Chapter 6: Two Can Play This Game

"Is she the one?" Helena’s face lit up with joy as she eyed Jessica.

“She’s even more beautiful in person than in the pictures,” Helena beamed, and Charles nodded in agreement.

Jessica smiled politely. "Thank you."

“Let’s go inside where we can talk better,” Charles suggested, and they all entered the grand home, Louis and Amara trailing behind.

As they walked, Helena linked her arm with Jessica’s. “How’s life with William? He can be quite a handful at times,” she said playfully.

Louis, still staring at Jessica with confusion, remained silent. Sensing the tension, William decided to break it.

“Pardon my manners,” he began. “Louis, meet my wife, Jessica Newman. And this is my cousin, Louis, and his fiancée, Amara.”

Jessica and Louis briefly locked eyes before Jessica smiled graciously. “It’s nice to meet you both. You make a lovely couple.”

Louis couldn’t respond, still reeling from the shock of this unexpected news.

“I didn’t realize William was married,” Amara added with a strained smile.

“I’m a private person,” William explained smoothly. “I prefer to keep the media out of my personal life. I’d appreciate it if you could help keep this discreet.”

Amara nodded, her expression unreadable.

The group chatted for a little while longer until Helena finally spoke up. “If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to spend some time with my daughter-in-law. Enjoy the party!” She smiled warmly and led Jessica away.

“Oh my! It seems your wife is being stolen from you,” Charles joked, causing William to smile faintly.

Louis, however, couldn’t take his eyes off Jessica as she walked away. Amara noticed his lingering gaze, her face tightening with irritation.

As they moved through the hallway, Helena squeezed Jessica’s arm gently. “Now that we’re alone, we can talk more freely.”

Jessica tensed slightly but kept her expression neutral.

“I know this marriage isn’t based on love,” Helena said softly. “But the fact that you agreed to it means you must have learned about William’s condition.”

Jessica nodded but said nothing, unsure where this conversation was headed.

“William is tough to get close to,” Helena continued, her tone affectionate. “But once you break through, he’s the most loyal and caring person you’ll ever meet. Please, stay by his side.”

Guilt washed over Jessica. If only Helena knew that this marriage was built on a cold contract, not mutual affection. Still, she smiled and responded, “I will, Mother.”

Helena beamed at her. “I’m glad to hear that.” She motioned to a maid who approached them with a beautifully wrapped gift. “This is for you, as a welcome to our family.”

Jessica took the box, her eyes widening. “Thank you. This is so kind of you.”

“Please, open it,” Helena urged.

Jessica unwrapped the gift and opened the box. Inside were two sets of documents. Her eyes widened in shock. “What…?”

“This is the deed to one of our estates in Miami, and the other is for a property in Canada. You’re free to keep them or sell them—whatever you wish,” Helena said, smiling proudly.

Jessica quickly pushed the papers back into the box, shaking her head. “I can’t accept this, it’s too much.”

Helena chuckled softly. “Nonsense. I’ve always wanted to spoil my daughter-in-law.”

Jessica hesitated but finally smiled. “I’m truly grateful. Thank you, Mother.”

Helena smiled warmly. “You’re family now. Make yourself at home.” She hugged Jessica before excusing herself to attend to the guests.

Jessica stood there, still in disbelief as she looked down at the papers. A smile crept onto her face, though it was bittersweet. She had always dreamed of being part of the Newman family—just not like this nor with William.

“Jessica.”

Her heart sank. She didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

“I didn’t realize you and William were… close,” Louis said, his voice laced with disbelief.

Jessica slowly turned to face him, her pulse racing, though she kept her expression calm. “A lot has changed since we last spoke, Louis.”

His jaw tightened, jealousy flickering in his eyes before he forced a smile. “So it seems. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” Jessica said coolly.

“I didn’t expect you to go this far just to get back at me,” Louis added, his voice edged with frustration.

Jessica’s lips curled into a smirk. “Bold of you to assume everything revolves around you.”

She made to walk away, but Louis grabbed her arm, yanking her back. “What game are you playing?”

“What are you doing? Let go!” she demanded, her eyes flashing with anger.

“I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but it needs to stop,” Louis hissed, his grip tightening.

Jessica’s eyes narrowed. “You’re not the only one who can play games, Louis. Two can play this game of yours. Let’s see who wins.” With that, she wrenched her arm free from his grasp and walked away, her head held high.

Louis clenched his jaw, watching her retreat before turning in the opposite direction. From the shadows, William emerged, having overheard the entire exchange. He glanced between the paths Louis and Jessica had taken, his expression unreadable.

_____

It was nearly midnight when William’s car pulled up to his mansion. Jessica shifted uncomfortably in the passenger seat, mumbling to herself. “Why is it so hot in here?”

William sighed, visibly annoyed. He had left the party early after finding out that his supposed ‘responsible’ wife had gotten drunk.

He stepped out of the car and walked around to her side, opening the door. “Get out.” he said coldly.

Jessica stumbled out, giggling as she swayed on her feet.

William shut the car door with a frustrated sigh and started walking toward the mansion. Halfway to the entrance, he stopped and turned back. Jessica was still staggering, struggling to keep up.

Sighing again, he returned to her. Before she could take another step, her eyes widened as she felt herself being lifted off the ground.

“W-What are you doing?” she slurred. “Put me down!”

“I’m supposed to be asking you what you were doing. Why did you drink when you are alcohol intolerant.” William asked, his tone clipped.

“You’re mean,” Jessica pouted.

William ignored her, carrying her into the house and up to her room. He laid her on the bed and was about to leave when she suddenly grabbed his tie, pulling his face close to hers.

“What do you think you’re doing?” William snapped, his eyes narrowing.

Jessica’s gaze was unfocused, but she smirked, tugging his tie closer. “What are *you* going to do?”

For a moment, William’s gaze lingered on her lips, but then he closed his eyes, jaw clenched. “Enough of this nonsense.”

Jessica’s smile faded, replaced by sadness. “You men are all the same,” she muttered, releasing his tie as tears welled in her eyes.

William straightened, scoffing. “Love… pathetic.” With that, he left the room.

_____

The next morning, the events of the previous night were forgotten by Jessica. She entered the agency with a bright smile, eager for her first day of filming.

The director greeted her warmly. “Great! We were just talking about you.”

“About me?” Jessica asked, surprised.

“Yes, your appearance at the Newmans’ anniversary party made quite the impression. People are already buzzing about who you are. This will be great for the movie’s publicity,” the director said with a grin.

“Uh, thank you,” Jessica replied, unsure how to feel.

“Oh, and before I forget, Jessica, meet Mrs. Rachael Campbell, your new personal manager.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Belles,” Rachael said, shaking her hand.

“Likewise,” Jessica said, smiling.

“Also, there have been some changes to your role,” the director added. “The writer decided to add a few… explicit scenes between you and the male lead. I’ve already approved the revised script.”

“What? But this isn’t even a rated movie!” Jessica exclaimed in shock.

The director shrugged. “It’s the writer’s idea. And the higher-ups approved it.”

Jessica’s grip tightened on the revised script. Only one person could have orchestrated this—Oliver Martins.