JAY'S POV
For a solid two minutes after he walks away—I don't move.
I just sit there, fork suspended mid-air, staring at absolutely nothing while my brain tries—and fails—to process whatever the hell just happened. My heart is still beating weirdly fast, like it hasn't gotten the memo that the moment is over.
"Earth to Jay?" Sam's voice cuts in, way too amused. "You good? Or did my brother just break your operating system?"
"I'm fine," I snap a little too quickly, grabbing my fork again and aggressively stabbing a pancake like it personally offended me.
But the moment I take a bite—
My phone lights up.
I glance down absentmindedly.
And freeze.
Asshole:
Liked what you saw, Jaybird?
I choke.
Actually choke.
"OH MY GOD—" Sam bursts out laughing, nearly falling off her chair. "WHAT HAPPENING??WHY ARE YOU CHOKING SO MUCH?IS IT THE PANCAKES??"
"Nothing!" I cough, grabbing water, my face heating up in a way I absolutely refuse to acknowledge.
Nothing my foot.
I glare at my phone like it personally betrayed me.
The audacity. The confidence. The sheer—
I push my chair back abruptly, standing up so fast it scrapes against the floor. "I—uh—I just remembered something. I have to go."
Serina looks up immediately. "So early?"
"Yeah, just… something urgent," I force a smile that probably looks more like a threat.
Sam narrows her eyes but grabs her bag anyway. "I'm coming with you. Drop me at school?"
"Yeah. Let's go."
Because if I stay here another second, I might actually throw my phone at someone's head.
Preferably his.
—
The drive back is quieter this time.
Not because the energy isn't there—but because my mind is somewhere else entirely.
I keep replaying it.
The way he looked. The way he said it. That stupid smirk.
And worst of all?
The fact that a part of me noticed.
Hated it. But noticed it.
"Okay," Sam finally says, turning toward me. "What did he text you?"
"Huh,who?" I ask deflecting the ques obviously....
"Jay,I literally SIXTEEN and I wasn't born yesterday.....so quickly tell me what did my brother who you saw half naked....no no no...wait scratch that....Whose naked abs you just saw..."
"Nothing Sam..."
"Liar."
"Mind your business."
"Jay."
"Sam."
She gasps dramatically. "OH MY GOD YOU LIKE —"
"I WOULD RATHER WALK INTO TRAFFIC AND I DON'T WHATEVER YOU WERE GONNA SAY JUST NOW...."
She bursts out laughing. "That bad??"
"Worse."
And yet—
My fingers tighten slightly on the steering wheel.
Because my heart?
Still hasn't calmed down.
—
I drop her off, barely listening to her last teasing comments, and drive straight back home.
The house feels different now.
Quieter. Emptier.
Like the chaos of last night never existed.
"Mom?" I call out as I step inside.
She's already near the door, dressed impeccably, heels clicking with purpose, files in hand.
"Jay, good—you're back," she smiles, walking over quickly. "I was just leaving."
"Where's Dad? And Jace?"
"They've already left. Early meetings," she replies, adjusting her watch. "And your father asked me to remind you—you're visiting the office today."
I blink. "Today?"
"Yes," she nods, already halfway out. "Be prepared. And Jay—" she pauses, softer now, "this is important so don't be fashionably late okay!?? You need to be in time..."
I nod slowly. "Okay."
"Good girl. I'll see you tonight."
And just like that—she's gone.
Leaving behind silence.
And expectation.
—
I don't waste time.
If I'm stepping into that world today—I'm doing it right.
The mirror reflects someone… different.
Not last night's version. Not the girl in the red gown.
This is sharper. Cleaner. Stronger.
A perfectly tailored blazer hugs my frame, structured yet elegant. The heels click with intention. My hair falls flawlessly, makeup minimal but precise.
(Check the comments)
This isn't just me.
This is TheMariano part .
I grab my design portfolio, my bag, my confidence—and step out.
—
Just as I'm about to get into the car—
My phone rings.
Jace.
I smile despite myself, picking up. "Good morning brother."
"GOOD MORNING BABY SISTAH," his voice is way too energetic.
I laugh. "Why are you shouting?"
"Because SOMEONE decided to take my brand new limited edition Lamborghini without permission."
I freeze.
"…You noticed?"
"OH I NOTICED," he scoffs dramatically. "Do you have any idea how many times I checked the parking this morning?? I thought it got stolen."
"I was going to tell you—"
"When? After you sold it?"
"Relax, I didn't scratch it."
"YOU BETTER NOT HAVE," he warns. "Because if I see even ONE mark—"
"What? You'll cry?"
"I will expose every single embarrassing thing you've ever done."
I gasp. "You wouldn't."
"Try me."
I laugh, shaking my head. "You're insane."
"Runs in the family," he shrugs. Then his tone shifts slightly. "Anyway—Dad wants you at Watson Enterprises."
I pause. "Watson Enterprises Now? Why??"
"Yeah.There's an important meeting with him, Uncle Kade, and some board members. Since you already know about the collab—uncle Kade called dad I guess after you left their house....so yeah the whole team and the board members...they want to meet you ASAP."
My grip tightens slightly. "Okay."
"I'll try to make it, but no promises," he adds. "Handle it like the boss you are."
I smirk. "Always do."
"That's my girl. And Jay?"
"Yeah?"
"Drive carefully. And take care of my car like it's your baby."
I roll my eyes. "Bye, Jace."
"BYE. DON'T CRASH IT."
Call ends.
I exhale slowly.
And then—
I drive.
—
Watson Enterprises is… massive.
58 floors of glass, steel, and power.
It doesn't just stand tall—it dominates.
I park, step out, and walk in like I belong.
Because I do.
The lobby is sleek, intimidating, filled with people who look like they matter.
But none of them look at me twice.
Until I reach the reception.
"Hi," I smile politely. "I have a meeting with Mr.Kade Watson.I'm Jasper Jean Mariano."
She types. Pauses. Types again.
Then looks up. "I'm sorry, ma'am. You're not registered."
I blink.
"That's not possible."
"I'll need to confirm. Please wait."
I nod, stepping aside.
Fine.
I turn slightly—And that's when it happens.My heel catches.Sharp. Sudden.My balance tilts forward.
And for a split second—I know I'm about to fall.
Again.
But before I hit the ground—A hand grips my waist.Firm. Familiar.
Pulling me back.Steadying me.My breath catches.Because I already know.I don't even need to look.
But I did anyway.And there he is.
Keifer.
Close. Too close.
His hand still on my waist.
His grip unyielding.
His eyes locked onto mine.
And that same damn smirk—slowly forming.
"Careful, Jaybird…" his voice is low, almost amused.
My heart?
Traitor.
"Wouldn't want to make this a habit."