If I can’t have you, then no one, not even him will.

Alex’s pov

I clenched my fists as Greg's words rang in my ears.

"She's not the one at fault, Alex. Do you need me to remind you? You basically chased her out of your life with all the cruelty from you and your family."

I swallowed hard, my jaw tightening. I hated being reminded of that.

"I'm well aware, and I'm sorry. You don’t have to throw it in my face," I muttered.

"Then you should know this is a bad strategy."

I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. "I'm still going to do what I want."

Greg scoffed. "So you don’t actually want her back? I thought you did."

I hesitated. The truth was, I didn’t know what I wanted anymore.

"But I know one thing," I said, leaning forward. "She won’t have a choice. She’ll have to deal with me again, whether she likes it or not. And then… I’ll decide if I even want her back."

Greg’s eyes darkened. "You always do this, Alex. You make reckless decisions, thinking you’re in control. And in the end, you ruin everything—even when you mean well."

I smirked, but we both knew it was a mask. "I always get what I want, Greg. You know that."

"Do you?" He arched his brow. "Because from where I’m standing, you look lost."

A muscle in my jaw twitched, but before I could respond, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen, lips pressing into a thin line.

"I can come over if you need help," Greg offered, his tone softening. "Maybe she’ll talk to me."

I shook my head. "No, I’ve got this."

Greg sighed. "Just don’t do anything stupid, please."

"Where are you?" I asked, changing the subject.

"In the car, at the parking lot," he said. "I think I’ll go to the club. Get drunk. Find some bitches to help me forget this mess."

My grip on the phone tightened. "If you actually want Genevieve back, whoring around should be off your agenda."

Greg let out a short laugh. "You’re one to talk." I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn’t see me.

"I mean it, Alex."

I exhaled. "You know the only thing that calms me when I'm tense. Besides, why should I care what she thinks when she clearly doesn’t give a damn about me?"

Greg sighed. "I’ll always have your back, but think before you act. If you push her too hard, you might lose her forever."

I didn’t answer. I just stared at the wall, lost in thought. Deep down, a voice whispered that maybe I had already lost her. But I wasn’t ready to admit it.

*************************

Genevieve’s pov

Once the ‘stranger’ left, the bodyguards followed, leaving an awkward silence between Jamie and me. I kept my eyes down, staring at my hands, while Jamie sat there, brooding. I could feel his frustration. The whole night had been going so well, and then, just like that it was ruined. He had put so much effort into this evening, and now he was probably thinking of a way to salvage it.

"You wanna get out of here?" he asked. I nodded without looking up. Jamie called the waiter over, paid for everything, including the food we never got to eat, then turned to me. "Let's go."

Still avoiding his gaze, I stood, picked up my purse, and walked out of the restaurant. I knew he was right behind me; I could feel his presence like a shadow. Outside, the valet brought my car to the front, but before I could get in, Jamie said, "Get in. I'll drive." I didn’t argue. I just obeyed.

We rode in silence. I expected him to ask for my address, but he never did. After a while, I stopped wondering where he was taking me and just let myself enjoy the quiet. The city lights blurred past as I stared out the window, lost in thought.

When the car finally stopped, I looked up. We were in a lively part of town, right next to a night market and a small park. The place was buzzing with people, laughter, and the smell of street food.

"Let’s see how this goes," Jamie said, unbuckling his seatbelt. He stepped out, walked over to my side, and opened the door for me.

"Don’t you think I’m overdressed for this?" I asked as I stepped out.

"It doesn’t matter. I promise." He smiled. I hesitated, then nodded.

He held out his hand, and after a moment, I took it. Our fingers intertwined naturally as we walked into the night market. I relaxed when I noticed other couples in formal wear, just like us.

"Told you," Jamie whispered, making me chuckle.

We strolled through the market, stopping at different stalls, tasting food, and soaking in the energy of the place. Jamie insisted I try his favorite street food. I had never been a fan of street food, but I was hungry, and he was so enthusiastic about it that I gave in. We sat on a bench in the park, eating in comfortable silence.

"Well?" he asked once I finished.

"Yummy and filling," I admitted. "I never thought street food could taste this good."

He chuckled. "I’m glad you liked it." A pause. Then, hesitantly, I said, "About tonight…"

"You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to," he interrupted gently. "I just want you to know that I don’t think any less of you."

I shook my head. "No, I have to. You put so much effort into tonight, and then that… that narcissist ruined it."

"Yeah, I won’t lie, I’m pissed. But I know it wasn’t your fault."

"He’s insane. I don’t even know him."

Jamie gave me a look. "You brought Jasper to work last week. And now, seeing this guy…"

I stiffened. Right. The resemblance. Anyone who had seen both of them would have noticed.

"I’m sorry for the things he said about you," Jamie continued. "Don’t take them to heart. He was wrong." I swallowed hard.

"You’re an amazing woman, Genevieve. Any man would be an idiot to let you go."

I felt a lump form in my throat, but before I could say anything, Jamie continued, "I saw the look in his eyes. Regret. Sadness. But he’s too proud to admit it. I think he still wants you, and seeing you on a date with me drove him mad."

"Want me?" I scoffed. "No way."

"He does," Jamie insisted. "But his ego won’t let him say it."

I wasn’t convinced, but Jamie wasn’t done. He reached for my hands, wrapping them in his warm grip. The touch made me finally look up and meet his gaze.

"I’m into you, Genevieve," he said, voice steady and certain. "I see the way he looks at you. It’s the same way I do. I get jealous when I see you with other guys at the office, even when I know it’s just work. If he still has feelings for you, of course, he’d lose his mind seeing you with me."

I held my breath.

"He had you and let you go. That was his mistake. Now, if he wants you back, he’s going to have to deal with me." His fingers tightened slightly around mine.

"If I can’t have you," he murmured, "then no one, not even him will."