Chapter 2 Reality of Life

Jalen’s POV

Headquarters #2 in Chicago felt unusually tense today.

I sat at the large oval conference table across from my father, Tucker, with my younger brothers Parker and Patrick flanking me. We were deep in discussion about the declining cruise sales post pandemic, and it wasn’t looking good.

"Well, it’s time for a rebranding," my dad said firmly, tapping a report with one thick finger. "And we need to start soon."

Parker, ever the kiss ass lately, leaned forward, practically bouncing in his chair. "Sybil, she’s amazing with marketing. She says we need to step into the future. Bold colors, influencer campaigns, immersive travel experiences. That’s what people want now."

I sighed, trying not to roll my eyes. I couldn’t stand Parker and Sybil’s lovey dovey dynamic. They acted like they were staring in a damn rom-com every time they breathed the same air. Everything was “Babe, look what I made for you” and “No, you’re the genius.” Spare me.

Meanwhile, I had been married to Talia for six years now, my so-called college sweetheart. The media adored her. They called her a social media juggernaut, a powerhouse who made Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian look like toddlers in the game.

My wife was beautiful, flawless on paper. She had a polished Ivy League degree, a trust fund, a life made for magazine covers. But underneath it all?

She was a narcissistic, ungrateful bitch. Botox, fat transfers, fat-burner shots, lipo suction, spa treatments, everything about her was manufactured, carefully curated. She drank like a fish, thrived on chaos, and only cared about one thing: power.

My father thought it was a good move, combining two powerful families. He pushed for our marriage, and I went along with it like the dutiful son. Now look at me. Miserable.

“Dad,” Parker piped up again, “Sybil said that the Bright Initiative Group is key. They’re doing major work across multiple industries.”

My dad nodded. “Schedule a meeting with them. Let me know when and where.”

I jotted that down but tuned out again, my thoughts drifting.

Aria.

I hadn’t thought about her in a while… at least not consciously. But with the college reunion coming up, it was like she’d climbed out of the deepest part of my memory and stood center stage.

She kind of disappeared after our… situation. But she was still part of our graduating class. I wondered if she’d show up. Her name was on the graduate list. I never asked around. Never really looked for her. Maybe because part of me didn’t want to face what happened between us.

But now… I couldn’t help wondering. Would she be there?

I could still remember her face. The softness of her body. The way she clung to me like I was the only person who’d ever seen her. The way she said my name. Her kiss. Her taste.

Fuck.

"Jay, are you listening to me?" my dad snapped, yanking me back to reality.

"Yes, Dad," I said quickly, sitting up straighter. "I got it."

“Good. You’ll be spearheading this thing, so get your head in the game.”

"Yes, sir."

The meeting was adjourned, and Patrick was the first to hop up, already scrolling through his phone like he had a hot date. Parker followed behind, probably texting Sybil about how amazing her suggestions were.

My assistant, Teresa, stepped beside me with her tablet. "Did you get all that?" I asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Look into the Bright Innovations Group. I want everything they’ve touched and who they’ve worked with. Have it ready for me the Monday after the reunion."

"Understood."

I headed to my office and shut the door behind me. For a moment, I just stood there. Then I moved to my computer, opened an old, rarely used folder, and clicked on the only photo I had of her.

Aria.

She was asleep in it, peaceful, hair splayed across the pillow, the sheets tangled around her curves. She never knew I took it. I couldn’t wake her up. I couldn’t look away.

I reached out and touched the screen.

I could still feel her. Her warmth. Her voice in my ear. The way we explored each other like we had all the time in the world.

My dick twitched at the memory.

Right on cue, my phone rang.

Talia. The Queen Bitch of the Midwest.

I groaned and answered. "Hey, love."

“Don’t ‘hey love’ me,” she snapped. “What day and time are we leaving?”

"Whenever. Why?"

“Because I have to prep for the minions. I need to make sure I show them I’m still better than all of them.”

