Chapter 2

Jeannet

I have a bad feeling about this, but I allowed Linda to talk me into accepting this job offer, mainly because I desperately need a job and to get out of James' apartment.

Later in the evening, her uncle's limo that Linda borrowed arrives at Emperors Palace, and, for the first time, the place looks intimidating. I haven't been to such a fancy event in three years, and I feel out of place, even the designer dress that Linda borrowed me feels too much.

We are Christmas fundraising ball that is held on the first weekend of December, and it is always attended by the wealthiest people.

“Are you okay?” Linda’s voice brings me out of my train of thoughts.

“Are you sure I can do this?” I whisper. "Isn't this dress too much? Tonight, I'm just an employee."

“You are going to be great.” She chuckles as she fidgets with her hands. "And you need to wear the dress, because you are his partner for the Christmas ball. Girl, this is an international event."

"You are the one who doesn't look okay," I point out.

"I told you I'm just worried about tomorrow."

"You are a genius, and you are going to ace the presentation. There is nothing to worry about," I assure her.

"You have an ability to make me feel like a star," she sighs. "I wish you were my uncle."

"I can get a suit and a beard, but I doubt I would ever get to have that stern expression on my face."

We both laugh at this.

"And his Italian accent," I add. "How long do you think he intends to hate me?"

"I suppose we will soon find out," she mumbles.

"Is he here as well?" My heart beats a million beats per minute. I almost jump out of the car.

"Jeanet, I need to tell you something..."

My skin suddenly runs cold when I see the man whose face still looks as serious as I remember it. I completely lose focus. I notice Linda's lips move, but I can't hear anything she says.

Damien walks towards the limo and opens the door. I practically jump out of the car, we lock eyes for a minute, and I walk away.

"Jeanet," Linda calls my name as she follows me.

“Linda,” I hear him calling her as Linda walks towards me. I try to walk fast, but the high heels and the dress make it hard. I feel like taking the shoes off and cutting the dress.

“Please, J.” Linda says after easily catching up. Unlike me, she is wearing a short summer dress and sneakers.

I continue to walk, and I pause when I get to the other side of the building. I sit on a bench in a garden that is beautifully decorated by Christmas lights.

"I'm sorry Linda, seeing your uncle triggered me. I know that's not what you want to hear about your uncle."

"Don't worry, I understand." She gives me a faint smile.

"I'm going to go in there and meet your friend. I will be on my best behavior."

"Jeanet, I need to tell you something..."

“Linda, what’s going on? Where is the assistant you promised me?” He asks as he walks towards us.

“Uncle, she is the one who is going to be your assistant.”

Damien and I look around for the mentioned assistant. I'm pretty sure she said I was going to work as a receptionist. I try to convince myself that she is probably talking about someone else, but there isn't anyone else around.

“Please, don’t tell me that this is the job you’ve found for me,” I say without moving my teeth.

“Sorry.” She shifts uncomfortably.

The almost soft expression on Damien's face changes as he furrows his eyebrows.

“When you said a ‘friend.’ Did you forget to mention that the friend is Jeannet?” He glares at Linda.

“Yes, uncle. I think I forgot to tell you.” Linda glances at her uncle and then at me.

"You stopped me from calling Gill. I could've found someone else by now," he sighs. “Seriously, Linda, where is the camera?”

“Uncle, what camera?”

“The camera you are using to record this. Then you tell me that this is a joke, and my new assistant is someone else.”

“I don’t want to be your assistant anyway. This niece of yours tricked me into coming here.” I stand aside and take out my phone to request a cab.

"You said my assistant is a classy woman, but then you bring me her?" He grimaces. "With her reputation?"

"That was a long time ago, uncle." Linda interjects.

"You will be the one joining me tonight," he says to Linda authoritatively.

“In these clothes?” She motions at her outfit. "This is a formal event."

“We can switch.” I chime in.

“I have a presentation tomorrow for my honors. Remember?”

"Where am I going to get a partner in such a short period?" Damien pinches the bridge of his nose. "Let me call..."

"Here she is, already dressed up and ready," Linda smiles.

"I’m not going to spend my evening with this man. I would rather live under a bridge."

Linda's phone buzzes, and she takes it out. "I would like to stay for the dance, but I have to go," she says cheerfully. “Enjoy yourselves. The limo will come back for you kids."

Damien is glaring at her, and if I wasn't dragged into this mess, I would be laughing. She runs to the car, and I helplessly stare as it drives off.

I search for cabs again and sigh with relief when I find one.

"Stop," he sighs. "Cancel the ride. Can you be a normal person for a few hours?"

"Normal? How about you use your money to find yourself a normal person? Surely you can arrange that in a few seconds." I turn to walk away from him.

He holds my wrist, then I feel every part of my body light up. My body has never reacted that way to anybody’s touch, not even James'.

"I don’t have a choice right now. I will pay you any amount you want."

"You think this is about money?" I ask. "That is so you. You will never change! I'm not letting you control me with your money again."

"Last time you took my money, but you didn't keep your promise," he says flatly. "It's time to pay back."

"I am leaving." I turn to walk away.

"I will do anything you want." His hand touches my wrist again. "Jeannet?" The way my name rolls off his tongue sends shivers through me. "I don't think you want Linda to find out that you took the money that I paid you to stay away from her."

"But I didn't stay away from..."

"You did, for five months," he interjects.

"You have been stalking me," I glower at him. "I knew it."

"I just wanted to ensure that you honor your part of the deal."

"So. Why didn't you ask for your money back when I didn't stay away from her?"

"I was waiting for desperate times, just like this one," he casually shoves his hands in his pockets.

"You won't tell her, because it will hurt her."

"She will heal, eventually. She'll go to a therapist, but the best part is she will want nothing to do with you forever."

"You are evil!"

His lips twitch. We walk into the building, his hand is on the small of my back, and I pray for this event to be over already.

We waltz, and then a slow song plays. His hands are gentle on my waist, and I put my hands around his neck. We look into each other's eyes as we get lost in the song and our glaring contest.

"You and your dance partner are under a mistletoe," someone says.

I look around, and all eyes are on us. I glance at Damien, who looks like he wants to murder me for this. He is probably blaming me for the presence of the mistletoe.

"Oh! We are not…” I shake my head until I notice someone through my peripheral vision. Rachel. “I mean, who are we to go against tradition?” I flash my best smile.