Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 377

Catherine looked at me with a hint of worry in her eyes.

"Distance makes the heart grow fonder, you know? If you play it cool, Logan will only come on stronger. If he truly loves you, he won't give up just because you're aloof. In fact, he'll start to wonder what he did wrong to make you pull away," I explained, trying to guide her thought process.

She listened intently.

"So, it's like flipping the script, right? It used to be you chasing after him, and now he'll be the one chasing you. Do you want to be the chaser or the chasee? Since you're too proud to make the first move, why not make him work for it?" I said, nudging her in the right direction.

"Oh my stars! Allie, you're absolutely right! I'll take your advice. If my cold shoulder scares him off, then he wasn't meant for me! Don't they say what's meant to be will be, and what's not, no amount of pleading will bring it?" She had an epiphany.

I wasn't trying to encourage a breakup; I just wanted to clarify the situation.

"Bingo! That's the spirit!" I cheered her on.

"And that's why two heads are better than one, right? With our smarts combined, there's no way we can't outplay him," Catherine was all fired up.

"Hold your horses, it's not about outplaying anyone," I interjected, wanting to keep her grounded. "It's about strategy, got it?"

I looked at her, breaking it down, "There's a fine line in everything. Cross it, and you'll spark the opposite reaction. Like now, if you keep hovering over him, planning his schedule, watching his every move, he's gonna feel trapped. Especially someone like him who's used to marching to the beat of his own drum-he'll push back. You've got to give him some space."

Catherine nodded along. "You're so right!"

"If he suddenly realizes you've stepped back, what do you think he'll do if he's got feelings for you?" I asked her to consider Logan's perspective.

"Good heavens! Why didn't I see that?" Catherine turned to me, earnestly saying, "Why can't you sort out your own stuff like this? You're so clear-headed! How did you get screwed over by Jaylan?"

At Catherine's words, it was my turn to lament, "Ah... can't you show a little empathy? Here I am, giving you top-notch advice, and you're poking at my sore spot. Where's your conscience?"

"You can't use a knife to cut itself, haven't you heard that one?" I scoffed, "The reason I'm so clear-headed now is all thanks to Jaylan's 'training.' I'm using my own experiences to guide you, to ensure your marriage doesn't have to go through trial and error like I did."

"You're a true friend! We're like sisters!" Catherine praised enthusiastically.

"Easy there! Weren't you the one who just said, 'Don't call me your bestie'? One minute you say one thing, the next you forget? My memory isn't that short," I retorted, never missing a chance to throw her words back at her.

Catherine blushed and chuckled, then gazed at me thoughtfully. "Allie, sometimes I'm just in awe of you. You're so cunning! Even though Jaylan got one over on you, I'm sure you'll have the last laugh." I laughed at myself, "Please! I just want him to regret what he's done to me and my family for the rest of his life."

"That's the spirit! He doesn't deserve to get off easy!" Catherine said fiercely.

"That's why you have to be careful not to make my mistakes. Of course, Logan is no Jaylan; he's not the type to do something so heartless. I just hope your marriage, though delayed, will be smooth sailing!"

I spoke from the heart. Catherine and I were more than friends; we were like family. We practically lived together, and it seemed likely that we'd end up managing Oldtown Avenue together. "Fingers crossed," she sighed.

"Why so down? I told you to be cool-headed, not to put out the fire. You still need passion; they aren't mutually exclusive," I encouraged her.

Catherine took a deep breath, saying, "You're right. I'll use my charm to win him over. I will come out on top!"