CHAPTER 6

Jett

The darkness envelops me like a suffocating shroud, closing in from all sides. I trudge through this bleak expanse, devoid of any glimmer of light or sign of escape. Time slips through my fingers in this damned place. Is this my own personal hell, a punishment for my sins? If so, I deserve it. 

Suddenly, a piercing sound cuts through the silence, assaulting my senses. I cover my ears instinctively, snapping awake and gasping for air. Reaching for my phone on the nightstand, I silence the blaring alarm. Good Lord, it's just my wake-up call. Running my fingers through my tangled hair, I try to shake off the lingering terror of the nightmare.

These recurring nightmares have become increasingly frequent, plaguing me more than they did three months prior. It seems I may need to pay another visit to the therapist, an idea I dread. Who wants to enjoy the company of an old bat who believes she has a license to pry inside my brain? Sadly, she’s the best in the field and I have to do this or my mother will be breathing on my neck 24/7.

Sighing, I get off the bed and slide to my bathroom to take a relaxing shower.  A busy day is waiting for me, and I have to get ready to face those stuck up board members who always have a freaking pole stuck where it shouldn’t be. If not my mom, it’s them who make my day a hell on earth. 

Forty minutes later, I leave the house, ready to tackle my day only to be stuck in traffic for twenty one minutes! Feeling irritated, I rush into the company building, barking orders at the valet to take care of my car. 

Glancing at my watch, I scowl realizing I only have five minutes to spare by the time I reach my office. Suddenly, I collide with someone, and my frustration boils over as I snap at the visually impaired person standing in my way.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, surprised. "Aren't you supposed to be in the hospital?"

Lilac stands before me, her complexion drained, a bandage wrapped around her arm. She winces, attempting to shift her weight to her uninjured side. I have no patience for her right now.

"I need to go," I say, trying to avoid her, but she catches my arm.

"Mr. Byrd, please, just hear me out!" she pleads, panic evident in her wide eyes. "I'm sorry about what I said, but can you give me a chance to make things right? I promise—"

An uneasy feeling gnaws at my gut as I watch her desperate pleas. Why does she have to choose this moment? Despite the curious glances from bystanders, they quickly avert their eyes when I catch them observing us.

I sigh, gently prying her hand away from mine. "Ms. Carter, I really don't have time for this. I've already made it clear that someone else will be handling the wedding planning for my upcoming ceremony."

She nervously nibbles on her lip, tears brimming in her eyes. I scoff softly, shaking my head. Does she honestly believe her tears will soften my resolve? Yet, as I lock eyes with her, a faint tug of sympathy stirs within me. Normally, I'm impervious to a woman's tears, but there's something about her gaze that unsettles me.

Is it the innocence I see there? The depth of emotion that seems to resonate with my own? The more I interact with her, the more she manages to stir up emotions within me.

"Please stop from coming here again; you're not welcome," I state firmly, hastening toward the elevator. She attempts to follow, but I quickly instruct security to escort her out.

***

Letting out a deep sigh, I yank off my tie, grateful that the torturous meeting has finally concluded. The board members really put me through the wringer. What do they know about the latest trends and financial situations? They've just been lounging around, waiting for me to fill their pockets with cash. Greed doesn't suit them.

Slumping back in my chair, I stare up at the ceiling, attempting to unwind, but Lilac's face flashes into my mind once again. Why can't I shake thoughts of her? It's baffling. She's not my usual type—naive and excessively kind. There's nothing about her that should captivate me.

"Damn," I curse under my breath. I need to stop lying to myself. Lilac is my complete opposite, and they say opposites attract. I guess I'm the negative to her positive.

That woman has been haunting my thoughts since the moment I first saw her months ago; her soulful chocolate brown eyes seem to draw me in, and her long, flowing curls cascading down her back perfectly complement her graceful, slender frame.

She’s so small compared to me that it ignites my protective instincts. Lilac embodies the essence of beauty in a pint-sized package, akin to a pocket Venus. But why in the world is she named Lilac? It dredges up memories I've struggled to bury, hoping they'd stay forgotten.

Despite having the same name, they have opposite personalities. I shake my head, trying not to recall the past. Terminating the contract with her and her shop is probably for the best. I can’t have her wreaking havoc in my mind and emotions especially if I’m getting married to Amanda. 

I press the intercom, summoning Jackson, my loyal secretary and closest friend.

"Boss?" He peers in cautiously. "What can I do for you?"

