The Invitation

Chad relaxed comfortably on his plush black leather couch, a champagne glass clutched tight to his left hand. He cocked his head to the right and took a sip of the reddish liquid while he wallowed in his thoughts.

Chad's mind remained on the fierce stunt Jasmine had pulled back at the gala. He was amused by her skills. He recalled the way Jasmine had effortlessly put Ava in her place. Her sharp wit and confident demeanor left Ava stunned and speechless.

A small approving smile crept on Chad's lips as the memory of Ava's surprised face flashed before his eyes. Jasmine was a wild card and a valuable asset. He didn't regret picking her out for this Job. 

Just as Chad was starting to feel a spark of interest in Jasmine, Peter knocked softly on the door before entering.

"Sir, I have some news," Peter spoke, his voice remained calm and even.

Chad gazed out the floor-ceiling windows of his luxurious penthouse apartment. The city lights flashed below. He released a heavy sigh and raised a brow. "What is it, Peter?" His eyes remained fixated on the view outside.

"You have received an invitation from Ava Reed's family. An invitation to attend their annual Christmas retreat in the Swiss Alp." Peter announced. His eyes were on the phone clutched tight to his hand. 

Chad snapped his head in Peter's direction. His gaze turned inward as Peter announced the invitation from Ava's family. Chad paused to take a slight sip from his scotch, his mind began to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of gracing Ava's invitation.

At first, Chad was inclined to decline; he had no interest in getting involved with Ava's family or pretending to be something he was not. But as Chad carefully analyzed the whole scene, his thoughts drifted to Jasmine. The way she had effortlessly put Ava in her place, the longing, anger, and disdain on Ava's face, made Chad feel satisfied, and he craved more of that.

The invitation to the annual Christmas retreat seemed like an open card.

A plan began to form in Chad's head. He could use this invitation to his own advantage, a way to convince Ava, once and for all that he was committed to Jasmine.

"Accept the proposal," Chad said finally, his voice was confident and full of so much authority. Peter, on the other hand, was taken aback by his sudden conclusion. He knew how much Chad wanted absolutely nothing to do with Ava so why was he falling for her bait?

"Sir?" Peter questioned in an uneasy tone.

"Accept the invitation immediately Peter. Right after that, place a call through to Jasmine. Tell her to join me for dinner at the house. Send Robin to pick her up at her place." Chad said.

Peter narrowed his eyes slightly but he said nothing. He nodded his head lightly and said, "Very well, Sir, I will take care of the arrangements."

Time passed by fast and it was evening already. Peter did exactly as Chad had ordered him to do.

The dining hall was grand, a high-ceilinged room. The walls were adorned with numerous expensive paintings and a crystal chandelier reflecting light across the sparkling marble floor. 

The table was set with different delicacies and the salivating aroma filled the air. Chad stood by the window with a glass of water in his hand. His gaze was fixated on the City's skyline. He was so lost in his thoughts when he heard the clicking sound of heels on the marble floor.

The sound jolted him out of his thoughts and caused him to twirl his head towards the entrance of the dining hall where the noise came from. He watched Jasmine walk towards him. She wore a blue stunning evening gown that complimented her skin tone. The fitted gown showcased her curves and the hems fell across her feet.

Chad's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in Jasmine's physical features. He was mesmerized by how stunning she looked in the dress. "Jasmine." He called her name out in a low tone.

"Did I go too extra for just dinner between the both of us?" Jasmine questioned with a light chuckle. She breathed heavily and continued, "I was not sure if anyone else would be at dinner, so I just needed to be at my full potential. I remember you clearly warning me not to mess things up." She said.

Chad cleared his throat; he gestured for her to sit as he said in a firm tone. "We need to talk." 

"Right after dinner right?" Jasmine's eyes darted towards the direction of the table. She smiled cheekily and gaped in awe at how many delicacies were set on the large center table in front of her.

"No. We need to speak before dinner." Chad said in a cold tone. Jasmine rolled her eyes at him. She sat carefully on the seat opposite him and her eyes met his cold gaze. 

"If you insist, what is so important that can not wait till after dinner?" She questioned.

"I have received an invitation from Ava's family to attend their Christmas retreat in the Swiss Alps," Chad announced. Jasmine nodded her head at him with a raised brow arched towards his direction. "So? How has that got anything to do with me?" 

"Keep your head in the game. You are my fiancée which means you would be accompanying me to this retreat." Chad said a small frown appeared on his lips as he watched Jasmine pay more attention to the food in front of her.

"That is too sudden," Jasmine muttered. She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly and she thought about her mother. She needed to be there to take care of her mother. 

"Too sudden? You do not have to worry about any preparation. Peter will handle all of that. All I need is your full focus and presence at the retreat." Chad paused to loosen the first button of his shirt. He leaned closer to the table and spoke in a calm yet deadly tone. "Remember the deal?"

"Exactly my point. My mother needs to be looked after." Jasmine pointed out. 

Chad rolled his eyes at her in response. He leaned back against the chair and paused to take another sip of water. "That would be taken care of." He said.

Jasmine felt slightly uneasy about the retreat. She knew Ava and Chad's relationship was more complicated than it looked. However, the deal had been made, and she was not willing to take any chances in losing the deal, especially not when her mother had started receiving the best treatment she deserved. 

"In that case. I will be happy to go with you Chad."