Jessie's POVThe ride back home was unbearably quiet, mother sat in the backseat while I sat next to Gavin simmering with anger.Quit my job?I couldn’t believe him. Did I really have to do everything he wanted? The car rounded up at his mansion and my mom gasped. Until now, I never really took in the exquisite beauty of Gavin’s mansion. Perhaps it was his unbearable desire to ruin my life that kept me from seeing anything good about him.I helped mom down the car while he surprisingly offloaded her bags from the trunk. Mom was all smiles as we walked into the mansion, her eyes tinged with awe.“Dinner is ready!” Sandra announced. Meanwhile, I was in the bathroom, practicing my explanations to mom. I had no idea what Gavin had told her in my absence but I had to find a way to tell mom that we were married without telling her about the contract part. The speech I had crafted out was good, yet as I approached the dining table, my confidence weaned down.Seated at the head of the
Gavin’s POVFrom the day I heard Ryan berating her for not wearing a ring, it bothered me badly. She was already going through so much, a ring shouldn’t be part of it.On my business trip, my first stop was the London Jewelry Store. I spent two weeks, practicing the right words to say when giving her the ring but seated here, as I slid the cold metal on to her fingers, words failed me and all I could say was;“Give me your hand.”Jessie’s gaze lingered on mine, and I wished I could hear her thoughts at that moment.She looked at the ring, then back at me. The silence was both terrifying and confusing.“I can’t be the only one wearing a ring…” she spoke finally, and I let out a soft sigh of relief.Jessie, unpredictable as always.“What now?” I groaned, rather tiredly.“If I’m wearing a ring, you should too…” I couldn’t help but smile, “I’ll think about it,” I replied.She gave a slight nod, her gaze fixed on the piece of jewelry.“Do you like it?” I blurted out before I could hol
Jessie's POVSaturday, 7amFrom the balcony, I watched him dive into the swimming pool.I was determined to make sure we wouldn’t “redo” five years ago. “What would you like for breakfast, Mrs. Pierre?” Sandra’s voice broke my thoughts.“Don’t worry about me,” I replied quickly, “I won’t stay for breakfast.“With that, I was out of the house, headed for the gate.It was just a week but I had already started learning a few things about shares and investments. My family’s business maintained a small cycle of share ownership— mostly friends and family. For my father to have lost his position, together with the biggest percentage of shares ownership in his company, somebody must have bought him out— Somebody in our family’s small circle and that is what I was determined to find today.“But first of all, I have to find Dad.”All day, I combed through the city, going from one old friend to the other, but no one seemed to know my father’s whereabouts. It was like he completely disappeared
Jessie’s POVSunday, 7amI blinked my eyes open, my head throbbing with the kind of pain I couldn’t explain.I shook my head, trying to clear it, but it only became worse.I struggled to sit up with visible efforts. As I looked around my surroundings, I realized how different it was from Gavin’s home.The question of where I am was immediately answered when Greg Benedict entered the room with a tray of food.My eyes widened in shock… not because of the person standing before me but because he was wearing nothing but shorts.Fear gripped me. What if I had done something stupid like that night with Gavin? What if I’d slept with someone else?! I panicked.My heart pounded in my chest. I shouldn’t be here. Greg was a long time college friend, one whose path and I crossed a few times. Although I couldn’t completely recall how I ended up in his house, one thought superseded all— I needed to be home.I jolted up from the bed, throwing on my jacket.“Greg, thanks. Thank you so much for br
Jessie's POVIt’s been a few days since I discovered my father had another family and every time mom and I spoke, there was a lump in throat, tightening my chest. I couldn’t tell her, I would not tell her, but I needed someone to share with. I picked up my phone, scrolling through my contacts, my finger stopped on names after names, until I finally stopped at Gavin.Did he travel again? Is he just avoiding me? Even after I apologized? I hadn't seen him in days. What's going on?“Jess!” Mr. Dani called out, interrupting my train of thoughts. “Are you ready to have your first big meeting?”“If things go well today, you might be getting a promotion.”“A promotion?” I exclaimed, “I just joined the company, and I’m getting promoted? I’m pumped!"As we headed towards the conference hall, passing a number of colleagues, I silently observed eyes on me. I mean, I always noticed eyes on me, but today it seemed like it was more than just eyes— they were soft whispers as I walked past too.“W
Jessie’s POVAgainst my better judgement, I pushed my way through the packed restaurant towards Ryan seated by the window.He looked like his usual self— handsome not in the manly way like Gavin, but rather just cute, with fanny ears, wide eyes and porcelain clear face.As I sank into the seat opposite him, I could see all the ways Gavin was more handsome, and I instantly wondered why I loved him so deeply in the past.“I didn’t think you’d actually come out,” he scoffed.This jerk. I cussed under my breath. “It’s about my husband, why not?”Ryan shifted in his chair, taken aback by my quick response but quickly composed himself.“Your husband? Don’t brag so much about that. Have you ever stopped to think why someone as wealthy as Gavin would want anything to do with you? Pathetic you?”I held my forehead, rubbing my temples gently. It was a mistake coming here, and I realized it when I sat down.Without further words, I snatched my purse from the table and jolted to my feet.“I knew
Jess’s PoVMy eyes widened in surprise. “No!” I exclaimed in dismay, “I had a bad day, is that the only way you can console me?”“I told you, I’m a very active man.” He said nonchalantly, “How is this about you?” I interjected, “Alright,” he sighed, “Let’s talk about you; “Why did you sleep out again after I told you not to? “Why do you sleep out of your husband’s house so easily? “Why do you barely wear your ring?“Why is it so difficult for you to introduce me to your so-called friends? “Why did you meet up with Ryan after I said not to?“Should I go on?”My lips parted in awe as I watched him tower over me, hands buried in pockets as he spoke.“I’m awaiting your responses, Mrs. Pierre!”“I didn’t mean to sleep out,” I admitted, “I discovered something devastating, so I decided to have a drink, and ended up having too many.”“Did you sleep with him?”“What?!” I exclaimed, “Why would you ask such…?”“It’s a valid question.” He cut me off coldly.“You got drunk and fucked me fi
Jessie’s POVI swiped a hand over my face, the heat of the moment burning my cheeks. The smirk on Gavin’s face widened as he waltzed past me, making me blush even more.“Go have your bath and come out for dinner.” He said.That darn jerk. I muttered silently.In the bathroom, my mind kept spinning on the same moment— the kiss at the door. Why did he stop so abruptly? Is it me? Am I undesirable? “Jess!” I cautioned myself, “This is Gavin Pierre, pull yourself together!”Besides, it was a contract marriage, one that didn’t need consummation, but damn my body for betraying me like that- we wanted two different things. As I walked through the hallway back to him, I was mesmerized by the scenery before me. The dining table was set ever so beautifully, with two plates of salad and steak served in fine wares. A candle light lit in the middle of the table, with soft music playing in the background.The smile came involuntarily.“I know you’re impressed but I’m starving.” He said indiffe