Chapter 269 - A Chance For Us

[This chapter is dedicated to Victoria_Ward_0901. Thank you for all the power stones that you bestow to our story.] 

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"No." She sternly said. "You told me your reason but it doesn't mean I've already forgiven you. I don't want to forgive you because I am still angry, Noah. I'm disappointed and hurt that your first impulse was to work behind my back." 

"I'm so sorry," he brought her hands to his lips and kissed them. 

"Noah, this is not the first time that you check behind my back. Have you already forgotten that you had me investigated?" 

Noah pressed her hands on his checks.. And Jess felt the stubble on his cheeks. No wonder Lucille kept on saying her daddy is getting ugly because Noah has always been clean-shaven but now, he's letting his facial hair grow as if it's a bother to shave his facial hair. 

"Yes. I did." He sighed. "I won't even try to apologize because I'm too ashamed to ask for forgiveness." 

"I don't want these things to ruin whatever we have. But I can't do anything about your trust issues. You're the only one that could work it out. I mean, I can tell you to trust me but then, if your first impulse was to have me investigated, put some spy software on my computer…" she shook her head in disappointment. "I don't think our relationship will grow that way." 

"Give me time. I'll fix it. I'm seeing a therapist," he said in a small voice. 

"You do?" Her eyes widened. She had no idea that Noah was seeking some help. 

"I know I have some issues. But I need --" he exhaled a frustrated sigh. He is seeing a therapist not because of his trust issues. His reaction to having someone investigated was normal—in his job, that is. He needed to know every nitty-gritty of everyone who was involved in his business. And if Jess didn't point out his trust issues as a possible problem in their relationship He won't think it that way. 

Knowledge is power and control. It's easy to put down a deal if you know the secrets of the other people you are dealing with. He doesn't find anything wrong with it. Just now with Jess, he has to make a conscious effort to separate how he deals with his relationship with her and his business. 

Funny that if she didn't clearly point it out, he won't find flaws with it. It's just another way of how things were done efficiently. 

"How long have you been seeing a therapist?" 

"Long ago. As you know, I have a problem with alcohol. It took me a lot of help to overcome my extreme need to use alcohol as a way out of a lot of things. Nowadays, I'm still seeing a therapist but secretly." He met Jess's gaze to see if she would question him about why he has to see the therapist in secret. "Some people consider the idea of seeing a therapist as a sign of weakness." He heaved a deep sigh. "I want the CEO position at the company. The people I work with wouldn't like me to appear weak." 

"Is it helping you?" She asked in a small voice. 

"As much as I want to deny it. Yes, it's a big help." 

"That's good," she nodded. 

He pulled the chair Jess was sitting on for her to face him. "I would accept any punishment that you'll give me." 

She lifted her hand from his lap and cupped his jaw. Her thumb traced his jawline. "You should shave." 

"You don't like me with facial hair?" he said in a teasing manner. Jess doesn't seem mad anymore. 

"Just like what your daughter says, you look ugly." Her eyes followed her own thumb that was tracing Noah's jawline. She doesn't find Noah ugly. It was actually the opposite. She wondered how his stubble would feel on her skin. Would it tickle her? Was the question that was running on her mind as she continued to gently run her thumb on his jaw.

Noah smirked. He wanted to tease her because her real thoughts about his facial hair were visible on her face. But she was still pissed off at him. He decided to tease her later about it. When she was no longer that mad at him. 

"Baby, thank you." He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I'll do better. I promise." 

"I don't like promises, Noah. I need action." 

Noah tugged her arm toward him which surprised her, her forehead hit his chest. He snaked his arm around her waist and pressed a kiss on her lips. He was expecting her to push him, or even slapped his face. With what he did, he deserved to be slapped anyway. But Jess raised her arms and draped them over his shoulder, opened her mouth, and welcomed his kisses. 

He felt a wave of guilt wash over him. A sense of guilt accompanied his gratitude. And he let her know how grateful he was for the given chance by kissing her tenderly and deeply. 

He momentarily let go of her lips for them to take some air to breathe. "Baby, thank you." His lips hovered over hers. He nipped her moist lips every now and then. And when he couldn't get enough of her, he lifted her from her waist and deposited her on his lap.

"Noah, be aware that it wasn't just you that I was giving chances. I'm giving you a chance for us. For our relationship. I don't want it to be over because of lies."

"Yes, ma'am." He playfully tugged her lower lip in between his teeth, then gently sucked on it before letting it go. "Do you want to know what led to the end of my relationship with my ex-wife?" 

"You don't mind telling me about it? I don't mind not knowing." 

"I want you to know because it has some connection with the research that Dr. Sison asked you to read. That research was originally mine—and Nicole." 

Jess's lips formed a silent 'O' while she wiggled on Noah's lap. She got comfortable in his lap, prepared to hear his story.