JAY'S POV —
By the time the last meeting wraps up, my patience is hanging by a thread, my head is pounding, and it's barely 5 PM—
Which feels illegal considering I've already lived through an emotional war, a corporate battlefield, and whatever the hell that conference room turned into.
I'm halfway through signing the final document when Chris barges in like he owns oxygen itself.
"Jay Jay,"
He announces dramatically, dropping into the chair across from me, "cancel whatever boring, life-sucking plans you have for tonight because I come bearing drama.And by that I mean drama that is going to either blow your mind or your life or maybe but of both...."
I don't even look up. "If this is about your my love life tradegy and what happened a few hours ago gossip session, I will sue you."
"No it's wayyy better than that," he gasps, placing a hand on his chest like I've offended him. "It's a buisness gala tonight."
That makes me pause.
Slowly—I look up.
"…what kind of gala?"
"The kind where rich people pretend they're nicer than they are," he grins. "Business gala. A really big one at that. Asia, UK, Philippines—even European Companies are gonna be present. Basically, if they have money and share a very important role in their country's gdp, they're going to be there."
I stare at him.
"…and why are you telling me this like it's my problem??"
"Because," he leans forward, pointing at me like I'm the obvious answer to everything, "you're coming with me."
I blink once.
"No."
"Jay—"
"No."
"You owe me."
"I absolutely do not."
He gasps like I just committed a crime. "You told The Mark Keifer Watson—the man who looks like he could buy and sell countries for fun and who can wipe out a person's identity—and that the woman he loves so fricking much is in love with ME!!!!!"
"…and?"
"And I cannot show up alone after that declaration!" he snaps, throwing his hands in the air. "Do you want me to get exposed? Humiliated? Assassinated emotionally and physically??"
I deadpan. "You'll survive."
He narrows his eyes. "I certainly won't and also—secondly, which is actually more important—I have to show up with a date to the gala it's important and I absolutely cannot take a random woman."
"Why?"
"Because," he leans in, lowering his voice dramatically, "no one in the business circle knows I'm.... gay."
I freeze.
"…not even your assistant?"
"Not even my assistant," he confirms proudly. "Only you and a very exclusive, elite, emotionally intelligent group of people."
"That sounds like a lie."
"It's not the point," he waves it off. "The point is—I trust you. I don't trust anyone else to not turn this date to the gala into a scandal."
I cross my arms.
"And third," he adds smugly, "you need a date too,remember the Mariano's are also invited..."
"I do not need a date because someone else will be attending from th e company...."
"You do,and you have to come you don't get a choice for this.." he says immediately. "Because I guarantee you Miss Attorney—Section E is not done ruining your peace yet."
That makes my jaw tighten slightly.
"And not just them," he continues, enjoying this way too much. "There's a high chance you'll see all of them tonight in the same place because as you know they are in buisness that are thriving as fuck. Plus— Angelo and Aries are also gonna represent Fer Corp and they have already arrived."
I stare at him.
"…you're joking."
"I wish,I was but I'm not..," he grins.
Silence.
I hate that he's right.
I hate that I know exactly what tonight is going to turn into.
And I hate that I'm still going.
"Fine, I'll come" I sigh finally, grabbing my bag. "Pick me up at 7."
His face lights up instantly. "Knew you loved me."
"Don't push it."
Back at the hotel, Jeremy is already waiting when I walk in, tablet in hand, concern written all over his face like it's permanent.
"You're done?" he asks.
"For now," I reply, slipping off my heels.
He studies me for a second. "You don't look 'done.' You look like you're about to commit a crime."
"Give it time."
He huffs a small laugh, then hesitates. "What are your plans tonight?"
"Have a buisness gala to attend," I say simply.
His brows lift immediately. "You're going?"
"Yeah with Chris."
That earns me a look.
"…are you sure you don't want me there?" he asks carefully. "Jay, I know you're trying to act like you're fine—but you don't have to do this alone."
I glance at him—and soften, just slightly.
"You know me too well, don't you..."
"Occupational hazard," he smirks lightly. "Also best friend duties."
I shake my head. "I'll be fine. Chris will be there."
Jeremy's expression shifts into something far more amused.
"Ohhh," he drags out. "Chris is there."
"Don't."
"So this is a date date?"
"It's a fake date."
"That sounds even worse."
I roll my eyes. "Go enjoy your clubs in London, Jeremy,I know you have already decided on your outfits..."
He laughs, grabbing his things. "Ah Ha you know me too well too....but anyways text me if you need backup. I'll crash the gala."
"I might take you up on that."
"Please do. I love chaos."
"Of course you do."
By 6:45, I'm standing in front of the mirror—and for the first time today, I allow myself to pause.Emerald green.
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Silk, sharp cuts, fitted perfectly like it was made to be seen and remembered. The is just enough to be dangerous, the neckline just enough to be distracting, and the heels?
Lethal.
My hair falls in soft waves this time—not controlled, not corporate.
Not armor.
Just… me.
I stare at my reflection for a second longer.Then I smirk slightly.
"Good, Let's blow some minds Attorney Jay.." I murmur.
Because if tonight is going to be a battlefield—I'm showing up like the final boss.
7:02 PM.
I step out of the hotel.
And right there—leaning against his car like he's in a movie he cast himself in—is Chris.
He looks up casually—And then freezes.
Actually freezes.His jaw drops.His brain clearly leaves the chat.
"…oh," he breathes out.
I raise a brow, walking toward him slowly. "What?"
"Nothing," he says immediately, straightening up. "Just—wow."
I stop in front of him.
"…use your words."
He places a hand over his heart dramatically. "Jay Jay, if I were even remotely straight, I would've fallen in love with you instantly."
I snort. "Tragic."
"No, seriously," he shakes his head, still staring. "You don't look like a person—you look like a problem that all the men in that room would love to solve or atleast get near to it."
"Good," I smirk slightly. "That's the goal."
He opens the car door for me, still muttering under his breath, "People are going to lose their minds tonight…"
I slide in smoothly, crossing my legs.
"And you?" I glance at him. "Try to keep up with my extravegent beauty...don't want my date to look less of handsome tonight...."
He laughs, shutting the door.
"Oh, don't worry," he says as he gets in, starting the engine. "Tonight?"
He glances at me with a grin.
"We're about to ruin people Jay Jay...."
And honestly?
For the first time since morning—I'm looking forward to it.