Chapter 10
“Excuse me?” I stepped forward, my voice sharp with disbelief at the insult.
The woman’s eyes widened momentarily before narrowing to slits. “What? I didn’t ask you to speak.”
“Stop it, Vella,” Jules warned, his tone carrying a dangerous edge I hadn’t heard before.
“Or what, brother–in–law?” She crossed her arms, chin tilted upward in defiance. “What are you gonna do?”
Jules glared at her, his expression hardening to granite. “Something that I have been planning to do for quite some time.”
The color drained from Vella’s face. She gasped dramatically, one manicured hand flying to he chest as tears instantly formed in her eyes. “See? Everyone hates me now!” Her voice rose to a wail. “Just because you found some woman, I’m being treated like this!”
“Shut up and leave,” Jules said firmly, not falling for her theatrics. “Now.”
Vella’s face contorted through a series of emotions–shock, hurt, anger–before settling on cold contempt. She pouted, then sneered, then shot me a glare so venomous I nearly took a step back. Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed out, the click of her stilettos echoing through the marble foyer.
Jules exhaled slowly once she was gone. “I’m sorry about that.” He gestured to the chair beside
him. “Please, sit.”
I hesitated, still processing the bizarre confrontation, before taking the offered seat. Almost immediately, staff appeared with covered silver dishes, placing them before us with practiced efficiency.
“Who was that?” I asked as a maid uncovered a plate of perfectly seared scallops.
Jules sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “Vella Prime, my sister–in–law. She’s married to my elder brother, Morris Prime.” He shook his head slightly. “She hates women more beautiful than her, hence the harsh words directed at you. She’s also the epitome of ego and wants to be the center of attention all the time.” He took a sip of wine, his expression thoughtful. “I wonder why Morris decided to marry her. Well, anyway, I’m sorry again for the bad welcome. I’ll make up for it.” His eyes met mine, warm and intense. “Free tomorrow?”
I nodded, not like I had any work. I’d resigned the day I found Hank cheating and decided to come back home. “Yes,” I said, then curiosity got the better of me. “Where are we going?”
A slow smile spread across his face. “It’s a surprise, but you’ll like it.”
The promise in his voice intrigued me. I found myself looking forward to tomorrow more than I had expected.
Later that night, after a surprisingly comfortable dinner where Jules told me stories about his travels and business ventures, we said goodnight and retired to our separate rooms. I was just settling into the impossibly soft bed when my phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number.
Where are you? What are you doing? I’ve been worried sick. Please unblock me.
I didn’t need to guess who it was. Hank’s desperation seeped through every word. I typed a quick response: I’m with my fiancé and having fun. Then I blocked that number too, tossing my phone aside with a satisfied smile.
The next morning found me in Jules‘ car, the plush leather seats cradling me as we drove through the city. I watched the scenery change, gradually recognizing the route. When the familiar skyscraper came into view, my stomach dropped.
“Why are we here?” I asked, my voice tight. This was where Lola worked–where I used to work before I quit.
Jules simply smiled, enigmatic as ever. “It’s a surprise for a reason. Come with me.”
Inside, we took the executive elevator directly to the top floor. Jules seemed to know exactly where he was going, leading me confidently to the CEO’s office suite. We sat in the waiting area, Jules relaxed while I fidgeted nervously.
“Hey!” An annoying, all–too–familiar voice called from down the hallway.
Lola sauntered toward us, her smirk firmly in place. “How are you, Miss Unemployed?”
I said nothing, watching as she flashed her badge at me. Assistant to the CEO–my old position.
“Thanks to your drama, I’m at an amazing position now,” she gloated, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
I just smiled, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me upset.
Lola’s attention shifted to Jules, her eyes narrowing as she assessed him. “Oh, please don’t say this is your fiancé.” She laughed, the sound grating on my nerves. “I’ll give it to you that he’s a looker, but oh girl, bet he’s just some random businessman your father arranged for you.”
Her laughter grew louder. “You fell hard, Monica. First you lost Hank, then your job, and now… your life to this guy? Meanwhile, I’m doing amazing.” She preened, smoothing her skirt. “Our CEO is rushing here as we speak. We secured an amazing deal with one of the richest investors, and he’ll personally come today to hold a meeting with the CEO. You know what that means? Potential promotion for me.”
Just as her laughter reached its peak, hurried footsteps approached from behind. Lola spun around, her practiced smile already in place.
“Sir, welcome back, I was just-”
The CEO swatted her aside without even a glance, making a beeline straight for Jules. “Mr. Prime! I apologize for being late.”
Lola’s jaw dropped, her eyes darting between Jules and the CEO in confusion.
The CEO turned to her, his face flushed with anger. “What are you doing here casually talking to Mr. Jules and not welcoming him in? Did you even offer him a glass of water?”
Lola stood frozen, mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
“I apologize for my assistant’s behavior,” the CEO said, turning back to Jules with a deferential bow.
I sat there, equally shocked, as the pieces slowly began to fall into place.
2:48 am G D D D
