Never Late, Never Away (Vivian and Finnick)
Chapter 2526

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2526

"It's okay, Ms. Young. It was just a meal anyway. Let's not dwell on it since it's already over," Joan consoled.

"Don't be mad anymore, okay? I know you're still thinking about what happened at the beach, but nothing happened between Dustin and I that night," Joan explained while stroking his arm comfortingly.

Larry pulled her into his embrace and whispered, "I know." Fortunately, their night ended on a pleasant note.

One day, when Joan was making her way back, a familiar voice sounded behind her, "Joan?"

Joan whipped her head toward the voice and was dumbstruck. Didn't he leave already? Why is he back again?

"Don't recognize me anymore?" Jake slowly approached her and touched her arm.

"Why are you back again?" Joan wrung her hands awkwardly.

The day he left, things started progressing in the direction that she wanted, but his return was a sign of imminent trouble.

"Why are you so dazed? What? Not happy to see me?" Jake prodded.

"No, that's not it. You're back because..." she trailed off, unsure of how to act around him.

"I wasn't fully prepared when I came here the last time, but now I am. Everything is set," the man answered, with an underlying meaning in his words.

"Oh, I see. Congratulations, then. Anyway, I have to go now." Joan took a step away.

Without warning, the man jerked her into his arms.

Joan's eyes widened in shock. "Jake, what the hell are you doing?" she demanded while struggling to break free from him.

"I missed you so much, Joan," Jake said in a hoarse voice as he caressed her hair.

"Jake, let go of me!" Joan ordered.

"Let me hug you. Just for a while. Please." The plea in his tone left Joan feeling helpless.

Even though she felt bad, she knew that a single hug could very likely evoke a multitude of problems.

"No!" With that, she shoved him away with everything she had.

Joan raised her voice. "Jake, you should know that even though my husband and I are divorced, we're still together."

So what? I don't care! True love is unconditional.

"It's alright. I can wait for you," he insisted.

"But there's no room left in my heart for anyone else besides Larry."

Upon hearing this, Jake's expression became frighteningly ominous.

Maybe I should give her some time since she doesn't seem to understand me yet.

"Joan, please give me a chance. I'll prove to you that I'm better than Larry."

"I know that you're a remarkable man, so you should replace a girlfriend who's compatible with you. I'm sorry, but I have to go now." Joan turned and left. Not far away, Dustin had witnessed the entire exchange.

Another love rival, I see. But the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Larry Norton, you'll have your plate full soon enough. The corner of Dustin's mouth quirked up, and he left in the other direction soon after.

"Larry, now that the company is back on track, you don't have to work overtime so often anymore," Caspian stated in a low voice.

Some time ago, he had been so busy that he worked until midnight every day. At present, all the problems were resolved, so he could finally have some proper rest. Larry answered, "I know."

"Now that you and Joan have finally gotten back together, should I book a flight somewhere nice for you two?" Caspian offered.

Larry understood Caspian's intention, but right then, he still wasn't completely comfortable with leaving the company to run on its own.

"Not now. Maybe some time later."

He had once promised to bring Joan on a vacation, but too many things had happened before he could. Thus, their trip had been delayed time and again.

Caspian studied Larry from a distance and shook his head in exasperation before leaving his office.

I guess Joan won't hold him responsible.

"Joan, your phone is ringing!" Delilah called out from the living room.

"Coming!" Joan yelled.