Arrogant Man VS Unyielding Woman

When Maranda put forward her question, Jean found that she had no answer as to why she wasn't taking Zed's call. So Jean sighed and swiped the screen to answer the call.

"Why did you take so long?" Zed asked with concern.

"Um..." Jean didn't know where to start. So many things had happened. Since she felt a little guilty, Jean decided to apologize, "I'm sorry. Something came up and I forgot to call you. You must have been worried."

"You got busy? Right after you got off the bus?" Zed said in disbelief. It's not like Jean had gone to the company and found herself swamped with assignments. She was traveling to a shoot location. What could have kept her so busy on the bus ride that she forgot to call?

"I wanted to come back early, so I've been trying to finish a few things." Jean replied feebly hoping that Zed would be pacified with that answer.

"Okay. Take care of yourself and don't work too hard." A part of Zed believed Jean's explanation. And so, he decided to gently remind her that while work was important, she needed to take care of herself as well.

The thought that Jean was working longer hours so that she could come home early made Zed smile.

"I will. Take care of yourself as well, okay? You have just recovered. If you exhaust yourself, you'll have a relapse. Get plenty of rest, yeah?" Jean reminded Zed that he was still weak from his last illness and that although he felt well, his body needed time to recover its full strength. Thinking about Zed's concern, Jean blushed.

Zed smiled at Jean's thoughtfulness. He liked that she was slowly talking to him and expressing her feelings and concerns. This was a new milestone in their relationship. He could sense that she was still being a little reserved. He also knew that Jean didn't like to ask for help. And so, he said, "If there's any trouble at all, make sure you call me, all right?" Zed was worried. This wasn't Jean's first business trip, but a lot of people were envious of her and often caused trouble. Zed wanted to make sure that Jean understood that he would help and support her as best as possible.

"I know." Jean smiled as she whispered. Regardless of the ups and downs in their relationship, the one thing she knew without a doubt was that Zed would always be there for her.

After Zed ended the call, Jean sighed with relief. She was glad that he hadn't been upset that she had forgotten to call. Jean was also relieved that he accepted her explanation and didn't probe her for more information.

"Jean, it looks like you are afraid of Zed." Maranda concluded after hearing Jean's side of the conversation. She furrowed her brows as she spoke to Jean.

"Afraid? No, that's not it. I respect him, all right?" Jean was not sure what part of her call had given Maranda that impression, but she corrected her friend with a smile.

"I saw your expression and heard the tone of your voice when you were talking to Zed. Your face reddened and it looked like you could barely breathe. You had a perfectly valid reason for not calling him, and yet, you refused to tell him. You listened to him and gave very short answers." Before Maranda could say anything more, John interrupted her.

"Please stop talking about this. We have almost reached our destination. It's time to focus on work."

John's tone was colder than usual. Peeved at being interrupted, Maranda stuck out her tongue when John wasn't looking. Then she turned to look at Jean.

Jean wondered why John had spoken so sternly. Yes, he was a man of few words and yes, he didn't show many emotions when working, but he had never been this detached.

The more Jean thought about it, the more convinced she became that John had become more distant.

had

friendly, but he wasn't a mean

it would be best if she had a private conversation with John about all this. It wouldn't do to have

had stopped, John, Jean, and Maranda looked at the scenery around them. Slowly, they stepped out of the car in a daze.

Jean whispered in awe.

and pressed the shutter. She wanted

Jean was, John's expression softened. He gazed at

as she set up her camera. Something was not quite right and she needed John

John answered casually as he forced himself to look away from Jean. When he finally turned, he

He had been too careless.

seen how he was

were to behave oddly now, he would confirm Maranda's suspicions. So it was

John the

before. It turned out that John had refused Maranda because he was infatuated by someone else. If that wasn't bad enough, the person John liked was none other than

John and the way he had looked, smiled, and talked. Had all of it been for Jean? And what about his effort to buy medicines and water for Maranda when he found out that she wasn't well? Was that also for Jean's

was perfect for John. As the thought crossed

She smiled bitterly, picked up her

were good friends, John was worried that

Maranda's arm. When he spun her around to face him,

you crying?" John asked impatiently as

Maranda hurriedly answered as she wiped her face. She shook her head in

confusion as he tried to think of a way to explain all this. Finally, when he couldn't think of anything, he said coldly,

to Zed. Jean and John were co-workers. This kind of revelation would complicate

agreed not to tell Jean, a part of him was still feeling torn. Agitated because he couldn't understand

go of Maranda's arm

had tried to walk away. Had John not stopped her, she might have been able to convince herself that she was mistaken about what she had seen. However, before she could process

should she

had thought that she would be okay with admiring John from a distance. She had convinced herself that even if he didn't reciprocate her love, Maranda would be able to work with him, see him, and speak with him every day. But the way her heart was aching, Maranda felt as though she would

'Why?'

of unfairness filled Maranda. She fell to the ground, placed her hands on her face, and