I rolled my eyes. "The plane is set for Thursday. Be ready by 2 p.m."

She hung up. No goodbye. No thanks. Nothing.

I tossed the phone on my desk and leaned back in my chair.

Fuck my life.

Aria’s POV

Nia

“I can’t explain it to you right now, Nia,” I say, trying to calm the tornado of thoughts in my head. “It’s a long-ass story.”

She huffs. “Fine. But bitch, you are gonna tell me what happened.”

“I will,” I promise. “Just… not now.”

We walk back to the kitchen, where the sound of little giggles fills the room. Matt is seated at the table with the kids, eating beef and fries while helping Maya with her juice box. The sight of my Goddaughter laughing makes me smile, but my chest tightens with the weight of memories clawing their way to the surface.

As I slide into the chair beside Maya, a wave of emotion hits me, and I’m suddenly back there years ago at the start of my last year at Creighton Elite Business University

Flashback — Aria, Age 21

Size 22. One more than my age. Embarrassing.

Back then, I was a pudgy scholarship student, naive as hell, still believing people meant what they said. Still trusting when someone said they were “a friend.”

Unfortunately, I was stuck again with Talia Schultz as a roommate. But at least the housing was decent: a four bedroom condo with a full-time maid and cook. I didn’t see her much. We had separate rooms and different class schedules, and I had my own bathroom. Still, when I did see her? Pure hell.

The minute I walked in, Lucia, our maid, met me with a hug.

“Hola, Lucy. ¿Cómo estás?” I asked, smiling.

“Bien, bebé,” she said, squeezing me tight. I loved her so much. She always looked out for me. Then she leaned in and whispered in Spanish, “Watch out… the big bitch is already here.”

I laughed and rolled my eyes. “Thanks for the heads up. I’m going to my room.”

I didn’t make it far.

“There she is!” I heard behind me. “Hey Plushy Plush, you made it! Still haven’t lost any weight, I see. And your hair... girl, it’s tragic. You need a beautician to fix that situation.”

I froze. Same old Talia.

Being Afro Latina, African American, and Euro Parisian, my hair was thick and coily, and I loved my coils. But Talia? She never missed a chance to drag me.

I took a breath. “Hey, Talia. How was your summer?”

“Amazing. I traveled the world, met a lot of new people, started dating someone new, things you’d never be able to do.” She smirked. “Can you even fit in an airplane seat?”

I clenched my jaw but said nothing. “Well… see you later,” I replied calmly and walked to my room, hearing her mutter under her breath, “If it wasn’t for my dad, I never would’ve let that fat cow stay here.”

My room was beautiful. It's bigger than the one I shared with my sister back home. I dropped my suitcase and headed back downstairs to grab the rest of my boxes when I heard him.

Jalen.

His voice floated toward me as he talked to Talia about some party happening that night.

I paused at the front door and saw him, really saw him for the first time.

God. He was gorgeous.

Dark brown curly hair, light gray eyes, tall, built like a man who lived in the gym. His jawline could cut glass. The kind of man you stared at a little too long.

As I lugged my boxes upstairs, I whispered to myself, "A guy like that would never look twice at a girl like me."

I’d already had my heart broken freshman year. Lost my virginity to a gym bro who ghosted me immediately after. Chased me for two weeks only to last five minutes and kick me out like trash.

Then came the second guy. My business theory partner. Nerdy, awkward, more my speed, I guess. But the hookups were blah. No sparks. Just… a release. We ended things after a pregnancy scare last spring. I didn’t want a relationship with him, and I definitely didn’t want a baby.

Now, as senior year approached, I was praying for better. Hoping to survive this final stretch.

End of Flashback

Back in the kitchen, Maya passes me a fry with a toothy grin. I smile, but my mind is still back there, on that staircase, in that condo, standing and staring at Jalen for the first time.

And he didn’t even notice me.

Not back then.

Not yet.