"Retrieve the files on Averon Brand, please," I request, turning to my computer. I can’t indulge thinking about Lilac, so working is the answer. 

“Got it!” 

***

Time flies by when you're busy, and now, it's half-past seven in the evening. My stomach growls, reminding me of dinner.

"Boss, did you hear about the scandal in the neighboring company? The accountant and the business manager were caught in the break room, doing the deed! It's juicy gossip!" Jackson's voice fills the space.

"And that new guy in the tech department? He's a cheater," he adds, his tone full of excitement.

Jackson's incessant chatter grates on my nerves. Can't he just be quiet for once? I shoot him a glare, scanning him from head to toe. He grins foolishly, finally zipping his mouth shut.

"Good," I say with a curt nod. As we approach the car, I notice a figure slouched on the pavement. My eyes widen slightly as I recognize the person. Can't she take no for an answer?

I scoff. "Let's get going, don't pay her any mind," I instruct Jackson, who appears genuinely intrigued.

"Isn't she the wedding coordinator?" he asks, eyeing Lilac. She stirs and looks up at us.

"Sir!" she exclaims, attempting to stand but stumbling due to her likely numb feet, compounded by the pain of her injury. Against my will, my body reacts, reaching out to catch her.

Lilac falls into my arms, her baby powder scent wafting to my nose. It's a stark contrast to the constant floral and expensive perfumes I encounter every day, emphasizing her distinctiveness.

Our gazes lock in a heated stare. My heart thuds, realizing this is the closest we've ever been. Her warm breath brushes against my face, and sparks seem to travel from where our skin touches.

“Ahem!” 

My attention jerks to Jackson when he clears his throat. Instantly, I release Lilac, who nearly stumbles again but manages to regain her balance.

"What is it now?" I scowl, glaring at her.

Lilac fidgets, tugging at the hem of her shirt as she pleads, "Please, Mr. Byrd, just give me another chance. This wedding is everything to me. I... I might just fall apart if you let me go."

"Why is that my concern?" Irritation courses through me. The more I contemplate her situation, the more frustration wells up inside me. Her words from the hospital and the fact that she's only cozying up to me for the contract leave a sour taste in my mouth. Furthermore, I can't stand the suffocating sensation in my chest whenever I see her injuries.

"Whoa, that's brutal!" Jackson interjects, stepping in between us. He offers Lilac a sympathetic smile before turning to me with a puzzled expression.

"Don't interrupt," I groan, motioning with my chin for him to step aside. He just grins foolishly.

Ugh, this is the downside of having your best friend on the payroll.

"Why don't you let me handle this?" he suggests to Lilac. "I might be able to smooth things over with him, alright?"

He's too close to Lilac, and it ignites a surge of anger within me. I grab his arm, pulling him away.

"Listen, Ms. Carter, I've already covered your hospital bills and settled the breach of contract. There's no need for us to keep crossing paths. If you show up here again, I'm calling the cops!" I snap, feeling a mix of satisfaction and lingering discontent.

I don’t even know what I want. 

Her face pales as she steps away from me like I’m a minion of hell. My lips curl in disdain as I get into my car. 

"What's your game?" I snap at Jackson, who stands nearby looking conflicted, akin to a sore thumb. Glancing in the rearview mirror, I catch sight of Lilac, rooted to the spot, her eyes welling with tears. I draw in a deep breath, attempting to clear my mind of my crazy emotions, disregarding the heavy weight in my chest.

As I pull away, the tension palpable in the air, I take another deep breath.

"Are you satisfied now? You made the poor woman cry! Also, why am I in your car? You called me in!" Jackson's voice cuts through the silence, his accusation igniting a flush of embarrassment in my cheeks. How do I explain that in my frazzled state, I simply forgot?

"Forget it, just take me home," he demands like I’m his driver, a grin spreading across his face as he reclines in the passenger seat. "But hey, before we head back, let's swing by Pastry Love. I need my sweet cakes to tide me over today.” 

Jackson audaciously whistles, thoroughly enjoying the ride. My face tightens, and I abruptly stop the car, forcibly removing him.

"Hey, you rascal! How could you toss out your best friend? Now I have to walk all the way back to the company! Someday, karma will come knocking on your door!" Jackson hollers, but I only smile, shaking my head as I drive away.

How many times has he thrown that line at me? I've lost count, and yet, karma doesn’t have the courage to challenge me, the one and only Jett Byrd.