After I Stopped Loving Him novel Chapter 657

Mandy was really hungry. The pastries on the table looked almost too pretty to eat, but she didn’t hesitate. She grabbed a few, taking bite after bite, and then finished off a glass of water. Only then did her empty stomach start to feel better.

Jackson watched her eat, almost in disbelief. She looked absolutely famished, not at all like she was pretending. He believed every word of her story.

He stood up, walked over to his desk, and picked up his phone to call Deborah. As soon as she answered, he said, “Deborah, can you have the kitchen make some extra dishes for lunch? I’ll be coming home.”

“You’re coming home for lunch?” Deborah’s voice softened. “I’ll have them make a couple extra dishes, all your favorites.”

“Yeah, and maybe add a few more. We’ve got a guest. Your cousin just arrived in Cabinda. She told me she’s been job hunting for over two weeks, hasn’t found anything, and now she’s out of money. Her phone’s out of credit, too, so she can’t even call or text. She’s here in my office right now, asking for help. If you’re free, you can come pick her up. If not, I’ll bring her home after work.”

Deborah felt her heart squeeze tight. Mandy was here? In Jackson’s office? When did she arrive? Why hadn’t anyone told her?

Still, she kept her tone light. “Is it Mandy? She’s here and didn’t even tell me? I could’ve found her a job. There was no need for her to struggle by herself. Having her in your office will just distract you. I’ll head over now and bring her home.”

Jackson made a noise of agreement. Mandy, overhearing, quickly chimed in. “Jackson, I don’t really have anywhere to stay right now. Could you ask Deborah if it’s okay for me to stay at her place for a while? As soon as I find a job, I’ll move out.”

“Thank you,” Mandy said right away, her voice soft and sweet. Deborah heard it through the phone and suddenly felt her guard go up.

She rarely brought Jackson back to her family’s estate. Besides her parents, she never let any other relatives into her home. She always kept Jackson away from them.

Part of it was because she thought her relatives were a little rough around the edges and might embarrass her in front of Jackson. The other part was a quiet fear that her sisters or cousins might try to steal Jackson’s affection.