Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)
Substitute 88

Chapter 18

"Excuse me, sir, this bouquet is for this lady from a guest over there." They turned to see Berton, who had followed them from the company.

Seeing the bouquet of Siberian roses, Jean unhesitatingly shoved it into the nearby trash can. In the process, she accidentally pricked her hand on a thorn, drawing blood. Jean murmured, "Some people and things only bring me harm."

Duke quickly grabbed a napkin and instructed the waiter to bring iodine to treat Jean's wound.

Seeing Duke's anxious demeanor, Nydia nodded in satisfaction. "With you, Duke, I'd say you're a qualified boyfriend. But I'll continue to evaluate you!"

Jean chuckled, feeling the weight on her heart lift.

In the corner, Berton watched as his prepared flowers were tossed into the trash, bitterness swelling within him as he saw the two of them enjoying each other's company.

He couldn't understand why Jean was so cold, completely disregarding their past. She had once risked her life for him.

As they finished their meal and descended the stairs, Nydia led Jean out through a side door, leaving

Duke behind.

Berton naturally didn't catch up to them.

Duke, seeing Berton's persistence, felt like punching him.

"You don't know, do you? Jean hates roses! She saw her parents die covered in blood at the hospital, and the bright red color reminds her of blood.

You've been with her for so long, and you didn't even know this? How can you still shamelessly pursue her?"

Berton was taken aback. Jean hated roses? He had no idea; he had always given them to her.

"How could that be?"

"Of course, it is. You know who loves roses the most. Stop rubbing salt in Jean's wounds with your Losing to My Substitute

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Make affections. Without you, she can live just fine."

The one who loved roses was undoubtedly his first love, Winni,

"You think your persistence is a form of compensation? You're only making Jean realize that you never cared for her at all!"

Berton, stung by the truth, quickly denied it. "You're talking nonsence..."

He then punched Duke hard, blood instantly seeping from the corner of his mouth as he stumbled back.

Seeing this, Jean rushed over. "Berton, are you crazy? Why are you getting physical?

Duke, pretending to be in pain, called out.

Jean didn't have time to think much and quickly took Duke home, not giving Berton another glance.

Back at the Palm Bay villa, Duke feigned pain.

Jean applied iodine heavily to his wound, causing him to yelp.

"Stop pretending! I know you well. If it came down to it, three of him wouldn't be your match. You're just putting on a show for me." Duke, like a big dog, leaned close to Jean. "If it came down to a real fight, would you help him or help

me?"

Jean thought for a moment, then mischievously replied, "Me? I wouldn't help either. I'd just be there to score and see who wins."

Duke pouted, pretending to ignore her.

Jean turned his face and kissed him. "You, you, you, I'd definitely help you!"

Duke, flattered, continued to push his luck. "I heard from Nydia that you used to be good at cooking medicinal dishes. Why haven't I enjoyed any? Am I not worthy?" Jean perked up at the mention. "Oh, I used to, but after going abroad, there wasn't any chance to

make them.

Can

you

find fresh nightshade or ginseng? No, wait, how could you be so heartless? The Chinese food I made for you ended up in a dog's stomach!" Chapter 18

Now it was Jean's turn to pretend to be angry, making to leave, but Duke pulled her back onto the sofa, holding her tightly and kissing her passionately. Afterward, Duke couldn't help but voice his concern. "What if he keeps pestering you?"

Jean understood his worries.

She had returned to the country only for the project and to see the old man. Now that both matters were settled, she planned to head back to Y Country.