CHAPTER TWO: JEALOUSY AND QUESTIONS

*Elle’s POV*

I stood frozen behind the door, my fingers grazing the cool wood, as Jack’s voice carried through the crack. “And she has her own stuff going on. Did I tell you she’s really attractive?” he said, his laugh warm and carefree.

Luca’s chuckle joined in, a low hum that twisted my stomach. My heart stuttered, then pounded faster, each beat a painful reminder of the secret I’d just overheard.

Jack’s been talking to a girl for weeks? He likes her? Why didn’t I know? The thought of him asking her to be his girlfriend sent a sharp ache through my chest, like a knife twisting slowly. Jealousy surged, hot and heavy, making my throat tighten. What did this mean for me? For us?

Jack’s had flings before, those fleeting, messy things he called relationships. Each one left me with sleepless nights, my pillow damp with tears I’d never admit to shedding. But this felt different, heavier. What if this girl is the one? The one he marries, builds a home with, has babies with? The image of Jack holding someone else, laughing with her the way he does with me, made my heart clench so hard I could barely breathe.

Maybe Claire was right. It’s been too long, too many years of holding this secret close. Maybe it’s time I tell him how I feel, before it’s too late.

I couldn’t stand there eavesdropping any longer, my emotions threatening to spill over. Taking a shaky breath, I knocked softly and pushed the door open.

The sight of Jack hit me like it always does, my heart lifted, a traitorous flutter of joy despite the storm inside me. He lounged in the armchair, looking effortlessly handsome in his crisp business suit, the top button of his shirt undone, a hint of stubble shadowing his jaw.

He hadn’t gone home to change; he must’ve come straight here, probably bursting to tell Luca about “her”. Luca sat behind his desk, his dark eyes flicking to me as I stepped inside. I should’ve been thrilled to see them both, my two favorite people, but the weight of what I’d heard pressed down on me, souring the moment.

I crossed the room, my legs unsteady, and perched on the arm of Jack’s chair. My arm slid around his shoulders in a quick side hug, his familiar warmth both comforting and agonizing. “Why’re you back in town so early?” I asked, forcing a small smile, though my voice trembled slightly.

Jack glanced up, his blue eyes catching the light. “My meeting was short. My assistant’s handling the rest. Had to get back for something tonight.” His gaze darted to Luca, and they shared a quick, knowing look that made my stomach twist again. What were they hiding?

“Okay,” I said, trying to sound casual, “but you better be free tomorrow. I’ve got big plans for your birthday.” My fingers tightened briefly on his shoulder, a silent plea for him to stay mine, just for a little longer.

He nodded, his smile faint, almost distracted. “Yeah, I’m free.”

“Afternoon to you too, dearest sister,” Luca piped up, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he leaned back in his chair.

I rolled my eyes, managing a grin despite the ache in my chest. “Oh, shut up, Luca. I saw you this morning.”

He smirked, then surprised me. “Where’s Claire?” His voice was casual, but his eyes held a flicker of something I couldn’t place. He and Claire usually act like the other doesn’t exist, so why was he asking?

“You’ve got her number, don’t you?” I teased, raising an eyebrow. “Text her yourself.”

I turned back to Jack, my heart thudding. “What’s tonight about? Sounds important.” I tried to keep my tone light, but my eyes searched his face, desperate for answers.

He looked at me, but his gaze slid away, avoiding mine. “Nothing important,” he said, too quickly. The dismissal stung, and I knew he was holding something back. With that girl in the picture, my mind spiraled. Was he meeting her tonight? Was it a date? The thought made my stomach churn, a sick feeling settling deep inside.

I couldn’t stay there, drowning in questions. “I’ve got stuff to do,” I mumbled, excusing myself. Back home, Sam and I wrapped Jack’s birthday gifts, the crinkle of paper and hum of the TV a temporary distraction.

We laughed over some silly rom com, but my mind kept drifting to Jack. Later, I helped Mom in the kitchen, stirring sauce and chopping vegetables for our family dinner. Cooking usually calms me,I’m pretty good at it, if I do say so myself but tonight, every sizzle of the pan reminded me of the fire in my chest.

Luca, still a bachelor and always mooching off Mom’s cooking, showed up just as we set the table. No Jack. He must’ve gone to whatever or “whoever” he had plans with. The thought made my fork feel heavy in my hand, the delicious meal tasteless.

After dinner, we lingered around the table, chatting and laughing like always. It’s a family tradition I love, one that makes me dream of my own future cooking with someone special, building a life full of warmth and closeness.

In my heart, I already know the man I want that with, the one whose smile lights up my world. But what if he’s slipping away?

I went to bed with questions swirling in my head. What was Jack doing tonight? I could check his location we share them but that felt wrong, like betraying his trust. If he wants to tell me, he will. I sent him and Claire a quick goodnight text, my fingers hovering over the screen as I imagined him with her, laughing, maybe holding her hand. If he was on a date, I’d be damned.

As I drifted off, the weight of tomorrow pressed against me. Jack’s birthday was supposed to be a celebration, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it would bring more than just cake and candles. Something was coming, and my heart wasn’t ready.

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