Loose ends

Jayden's POV

My screen light shone with a notification sound. I picked up my phone. It was a message from my PA stating the meeting time with the investment group.

I took a deep breath, stood up and walked to the bathroom.

I stayed at the hotel longer than usual. I'd have gone home before dawn. But going home means facing her.

The woman I was now married to.

She didn't choose this either. I could see it on her face at the altar. But that doesn't change anything.

She didn't look like someone who'd make this easy either. I could tell just from looking at her. Something behind her eyes that wasn't afraid of me. Or maybe I read her wrong.

I didn't want her. That's one thing I know.

I never wanted to get married. Standing at that altar with her yesterday was never part of my plan.

I made a mistake and my father found the perfect way to use it. Marriage was his condition. His way of testing if I was still the man he raised or some broken, weary man.

Regardless of how heartbroken I was and almost wanted to end my life.

There are things my father still watches me for. Things he thinks I don't notice. The way his eyes linger a second too long when I walk into a room. Still checking. Still not sure I'm whole.

He's never fully believed I recovered. Not everything that happened, the version of me that fell apart years ago. He's still watching, waiting for me to crack.

That's why this matters. Not the marriage, not her, but what it proves.

I had to fulfill his wish as a way to let him understand I'm myself, I'm capable and able to handle situations. Not some heartbroken asshole.

My father hadn't called or texted. That was a sign. He expects me to do things my way. But I still have to prove it to him. Prove to him that I can handle the company when he retires.

His words that sat in my chest when he had called me before the marriage. “Jayden, you're getting married soon, I want to see how you'd be able to handle your family, that way you can handle the company as I'd be retiring soon.”

My phone rang.

Mike

“Jayden.” His voice came before I could speak.

“What's happening, the investment group are already here, what's keeping you so long?” He asked with an impatient tone.

Mike is my very close friend. Also an employee in our company. Although he has a higher rank than most employees in the company. He's always been there for me and doesn't act intimidated with my position. But it encourages me.

“I'll soon be on my way, Mike, just keep them company till I get there.”

“Yes, I will, just be on time, you know they're big time investors. You're prepared for the Presentation right?” Mike asked, knowing I'm prepared.

“Yes, I am. Just be focused on your part right now till I come” I said to him while blow-drying my hair.

“You said you're coming. Did you spend the night at the Hotel? I thought you left? Wasn't it supposed to be your honeymoon?”

“Stop asking me questions, and yes! I slept at the hotel, did you see or hear from Mia? She…I don't really know what…” I paused. “Go and meet them Mike, I'd be there soon.”

I didn't wait for him to reply as I ended the call. Knowing Mike, he'd keep pulling until I spill everything.

Last night was still patchy in my head. I still couldn't recall what happened last night.

Mia came to my room, I remembered her hands on my collar. I remembered when she seductively started undressing herself.

I remembered telling her to get out. After that, nothing was clear.

How did she even get access to my Hotel room?. We all went to the Bar yesterday, Mike and Mia were present and they both taunted me about my newly bride and marriage.

We all dispersed. Somehow Mia followed me to my hotel room.

What came over her, she has always wanted my attention and I've never once become suspicious of her.

Mia has always been around. Joanna’s friend, part of the circle.

I can't figure out what made last night different for her. I wasn't sure I wanted to.

I finished getting ready, picked up my jacket and headed for the door.

The investment group were waiting, everything else can wait.