Love Rents A Room
Chapter 159: His Quiet Assurance

Chapter 159: His Quiet Assurance

Joanne looked over at him, searching his expression, but he didn’t turn around. His gaze remained fixed on the water, and his fingers moved in that same steady rhythm as he reeled the line in—calm, deliberate, like he was giving her space to speak first. But the quiet between them wasn’t empty. It felt heavy, filled with everything unspoken.

Her heart tightened. He wanted her to go with him—she could feel it. Maybe he hadn’t said it aloud, maybe even he hadn’t quite admitted it to himself yet, but she could tell. The hesitation in his voice earlier, the way he brought her to this place like a peace offering, the gentle question wrapped in humor—it was all leading here.

But was he sure of what would happen if she did go? Was she?

She didn’t know if he’d thought that far. If he realized what it meant to bring her into that world, not just as a guest, but as someone beside him. As someone who mattered.

She understood Philip’s intentions. The old man had tried once before—too boldly, too soon. And now, he was being gentler. Trying again, carefully, respectfully. Introducing her to the edges of their world instead of throwing her straight into the fire.

She respected that. She trusted him.

But she didn’t want it.

She was tired of trying to fit into a space where people like her weren’t welcome—where hard-earned grit was seen as a flaw, not a strength. Where money smelled like entitlement, and every smile came laced with judgment. She’d clawed her way through enough of those circles already. She had no intention of letting them decide her worth again.

"He’ll get over it," she said lightly, letting out a small chuckle. "He’s seen worse."

It wasn’t meant to hurt, but it carried the weight of her decision.

Jeffrey exhaled slowly, eyes still on the river. He didn’t speak. Just closed his eyes for a moment, as if bracing himself against the disappointment. It wasn’t just that she said no—it was that it sounded final.

And maybe it was.

He thought she might be wavering. That maybe, with a little encouragement, she’d change her mind. But this... this didn’t sound like a maybe.

"You’re not a wannabe, Jo..." Jeffrey said, his voice low after a long stretch of quiet between them. "Whoever said that to you... may they rot in hell."

The words landed heavy, fierce. There was no flinch in his voice. No hesitation. Just pure conviction. And yeah... that included his own mother.

Because this wasn’t just about his disappointment. It was the way her words cut through him—how could someone like Joanne believe she didn’t belong?

She was remarkable. Strong, principled, grounded. He had lived his entire life in polished rooms full of people with titles and connections—and yet he had never met anyone who impressed him the way she did.

Except maybe his grandfather.

Joanne blinked at him, startled by his sudden intensity. "Hell? Isn’t that a bit much?" she asked, a soft laugh in her voice. That was his family.

Jeffrey didn’t so much as flinch. "No one gets to make you feel little, Jo," he said, turning to glance at her.

It was a quick look—barely a second—but the fire in his eyes when he said it... it stole the air from her lungs.

God, this man.

She had seen many sides of him—the easy charm, the soft protectiveness, even the occasional temper—but this was something different. This was fierce devotion. This was his heart.

And it made her fall for him all over again.

"Do you want to go?" she asked finally, her voice quieter now. Careful.

He didn’t answer right away.

She knew what she was really asking. She was giving him an out. If this was about tennis, about the prestige, about showing up in the crowd he used to belong to... he could go alone. She wouldn’t stand in the way.

That was his world. He could slip into it with ease. She, on the other hand, would only make things harder. And the last thing she wanted was to be a burden—to make him second-guess choosing her.

"Yes," Jeffrey said. His voice was steady. "But I want to go with you."

He turned to her then, fully, his fishing rod forgotten on the ground. His gaze locked on hers, so direct it almost hurt.

"I want you there."

Joanne pressed her lips together, her hands knotting in her lap. Her heart stammered beneath her ribs.

"I know nothing about that world, Jeffrey... Royalties? Celebrities?" she said. Her voice cracked with the weight of her fear. "I’ll stick out like a sore thumb. And what if..."

She didn’t finish that thought. What if you regret me?

Jeffrey heard it anyway.

"Jo..." he said gently, stepping closer. "I’ll be with you."

The way he said it—like a vow, like a promise he’d never break—melted something tight and knotted in her chest.

He understood. He truly understood.

She’d been shoved out of those circles before. Humiliated, diminished. Of course she was hesitant to walk back in. But this time... he wouldn’t let her go in alone.

She bit her lip, watching the sincerity settle deep in his eyes. He wasn’t just saying this. He meant it.

"Are you sure?" she whispered, needing to hear it again—for herself, for her fragile hope.

"100%," he said, without a blink.

Joanne smiled, her heart full and trembling all at once. "Okay," she said softly.

It wasn’t a loud, brave declaration. It didn’t need to be. It was a step—a leap of faith into his trust, his love, his world. A world she was willing to face... because he’d be beside her.

Jeffrey’s eyes brightened, disbelief and joy warring for dominance. "You’ll go?" he asked, grinning like a boy again.

Joanne nodded, her heart fluttering. His happiness made it all worth it.

Splash!

The fishing rod jerked forward suddenly, dragged halfway into the river. Jeffrey jumped to catch it, nearly slipping on the wet rocks. Joanne burst into laughter, the sound bubbling from her chest like sunshine.

He pulled up a wriggling, flapping fish—big enough for dinner for two—and held it up triumphantly.

"Look at that!" he beamed, water dripping from his sleeves.

Joanne just laughed harder. "You’re lucky I agreed before that or I might’ve changed my mind."

They sat for a while after that, curled up beside each other, the sound of the river soothing, the silence now light and comforting. The sun dipped lower, brushing the sky with hues of gold.

Eventually, they packed up and made their way back home.

But as they neared the gates, a truck came into view—one parked just outside, half-hidden by the trees.

Joanne tensed.

Jeffrey’s expression hardened instantly. As they pulled into the driveway, Tom Sullivan stepped out from behind a bush, eyes darting straight to their car.

Jeffrey didn’t hesitate. His hands fisted at his sides.

Not this fool again.