CHAPTER 3: The dangerous choice

Jayla stood still at the doorway, taking everything in. Sophia still perched on the edge of the bed with the sheet covering her visible nakedness.

Her hair was a mess, and her dress was crumpled up next to the chair.

Then Alex casually rose from the bed and stood near the window. He picked his robe and put it on showcasing his broad hairy buildup chest and his wedding ring still hinging on his finger.

When she caught the sight of it, her heart clenched a bit longer than it should have.

“Alex babe… I want more…” Sophia bit her lower lips seductively, totally ignoring Jayla’s presence.

Jayla tried to say something but nothing came out as the scene completely made her dumbfounded.

The room became quiet and suffocating as her eyes caught every detailed and careful arrangement of their belongings before the event.

She knows it wasn’t a freaking accident, it was a deliberate act like something that has been happening for a while.

Jayla gulped. “How long?” It struck her how broken her own voice sounded almost like a stranger’s.

Sophia glanced at Alex, who didn’t rush to answer. And that was enough for her.

She nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the silence, “Right.”

“Hey, don't make this into something it isn’t.” Alex interrupted, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone.

Her gaze turned sharp, locking onto his. Something hot simmered behind her ribs. “Something it isn’t?”

He shrugged.

“I’ve told you many times that whatever you think of this marriage between you and I is strictly business. You married me to save your father’s company, and I agreed because it was of mutual benefit for both families. We both have our terms and agreement.”

Her lips parted as disbelief surged through her.

“And this is what you have to say to me?” Her voice cracked with pain.

His frown deepened. “Of course.”

Now she looked back at Sophia, who avoided her gaze like it was made of fire.

“So this was in the contract too?

“No,” Alex shot back. “But what happens between me and another woman isn’t really your concern.”

Jayla’s stomach became cold. She studied him and realised completely what he meant. For two years, she had tried turning this marriage into something it clearly wasn’t meant to be.

She had made his favourite meal, waited on him, even learned how to respect the man who barely acknowledged her existence.

She had hoped love might grow from obligations but here he was, standing before her like all those hopes meant nothing saying she wasn't entitled to expect anything from him.

Alex took a step closer. “You knew I didn't love you.”

“Yeah…I kind of… just realised that now,” She said, letting her fingers curl into her palm.

“Then why act surprised?”

For a moment she nearly spoke her mind.

Because we are married.

Because she’s my best friend.

Because you promised…

She stopped.

What would the point be…? Would any of it change what she just saw?

Would shouting make him regret it? Would her tears transform him into the husband she had desperately tried to reach to these past moments?

No.

She just looked at him very closely, analyzing how stupid it felt to finally see the disgusting man she had been tied to, and his look of annoyance.

He wasn’t even guilty of his acts. He was annoyed as if her pain was an inconvenience for him.

Jayla bit the inside of her cheek, her eyes burned but she stopped her tears from falling.

Alex noticed the silence, “What?”

“Nothing,” She said, shaking her head.

He squinted at her like he was trying to read her expression.

“You were supposed to be in Chicago, what happened?”

“The flight…” she hesitated, glancing back at Sophia and then at Alex. “I don't think it mattered anymore.”

Sophia’s eyes flicked with something like a smirk.

She saw it. But she clearly doesn't know whether to feel worse or not. She turned towards the door.

“You’re not seriously leaving…again.”Alex’s voice cut through.

Jayla’s hand rested on the doorknob, her head turning slightly, just enough  to meet his eyes.

“Watch me.”

“Just so you know…there's no room for you here anymore in case you decide to want to come back,” he said with so much confidence dripping from his tone as if he knew her too well.

“You need this marriage more than I do, and so does your father,” he added, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Boom… right there was the chain he thought would keep her obedient. Jayla stared at him for a minute before her gaze dropped.

“You may be right.”

His smile bloomed again. “I know I am.”

She nodded, almost laughing at the absurdity of it because he had no clue the damage had been completely done, and the woman he thought would weather any storm just to keep her father’s company afloat was no more.

“I think I’m done staying where my presence is not appreciated,” she said as she reached for the door.

“So where would you go this time?” He smirked.

She held his gaze, firm. “Honestly? I don't know yet…but do have a wonderful day Alex,” she replied, stepping out.

“Please use the door.” Sophia said in a mockery tone. She wanted to pounce on her, but she closed her eyes instead, took a deep breath and pulled the door shut behind her. Just a soft click and somehow that felt final.

Jayla made it to her car before the first sob escaped. Locking the doors, she folded over the steering wheel, and the tears started pouring down.

This marriage was supposed to be a business contract but along the line she had found herself begging for his love and attention and every single time he had been cold towards her.

And she had stuck around out of fear.

Lifting her head, she caught a glance of her tear-streaked face in the mirror and she finally let herself cry again.

She reached for her phone, spotting Mia’s name on the screen, she stared at it for a beat before pressing the dial button.

“Hello?”

Hearing Mia’s voice shattered her composure all over again. “Mia…”

“Where are you?” The soft female voice replied.

Jayla shut her eyes. “Can I come over?”