The Boyfriend

(Jonathan pov)

Who the hell was he and why was she restless, she quickly pulled my hand away from her waist, her eyes still fixed on him.

"Matthew, what are you doing here" she asked him

"Can I come in, or are you too busy" his voice filled with anger, I could sense it, she glanced nervously at me before letting him in. I could see the history etched on her face, a mixture of vulnerability and fear.

Mathew as she called him, with his disheveled appearance and piercing gaze. Exuded an aura of expressive masculine energy.

His mere presence seemed to awaken something motionless within her, disturbing the calmness I had grown used to.

As he entered the room, his eyes locked onto hers, both filled with longing. It was clear that they had something going on together.

I stood there, a silent observer caught in the crossfire of their unspoken feelings. Questions filled my mind, but I chose to remain on the outskirts, an outsider between two love birds.

"Who is your friend," he asked Claire, she shrugged before she spoke, "he's my new tenant" she quickly told him, was she ashamed of me or what?

"And ex-husband" I added without realizing just what I did.

(Claire POV)

What is he trying to do, ruin me? why would he say that, what is wrong with him?

I eyed Jonathan, facing Matthew who stood bewildered

"What's going on Claire, is he your ex-husband?," he asked curiously

"Unfortunately, yes but he is just leasing the down room, for the time being, he's not staying permanently" I assured him as Jonathan glared at me

He should be grateful I was in a good mood, cause he would have been sleeping outside today.

"Why is he leasing a house, he could stay in a hotel or a relative, doesn't he have one"

I know Matthew was just showing concern and I felt bad putting him in that situation, Jonathan's eyes which carried contempt, slowly he walked away heading toward his room.

I was a little bit relieved, I hoped he would come back with a shirt, at least he could make the whole situation more bearable, now back to Matthew who is still trying to grasp the content of why my ex-husband was sharing an apartment with me.

"And you trust him back into your house, who knows if he has another motive for being here," Matthew said

"I don't think so, I know Jonathan if there was something else, I would know" I replied back

"How? How would you know, 'cause it's obvious you don't want to see beyond this facade" I could feel the disappointment in Matthew's voice. "I can't believe you forgave him that easily after the pain he put you through"

"I didn't forgive him, Mathew, he needed help and I couldn't turn away, Babe, I know you are not in support of having Jonathan here" I tried to calm Mathew's mindset about Jonathan but he seemed adamant

"I just don't understand, how you can trust him again so quickly" Matthew sighed. "He hurt you so much and now he is back in your life, potentially to cause more pain"

"I hear what you are saying, Matthew, but I believe that people can change," I said softly " Jonathan has his bad side, but I believe he deserves a chance to prove himself and make things right,"

"But what if he is just using you? What if he is pretending to need help so that he can take advantage of your kindness?" Matthew's voice was laced with worry

"I can't live my life constantly suspecting others," I said, my voice steady. "If Jonathan has ulterior motives, I trust that I will eventually see through them. But for now, I want to offer him support and help me out in a way I can, he is still the father of my kids" I reminded Mathew my voice low.

Mathew let out a frustrated sigh. " I just wish you would prioritize your self-being. You have been through so much already."

"I understand your concern and I appreciate it, Babe," I said reaching out to hold his hand. "But I need to do this so that I can be able to move on, I need to understand that Jonathan still means nothing to me,"

Matthew looked into my eyes, his expression a mix of love and worry. "I just hope you are making the right decision, I am always here for you, but promise me that you won't ignore any red flag that may appear."

"I promise, Matthew," I replied sincerely. "I won't let my desire to help Jonathan blind me to any potential warning signs. I'll stay Vigilant and take care of myself."

With a small smile, Matthew squeezed My hand. "Alright, then, you are about to head to work," he asked

I know he was trying to be supportive, he was the best, I met Matthew just two years after my divorce, and I promised myself not to accept any man into my life but Mathew came and changed that perspective.

"Thank you, Matthew," I said, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "Your support means the world to me, and I am grateful to have you by my side"

"I love you" Matthew whispered as he hugged me.

***************

The drive to the office was smooth, I was already drained, and I was grateful Matthew understood why I had to accommodate Jonathan. It's not like I wanted to, it's just that I felt he needed it.

I parked my car and slowly stepped out, heading to the elevator, my phone chimed as I stared at it, It must be Benita. I stared at the numbers as they counted upward, with the sound of the bell the elevator slid open, and I stepped out.

"Thank God you are here Ma'am," she said in a haste

"What's going on Benita, isn't it too early for your drama"? I told her walking towards my office.

"The investors are here ma'am" she quickly added

I turned to face her, "already? I thought you said on Thursday," I stared at Benita in disbelief, the only reason she still has a job here is that I trusted and liked her, apart from that she is a terrible, terrible assistant.

"Am sorry ma'am" she apologize

I sighed. "What about Mia," I asked

"Ohh she just stepped out, she has an outdoor meeting,"

I handed her my handbag. " how do I look" I asked, slowly turning around for Benita to get a good glimpse.

"You look good ma'am" she responded

"Good as in okay," I asked for a better answer

"Yes ma'am" Benita responded with a sheepish smile

I sigh once again, realizing that I couldn't expect much from Benita. I took a deep breath and walked towards the meeting, trying to mentally prepare myself for the investors.

As I entered the room, I was greeted by a group of men and women in suits, all absorbed in their conversation. I could feel their intense energy as they discussed business matters, and it only added to my nervousness.

I took a seat at the head of the table and cleared my throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Good morning, everyone" I began, trying to sound confident.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today. I assure you, that we have some exciting opportunities to discuss."

I could sense the skepticism in their eyes, which only fueled my determination to prove myself. I believe in the potential of my company, and I need them to see it too.

The meeting started and I presented our business plan, showing our achievements and future goals. I could see some of the investors nodding in agreement, while others looked unconvinced.

After what felt like an eternity, the meeting concluded. Some investors expressed interest, while others remained on the fence. It wasn't the resounding success I had hoped for, but it was a step forward nonetheless.

As we all stood up to leave the room, one of the investors approached me. "Thank you for your time, Ms. Parker," he said, extending his hand. "I appreciate your passion and dedication. We'll be in touch soon."

I shook his hand, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Thank you," I replied sincerely. "I look forward to hearing from you."

I walked out of the meeting room with renewed strength, ready to face whatever came my way. And as for Benita, it was clear that changes had to be made. But for now, I focused on the next steps to push my company forward. The journey was just beginning, and I was determined to make it a success.

I sat at my desk, my eyes fixed on the pile of documents in front of me, it was going to be a long day but I had to get to work anyway, my thoughts were interrupted as I stared at Benita who stood at the door

"What is it, this time Benita," I asked

"You have a guest ma'am" she answered

I stared at her for a while, curious. "And who might that be"

"It's the handsome tenant" she replied, my eyes widened, what the hell, I stood up quickly and headed out

And there he stood, looking all perfect and captivating, I walked towards him, trying to keep all disturbing thoughts out.

"What do you want Jonathan" I asked, desperately seeking for answer to his sudden appearance.