to the lobby. Two rooms had been booked for them. Since Maranda and Jean were girls, they shared one room, while John got the second room.

Since the rooms were nearby, John could ensure the girls' safety.

After checking in, Jean took a quick shower. As soon as she had dressed herself, she heard the doorbell to the suite.

Jean opened the door and found that John was standing outside the door. His face was expressionless and so she couldn't tell what he was thinking. As soon as John saw Jean, the corners of his mouth lifted into a demure smile. He said, "Let's go grab something to eat before we head for the shoot location."

"Ok, you go on ahead. I will wait for Maranda. We'll join you as soon as she is ready."

walked toward the bathroom and knocked on the door as she

worry. I'll

Came Maranda's reply.

looked well. The journey had mostly been fine. Maranda had been upset with John's behavior, however, she was well. As soon as they had reached the hotel, Jean had noticed that Maranda had paled. Once they had their room keys, Maranda had rushed to the bathroom. After Jean had finished bathing, Maranda had run into the bathroom again. Jean was worried about her.

hearing Maranda's reply, Jean felt a little relieved. She said cheerfully, "John just asked us to grab some food. After the meal, we will go check out some scenic spots for

am ready. I'll be out soon." Maranda dawdled in the bathroom for several minutes before she stepped out with an embarrassed

arm and led

they saw John standing in the corner. He seemed to be quite relaxed. As soon as he saw the

little indifferent, he did take good care of the women when they traveled. He was a

and Maranda walked toward John. He pointed at the table he had reserved for them before sitting.

the morning as she was already running late

her chopsticks and wolfed down her

finished eating, he decided to excuse himself. He spoke to Jean and Maranda as he hailed

waiter arrived, John ordered a coffee for himself.

she glimpsed at Maranda, she noticed that her friend hadn't eaten anything. Jean

am fine. I just have no appetite." Maranda answered with

hungry soon." Jean said with a deep sigh. After a moment she added, "If you do feel unwell, just tell me and we will take you

fine. Don't worry." Maranda turned pale when she heard

thought of something. He rose quickly and said to Jean, "Excuse me, I will leave now. Just wait for me at the

see." Jean replied. She couldn't understand why John was in such a hurry. But she was more concerned about Maranda's health and so, she didn't bother with John.

her food, Jean asked her tenderly, "Maranda, you still look pale. How about we go to the hospital right

said I am fine. I know how I feel. Now please, stop asking me. I know you are

anything since Maranda was unwilling to go to the hospital. She sighed in resignation

soon as they were done, Maranda and Jean carried the photography equipment

wait at the gate if they didn't see him. So they stopped and looked around. At that moment, they spotted

and asked, "Where

short ride in a taxi. 'Where could he have