Jake's POVI paced in front of the main entrance, anxiously waiting for Selena, who was yet to show up. She had ignored my messages, and I had no idea she was in the penthouse until I went to tell her to come down as I would be leaving soon.Receiving no response, I went to check her room, only to find it empty, with the neatly laid bed making it difficult to determine if she had spent the evening at home. I sent her a text, but it went unanswered. Where on earth could she be?A car approached, and I moved aside as the door opened. Kelvin stepped out, pausing to glance at me before going to the other side to open the door for someone. Did he bring Rose? My question was answered when Selena stepped out of his car.Why was she with Kelvin? She released the grip on her knee-length blue dress, her ginger hair styled in a French twist, her makeup flawless—everything about her seemed perfect at the moment. However, when she looked up and saw me, her lips twitched silently, yet she still loo
Selena’s POVThe tension in the room was palpable, a glaring example of a broken home. Personally, I believed it would be better to cease the family tradition in private. Trying to uphold it publicly seemed like a facade, and there was no need to deceive themselves.However, the glares I received from Jake and his mother indicated that expressing my true thoughts could lead to my downfall. So, I put on a smile and said, “The family tradition is a good thing. It helps bring the family together, and issues can be resolved before they escalate to the public.” I emphasized my words with the sweetest tone I could muster.“Exactly!” exclaimed Mrs. Marino, clapping her hands. She turned to her daughter, Nancy, with a stern look. "So, what do you say, Nancy?" she asked.Nancy rolled her eyes. "Like I have an option. Fine, the family tradition should remain," she conceded."It is settled then," Mrs. Marino declared, relaxing in her chair. "Let's talk about the event then.""I have the planning
Jake’s POVI had to endure Selena's company throughout the car ride. Listening to her side of the conversation on the phone piqued my curiosity about who she was speaking to. Could it be a friend, a lover, or one of her mysterious family members?I tightened my fist on the steering wheel, irritated by the fact that she made me her driver. I kept my frustration to myself, and it seemed to give her the freedom to talk recklessly in my presence. I increased my space and drove into the parking lot, where Jeff was already waiting for me.I parked the car, got out, and walked to Jeff as he handed me the files and keys. "I got everything," he said."Thanks, man." I quickly went through the files. I heard the car door open and close as Selena got down, walking up to us since we were standing at the elevator entrance."Oh, um... Jeff, right?" Selena asked."Yes," Jeff answered.From the corner of my eye, I noticed Jeff appraising Selena from head to toe, and I must admit, it stirred a bit of j
Selena's POVHow could he forget about that? I can’t believe this guy. Was he pretending not to remember or what? He kind of looked like that. He sighed before nodding his head.I was trying not to spoil my happy mood with his mood spoiler. A car? He actually bought a car for me. I have been making plans of where I would visit with the car. I would for sure take Max out for a ride and Hillary when she is off duty. They would both love that so much. All I want right now is to go to bed and sleep the night off, but it looks like Jake was in no hurry to end the day.Why was he also interested in my call earlier? Was he jealous, or does he think I was cheating? Whatever. I have no intention of being with anyone right now. I took my wedding vows with him, so I will keep it. My aunt taught me some ethics too.“I… we will talk about it later,” he finally spoke after some minutes.“Okay.” I was ready to agree to anything right now to escape to my room. I turned to leave the kitchen, but he sp
Jake’s POVI've been toiling tirelessly to ensure everything goes as planned. I was in my office nursing a headache. Although a pill helped somewhat, I knew I needed to reschedule an appointment with my doctor soon. As I reached for my phone to make the call, a knock echoed on my door."Who is it?" I asked.The door swung open, and someone walked in. With the distinct scent and walking step, I recognized him—Kelvin."How can I help you?" I inquired."Why? Can't I come say hello to you?" Kelvin replied."It's unlike you, so why are you here?""Give me control of the bar and hotel. You can focus on running the company," he said, getting straight to the point."I can manage everything well," I insisted."Now you're being greedy, brother," Kelvin's voice changed. "You want to control everything.""You are the CEO, or will be when I become the chairman. Isn't that enough for you?""Where I have to ask permission from you for everything I do? No, that position is worthless," Kelvin argued.
Selena’s POV I was hungry, and I wanted to be full with what on earth was entering into my nostrils. I almost fell from my chair, but Jake kept me right as I kissed him passionately on the lips. What was I doing? I hiccupped out of a sudden and pulled away from Jake. “Oops!” I covered my mouth, still feeling the spark from our heated kiss. “What are you doing?” I asked Jake. He looked at me as if I had lost my mind. He stood up on his feet. “You just kissed me.” “What? I did what?” Was I imagining the kiss? “I… I mean, I don’t…” What excuse do I want to give for kissing him? Because I wanted it? Because I wanted to feel connected to him, because I missed him? Which excuse will not sound immature to him? “It was a mistake,” I said with a stoic face. Before he could say more, my stomach growled in hunger, and Jake shook his head before going back to his seat to sit down. He pushed a plate in my direction; the aroma filled me a little. I dug into the food immediately, and when I was
Selena’s POVFor days, I wandered through life like a zombie, treading on eggshells, my nerves constantly on edge. Fear gripped me as I hesitated to open the last drawers of my vanity, unsure of what I might find. I remained oblivious to Jake's subtle expressions over the past few days, and though he observed, he remained silent.The inauguration event would start soon, and here I am seated in front of my mirror. My reflection seemed distant, my hands trembling. I declined Jake's suggestion of having someone else do my makeup, insisting that I could handle it myself.Hours passed, and I remained immobilized in my room, unable to lift even an eyeliner to my face. Emotions churned within me. I finally mustered the courage to open the drawer, my left hand trembling as I did. There it was, exactly where Hillary had placed it, and I stared at the pregnancy test kit.Conflicted thoughts raced through my mind. What should I do? How would Jake react? His family… I shook my head, using my leg
Jake’s POVI hoped I wasn't making a huge mistake by asking Selena to keep me updated with people's names—it was a big risk. But it would be odd to have Jeff with me throughout the whole night, considering I was happily married.The only person I could ask to do this was Selena. I hoped she wouldn't ask too many questions and would do as she was told. I had a lot to hide tonight, and I prayed she would make it easy for me, since her face would be the only one I could recognize fast enough."Okay," she agreed with no further questions. We were already there, and my fingers drummed on the wheel. "I am ready," she said after she had put her phone back in her purse, returning the file to the back seat.She looked at me, and any traces of what she might have been feeling were gone from her face. Even her strange attitude from the past few days had vanished. How quickly she changed into her role-playing. Was it so easy for her? Was she having fun with all this? While I found it hard to keep