10. She's faking it

The women hesitated, eyeing each other before one answered, removing Jada's pajamas off her shoulders, "He's in the dining room, waiting on you."

Slowly, she stepped into the tub, and the water held her like a comforting embrace, her body sinking into the warmth. The women surrounded her, their hands cupping water and cascading it over her shoulders, tracing delicate lines along her arms.

Each touch and stroke was filled with care and tenderness as the women worked silently, their movements gently. Jada closed her eyes, surrendering to the sensations that washed over her, allowing herself to be enveloped by the healing ritual.

~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~

The dining room carried tension with just a look from Chase as he stared away from his mug and focused on his assistant.

Standing before his boss, Jacob frowned as he said, "It's been a month. She is healed... Why are you helping her, master?"

As Chase set his tea down, his piercing blue eyes narrowed. He studied Jacob's face for a moment before he sighed heavily.

"What I do and do not do, I owe an explanation to no one." Chase let out.

"But she has hurt you countless times, refusing the contract marriage between you two and choosing another man over you. She made you a fool before the entire world, and you would dare give her the grace you gave no one else?"

"Jacob, I don't remember you being so talkative when you came to me for this job."

Frowning slightly, Jacob lowered his head and said, "It's just... I just don't want you getting hurt, master. You have a good heart. Any woman would be lucky to have you-"

"I am a lucky woman to have him," Jada's sudden voice echoed behind them, making Chase slightly curl his fingers.

Jacob's gaze flickered between Chase and Jada, his expression nothing but surprise and curiosity. In the past, he had witnessed Chase's pain and disappointment when Jada had chosen someone else over him, and he knew the extent of his master's heartache. Yet, she stood before them, offering words of appreciation.

"I don't remember much other than my own name. But if you say I have caused Chase so much pain, I will take your word for it. And let me say this, 'It hurt my heart now to know that I brought you trouble in the past." Jada said, walking further into the room to meet Chase's eyes. "I am sorry."

"After the way I saw you talk to my master, I doubt that you are being authentic. The fact that you are only saying this because you have lost your memories... it is worrisome."

"Jacob, leave us," Chase said, not taking his eyes off Jada.

Jacob hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting between Chase and Jada. A silent battle of loyalty raged within him, torn between his duty as Chase's assistant and his concern for his master's well-being. Finally, with a nod, he turned on his heels and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

The room became uneasy as Chase woke from his feet, standing face-to-face with her. Then he took a step forward and asked, "You are sorry?"

Jada's gaze softened, her eyes searching his face for answers. "I may not remember our past, but I can see the pain in your eyes... Yes, I am sorry... I was naive before... But after these past few days, I can feel the love that lingers in my heart for you. My past self was foolish-"

"Love alone cannot mend a broken trust, Jada. You chose another man over me and shattered my world into a million pieces. How can I ever trust you again?" Chase said, scoffing at her words in disbelief.

Holding her breath, Jada took a step closer, her voice trembling. "I know I cannot erase past mistakes, but I am here now, willing to rebuild what was lost. Give me a chance, Chase. Let us start anew."

With a sigh, Chase reached out, his hand hesitant as it brushed against Jada's cheek. "I want to believe you, Jada. But I don't..."

"Even after one month of me living here... of you being this nice to me, and you don't..." Jada asked, meeting his eyes. "Then how can I proof it to you..."

Suddenly, she had this crazy look filled with determination as she beamed, "I will bear your heirs. I will fill this mansion of mini you and me so my blood can forever be tied to yours."

Her hand slid over Chase's arm, sliding up his sleeve until it rested on his bicep. His chest heaved, his eyes flickering down to her slender hand, his mind going fuzzy.

"Be careful what you say. I don't share. If you are mine, you are mine forever." Chase's voice trailed off, his eyes darkening as he stared at her mouth, his lips parting slightly.

Jada smiled softly, leaning closer and closer until her forehead touched his, brushing her nose with his as her eyelids fluttered shut and her lips ghosted across his. "Chase, I promise."

Suddenly, his hand reached for her waist,  holding her tightly against him, looking deep into her eyes. "You are mine. You belong to no man. From today onward, your eyes should look only upon me."

A smile tugged at the corner of Jada's mouth, her eyes shining brightly. "I accept," she breathed, her eyes drifting downwards until her gaze rested on his chest. 

Silence and tension filled the air between them, and Jada's eyes flickered with vulnerability, her fingers trembling slightly as they grazed the fabric of his shirt. Her gaze finally lifted to meet his once more, filled with earnestness.

"I know I can't undo the past, Chase," she whispered. "But now that I have been granted a second chance to live, I want a second chance to have you... I want to make things right. I want to earn your trust again if you'll let me."

For several long seconds, Chase stared at her in disbelief. He shook his head slowly, his lips tilting up into a grin. "So, the young miss Hudson now wants to spend the rest of her days with me? Is that what you're asking?"

She laughed, her eyes lighting up with joy. "If that' is what you wish, then yes. Yes, I would love that very much, Chase."

Then Jada raised her free hand to cup his cheek and pressed her lips against it,  kissing it gently. She looked at him through her lashes, her lips curving upwards into a soft smile as she felt his arms wrap around her torso, pulling her tightly to his body.

Abruptly, the sound of someone clearing their throat startled Jada, and she pulled back slightly into Chase's arm. "You have a guest. I should head upstairs." 

Letting go of Jada, Chase turned to stare at his lawyer, his expression serious, and he questioned, "How did you get here so fast?"

She stared at both men for a moment and then walked off, leaving the dining room.

"How long have you been standing there?" Chase asked, sitting down.

"Well, long enough than I intended. I didn't know if I should ruin such a beautiful moment with my old face." lawyer Lilcon said as Chase pointed him to a seat. 

The two men sat in silence for a while, and then Chase said hesitantly, "You saw Jada. Does she... Do you... Is she like... hmmm... Does she look like someone who has lost their memory?" 

"Why? You think she's faking it?" Lawyer  Lilcon chuckled, resting his forearms against the table and watching Chase warily.

Silent, Chase picked up the mug in front of him, turning it in his hands, staring thoughtfully at the liquid as he spoke.

 "Have you served the divorce paper to Leon," Chase asked, his voice low after a pause.

Calmly, Lilcon leaned back in his chair, studying Chase's face, tapping his fingertip on the table, and said, "He said he would only sign it after talking to you." 

"He wants to talk?" Chase asked as his grip on the mug tightened, his knuckles turning white.

After a slight hesitation, Lilcon nodded, his gaze steady as he answered, "Yes, he insists on speaking with you today before signing the papers. He said it's important."