Chapter 7: Terms and conditions

*Earlier…*

‘Let’s focus on why we’re actually here.’

The room became quiet for a moment after Victor spoke the words.

Jayla didn’t like the way he said it. The way it made Alex suddenly go still beside Sophia and the way it made her father look like a man that was walking into a storm he couldn’t outrun.

Something was definitely coming…and it’s something bad.

Victor’s gaze shifted calmly to his son. “Alex.”

That was all it took.

Alex adjusted his cufflinks with slow movements, as if this moment…this entire gathering…was nothing more than another business meeting he was about to address.

When he finally spoke, his voice was calm, stripped of emotions and brutally composed.

“There’s been…instability surrounding the merger and the public perceptions,” he began, keeping his tone smooth and professional.  

“The investor’s confidence and internal projections have all taken a hit over the past three months due to the suspicions about the unstable situation of our marriage.”

Jayla stared at him…not as his wife, but as a complete stranger. He wasn’t sounding like a man who had just betrayed her. Instead, he sounded like someone that was only concerned about his reputation and business.

Her father nodded quickly, eager and almost desperate to engage. “Ofcourse. That’s understandable given the…circumstances. But I assure you, we’re willing to…”

Alex lifted a hand rudely. And just like that, her father fell silent. The power dynamic in the room was clearly owned by the Woodfords, and it’s obvious they’re not intending to share.

“We’ve evaluated all possible outcomes and…” Alex continued. “A divorce is not one of them.”

Jayla’s head snapped up instantly.

“I’m sorry?” She asked.

“A divorce is going to raise questions,” he said coolly. “It risks regulatory scrutiny and opens the door to competitors, which will weaken both our positions.”

He spoke like she wasn’t even there….like her presence was nothing but irritation.

“Therefore,”he added, finally meeting her gaze, “We thought it’s best we remain married to protect both our families business interests.”

Jayla felt her heart sink when she heard those words. In fact, she laughed cynically, telling him he had probably lost his mind.

But he proceeded to drop the bomb without thinking twice that she might be affected by his decisions.

“Given the circumstances,” he continued, “I think it will be better if we transition into an open marriage.”

For a second, Jayla thought she had misheard him.

“An open…what?”

“Marriage,” he repeated. “Publicly, nothing changes between us. Privately, we are free to pursue other interests. Discreetly.” He concluded.

“This is ridiculous…and you think I’d agree to that?” She scoffed.

Alex didn’t even seem moved. “I think you understand what’s at stake.”

“Then say it clearly,” she snapped. “You want to keep sleeping around while I sit quietly and smile for your shareholders?”

“If you want to put it that way.”

Sophia let out a soft and amused breath beside him, but Jayla ignored her.

“And what do I get in return?” She demanded.

Alex held her gaze. “You get the same freedom.” He simply said.

“You are free to see whoever you want,” he added. “Within reason.”

Within reason…The audacity almost made her laugh. “You mean within your rules?” She nodded.

Jayla stared at him longer than she should have, her brain cursed her heart for thinking this meeting was going to be some sort of apology, and it broke something inside her completely.

“You want an open marriage?” She said, rising angrily to her feet. “Here is my answer.”

She looked him dead in the eye.

“No… I want a divorce.”

“Enough,” her father yelled.

Another brutal silence stunned the room.

It’s the first time her father had raised his voice at her. Jayla slowly turned to him in shock.

He didn’t look at her. Instead he turned to Victor and smiled weakly.

“I apologize on my daughter’s behalf,” he said. “She’s… emotional.”

Jayla felt something inside her drop.

“No,” she whispered.

“She doesn’t mean that,” her father continued quickly. “Of course we understand the importance of the merger. We are willing to cooperate.”

Her heart stopped. That actually came from her father?

“As long as the arrangement maintains stability,” he added. “We accept the terms.”

The betrayal hit deeper than anything Alex had said.

“Dad…” her voice broke. “You can’t be serious.”

He finally looked at her…and the guilt in his eyes made it worse.

“This is bigger than us, Jayla.”

She noticed the little smirk on Alex’s face, and Sophia’s scornful expression towards her. This is what they wanted…humiliation.

“So you’re choosing them over me.”

“This is about survival…”

“No…,” she snapped. “This is about you selling me again.”

“Jayla…”

She couldn’t help the drop of tears from falling, looking at how her father had desperately agreed to this new development irrespective of her own feelings.

Her heart broke apart completely.

She stood up from the gathering, wiped the corner of her eyes, straightened her dress as her expression turned cold.

They want a game?…I’ll give them one. She turned and walked out.

“Ma’am, we are here.”

The waitress's voice snapped her back to the present.

“Your suite is prepared,” the attendant said.

Jayla slipped the mask on and her thoughts disappeared as she stepped into the room.

The suite door closed behind her, leaving her completely alone…for now at least.

Jayla took a slow breath and looked around the room. It was lit in dim blue lights, with shadows dancing along the walls in a way that made everything feel surreal…almost detached from reality.

Good. That’s exactly what she wanted.

To forget.

To let go.

To regain her sanity.

A faint sound broke the silence behind her.

The door, opening slowly then closing again.

Her heart skipped once…just once…before settling into a steady rhythm.

Then slowly…She turned.

The figure stood across the room, tall and very still. He was also masked like her, and the deliberate dim lighting of the room hid most of his features, leaving only fragments visible…broad shoulders, strong posture, and an air of quiet control that filled the space between them.

He didn’t speak.

Neither did she.

Her brows furrowed slightly beneath the mask.

But the cologne, why did it smell…familiar?And why did that thought send a chill down her spine?

The man came forward and stopped just a few feet away from her now, close enough for her to feel the warmth of his presence.

Jayla swallowed.

Something wasn’t right.

Something about this night…this decision…and this man.

Her instincts whispered a warning she couldn’t quite understand.

But it was already too late to turn back.

And as she stood there, staring into the shadows hiding his face…One thought echoed clearly in her mind.

“This is your revenge and you have to take it.”