CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

EPISODE SIXTEEN.

JENNA'S POV.

I huffed in frustration as Ryker continues to ignore me, he's such a tease and it's so frustrating.

After he's done clearing up the kitchen, he goes upstairs to prepare for work while I just lurk around Arlene and keep her company till Ryker is back.

He's in a burgundy suit and his hair slightly ruffled which gives him the most dashing look ever, I checked him out secretly while his focus is on Arlene's book.

Jeez, why am I checking him out? I'm such a weirdo.

"Is there anything you want me to add in your lunchbox?"

Arlene shook her head cutely and dipped her hand into Ryker's.

"We are leaving now." He mumbled without sparing me a look.

"I want to go!" I chipped in with a desperate expression, making them turn at the same time.

Arlene suddenly went behind Ryker's back and clutched his trouser tightly.

"No, you're not going with us." Ryker deadpanned strictly, his tone and expression icy.

"What do you mean by that? Is it a crime that I just want to tag along?" I shrugged nonchalantly, hoping that this is one of their pranks and not one of the many things that Ryker is hiding from me but his expression remained the same, just that, it got colder.

"Dad."Arlene purred softly behind him, Ryker glared at me again and shook his head, he pressed his lips in an apology like as if he's not trying to make me mad but he only got me furious.

I'm so fucking done with him trying to hide something from me and paint me as the bad person in the presence of this girl.

"Arlene, why don't you want Mommy to go with you?" I coaxed, trying to walk closer to her but she only shrieked and ran outside.

I shrank back in fear and turned to Ryker surprisingly, is it that worse?

"Ryker,I..."

"Goddamnit, Jenna. You always manage to ruin things for me." He cursed under his breath, grabbing his suitcase and Arlene's food box hurriedly, he rushed outside, leaving me all alone there like the fool I am.

I should have not pushed it further when she didn't want me to go with her. What did I just do to myself?

Fuck. Why do I keep letting the hate I have for Ryker cloud my judgement?

What if something happened to her when Lana was alive?

What if Lana was the bad parent?

Sighing, I slumped back on the chair I was sitting on and stared at my untouched food, my appetite is already gone, Arlene's day might be ruined because of me.

Shortly, my phone rang in the kitchen, I hurriedly went to pick it up, surprisingly, it's Michelle calling, I didn't expect her to call after shunning her off last night.

"Hey." I croak out in a lower tone than I predicted but thankfully, she didn't catch the reluctance in my voice, Michelle replied ecstatically.

"Hi, Jenna. Good morning." She greeted, sounding so amped up and excited. I wondered what made her sound happy early this morning.

"Yeah, Good morning, thank you for yesterday."

She chuckled."Oh, you're welcome. Mind if we meet up today?" She asked.

"Of course, yes." I answered in a giddy tone, meeting up definitely means something, maybe a new development or Elijah is ready to give me my company back.

"Okay then, I will be in Ryker's company by 10 am, please, come up by then."

The line went off the moment she mentioned her supposed purpose of calling me, leaving me in regrets.

How did I agree to meet her without giving her an option for a venue first? Why does it have to be Ryker's company?

What the hell am I supposed to do there? Act like his wife? Or act like we don't know each other?

I can't even hide it because I'm the lady who kissed him in the church. I squeezed my eyes in regret again, wondering why I made that move in the first place. It's such a stupid one.

Slowly, I dressed up, completely not feeling enthusiastic for the meeting, The uber I texted waited for a good fifteen minutes before showing up which got him so pissed off until I promised to tip him.

My purse is dwindling every day and I'm acting like my life isn't shutting down gradually.

Getting to the company, I didn't expect such a gigantic building, the last time I had the nerves to pass this place was five years ago, although, the structure was intimidating as well, it didn't feel like this.

Michelle was already waiting for me outside, working on her Porsche car, I wonder how much she earns as a lawyer, well, from her louboutin heels and tailored suit, she's definitely in money.

I suddenly regretted choosing a dress as casual as this flowery and free gown which stopped above my knees, highlighting my long legs and simple footwear.

"Hey."I waved my fingers at her, pretty embarrassed but thankfully, she caught on and led me to the supposed back gate.

"I know you're avoiding stares and already regretting why you chose that dress on you, so, we're taking the direct route to his floor." Michelle explained, giving me reason for her actions, my throat bobbed in overwhelming emotions.

Was it obvious that she noticed how uncomfortable I was? Why's everyone around Ryker trying to be sweet to me or this is how they are?

"Shit, was it that obvious?" I chuckled ruefully, stepping into the elevator with her.

"No, it wasn't. I just seem to notice every detail about people, sorry if that made you uncomfortable."

"I'm not, it didn't make me feel comfortable, thank you, Michelle."

"Anytime."

My nervousness heightened the moment I feel we're about to get to Ryker's floor, after what happened this morning, I'm very unprepared to meet him and it makes me want to shit in my pants.

Michelle, the poor lady who had no idea about how nervous I am dragged me by my hand to his office, amidst the stares of his workers, I treaded carefully on the floor which looks like an expensive mirror and bow my head till we got to his office.

Luckily, his secretary led us in because of Michelle, she pushed the door open, revealing Ryker but he isn't alone.

He's there with a woman, standing close to him and her lips inching closer to his, my breathing quickens immediately and panic filled my chest, making it harder for me to breathe.

Fuck, is this what they called jealousy?

"What do you think you're doing?!"