Amidst the fragrant aromas of the dinner table, he remained attuned to the subtle changes in Aunt Rong's expression. A fleeting smile had graced her lips, a telltale sign that something was amiss. In an instant, his intuition sharpened, and he instinctively gripped his chopsticks, a prelude to his quick response. "No need," he interjected abruptly.
The topic at hand, whether he needed to tend to his waist for health reasons, remained shrouded in uncertainty.
"Why not?" Georgia inquired, her voice taking on a pleasantly unaware tone as she savored a bite of spareribs. The undertones of the conversation were lost on her as she continued, "I think it's a good idea. You should consider it."
Even as she spoke, Jack's expression grew increasingly somber, like storm clouds gathering over a once-clear sky.
This woman is truly...
A mélange of frustration and helplessness surged within Jack. As he watched Georgia carry on, blissfully ignorant of his inner turmoil, he found himself at a loss for words. Any attempt to articulate his thoughts seemed futile, so he opted for silence.
Aunt Rong, her knowing smile intact, observed the couple before eventually retreating into the kitchen, leaving them to navigate the peculiar dance of their conversation.
As the meal reached its end, Georgia's thoughts turned toward a relaxing bath and retiring to her room. However, before she could take more than a few steps, a hand closed around her wrist from behind, causing her to instinctively halt and pivot. Jack stood there, his gaze locked onto hers.
Caught off guard, Georgia's voice trembled slightly as she questioned, "What's the matter?"
A lingering unease settled over her. Despite her uncertainty, Jack's appearance seemed marred by a clouded mood.
Frowning, his eyebrows knit together, and he posed a question edged with a hint of irritation, "Do you think I have a bad waist?"
The implications of his words were clear. Did he not care about saving face in front of Aunt Rong?
Georgia, oblivious to the nuances, responded with unyielding positivity, "Of course not! It's not about you. It's about maintaining health. I think it's a good idea."
With every word that fell from her lips, Jack's expression darkened, a stormy mixture of anger and frustration brewing within him.
As their silent exchange unfolded, Aunt Rong's eyes lingered on them with a bemused smile before she withdrew to her kitchen domain.
Setting her resolve into motion, Georgia intended to continue to her room, but her momentum was halted by the unexpected presence of Jack, who had materialized behind her.
As she turned to face him, a question poised on her lips, she found herself rooted to the spot by his intense gaze. A brief pause hung in the air, heavy with unspoken sentiments.
"What is it?" Georgia finally inquired, her curiosity giving voice to the palpable tension in the room.
Jack's reply was laden with restrained frustration, "Do you believe that discussing my waist is truly a topic of conversation?"
A quizzical expression tugged at her features, yet she hesitated to probe further, sensing an underlying current of vexation in his demeanor.
With a heavy sigh, Jack seemed to yield to the situation, surrendering his point of contention. He turned to walk away, his footsteps carrying him towards his study.
Observing his retreating figure, Georgia felt a pang of apprehension. Her thoughts joined together, and with newfound determination, she called out, "Wait!"
Jack halted his steps, his gaze shifting back to her as he inquired, "What is it now?"
A pause lingered, charged with the weight of the words she was about to utter. "I need to talk to you about something," she began, her voice a mixture of uncertainty and resolve.
Curiosity sparked in his eyes, and he gestured for her to continue.
Swallowing her apprehension, she delved into the conversation with a soft breath. "I had a conversation with my parents recently... about the wedding."
The word "wedding" seemed to cast a sudden seriousness upon the atmosphere, like a veil drawn over the room.
Georgia continued, her voice measured, "They believe that since we already have the certificate, it would be prudent to have the wedding soon. Nothing extravagant, just a simple celebration where both our families can come together."
Jack's expression darkened as the weight of his responsibilities bore down on him. This was a subject he couldn't take lightly.
However, before Georgia could delve further, he interjected, his voice carrying a note of finality, "I'm afraid I can't agree to that."
As he spoke, the air seemed to grow heavy, his decision fraught with implications that extended beyond their immediate desires.
Georgia's heart sank, realizing the gravity of his words. She gazed at him, seeking an understanding that seemed elusive amidst the complex web of his circumstances.
The reason for his denial remained cloaked in shadows, and as Georgia absorbed his words, she could only offer a nod, grappling with her own disappointment and the unsettling realization that his world was more intricate than she had ever imagined.