Chapter 5
Jayden's POV
I took her hand, warm and hesitant in mine, and led her up the marble walkway.
Lucille appeared first, her smile wrapping around Selena before her arms did.
"Oh my God, welcome, darling." She hugged Selena tightly, nearly swallowing her sequined dress.
"She's beautiful. I see why you chose her over Cynthia, huh," Lucille said, with a subtle laugh dripping sarcasm.
Derek stepped forward. His gaze sharp, swept over Selena, then me.
"Well, well," he said evenly. "The infamous Jayden Ashford finally shows up. Everyone else knew about your engagement before us, didn't they?"
Selena's hand tensed in mine. I kept my grip steady.
"At least tell me next time before arranging Cynthia," Derek added, tone cutting.
"Have you spoken with her?" he asked, eyes narrowing.
"I'll handle it, sir," I replied firmly.
His gaze shifted to Selena. "It's good to have you over, dear. You're welcome."
Lucille clapped her hands lightly. "Let's go in. Dinner awaits."
Inside, crystal lights spilled over silk-draped hallways. Selena's grip trembled, so I adjusted my hold, locking our fingers together. She wasn't facing this alone.
Selena's POV
We sat at a table that looked made for ten, not four. Chefs glided around, placing dishes with precise ceremony. I even spotted last year's winner, Chef Chu Ki, among them as their personal chef. Insane.
"Let's feast," Lucille said, her voice warm yet somehow cold at the same time.
I couldn't make sense of her. Clearly, Mr. Derek didn't like me either. Not that I cared.
At least now I understood the backstory. It should have been Cynthia he kissed that night, not me.
"How old are you?" Lucille dragged the question out.
"Selena Kane. Twenty-five," I replied.
"Alright, Selena Kane, tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do?" Her eyes sharpened.
"I studied corporate law and criminology at Berkeley, graduating as one of their highlighted students. I now work as a criminal and forensic lawyer at Preston & Moore."
She nodded. "Impressive. Your parents want you grounded before you inherit their firm, huh?"
Jayden stayed quiet, his gaze fixed on me. Lucille's smile curled into something sharper, more sarcastic.
"And your parents?" she pressed.
"They own a—" I started, but Jayden cut in.
"It's bad manners to talk and eat, Mother. You taught me that."
"Oh! My bad. Enjoy your food, Selena. We'll talk later."
I stared at the plate, unsure whether to eat or retreat.
Jayden's POV
After dinner, I took Selena's hand. "Let's walk in the garden," I said. Lucille would only make her uncomfortable.
When we reached a quiet corner. She pulled her hand free.
"Mr. Ashford…"
"Just call me Jayden here." I said.
She steadied herself.
"Jayden… I deserve one don't you think.
"One what." I asked confused.
"An apology" she said sharply.
That kiss at the Met Gala wasn't a mistake, was it?
You kissed me to avoid Cynthia, the woman arranged for you. And instead of apologizing, you threatened me, dragged me into all this calling it business. I was used without my permission. You made me an enemy to your parents and even a lady I don't know. All fully aware, and left me with no explanation or apology."
Her voice shook, fire in her eyes. Indicated one thing—she's angry.
"You could've just asked for help," she continued. "But blaming me, offering money to make it seem fine… Did I look like an easy target?"
She was interrupted by the workers coming.
She leaned in, hands on my neck, adjusting my collar.
Her Voice low: "Actually… never mind. What did I expect? Right people using people lower than you, that's your thing.
I couldn't say anything. Words failed.
She held my hand again. "I'd like to go home now."
The workers giggled. "Ooh, they look cute," one whispered. She smiled faintly as she walked past them.
I watched her go, clenching my jaw. She's angry, and rightfully so. Still, she cared enough to finish her end of the deal and protect my image.
I couldn't wrap my head around it. She unsettled me,different, in a way that left me intrigued.
Her breaking voice shifted something inside me. I knew I definitely had to apologize.
Selena's POV
I stormed away. Why did knowing the kiss was for another woman make me so furious? I feel completely used.
"Oh, there you are, darling. Where have you been?" Lucille interrupted my thoughts.
"We just took a stroll in the garden," Jayden answered.
"But we're just about to leave," I retorted.
"Leave?, so soon?"
"I think a storm's coming. The roads will be bad for a drive, and it's really late," Lucille added.
Just then, thunder cracked and a drizzle began.
"You should sleep in the guest house," she suggested.
"Actually, she can," Jayden said. "I'll take the other guest house or my old room for the night."
"Oh, please. Stop acting like it wasn't you two who shared that steamy kiss online," Lucille teased.
"It's not a problem, right, Selena?"she asked.
"No, it isn't," I replied.
"I'll tell the workers to prepare guest house 3 for you two".
Perfect. Just perfect.
I am spending the night here and in the same house as Jayden.
----
The guest house was quiet, almost too
perfect with three rooms, soft lights,polished floors. I wondered why they needed another if this one was already luxurious.
I entered my room, freshened up, and slipped into a black nightgown from the closet, the only one that fit. It hugged just enough.
I was admiring the room when a knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.
"Selena, there's… a problem," Jayden's voice called softly.
I frowned. "What problem?"
"The remaining rooms are locked. I should've known Lucille would do this."
"It struck me as strange why she had assigned us to Guest House 3 instead of 5. And with the workers gone to their sections after 9 p.m., there is no one left to fix it." He sharply added.
I bit back a sigh and stepped out.
Jayden was there, still not freshened up, standing in the dim light.
"I need to shower," he said tone cutting.
"Fine," I said, moving aside. "You can use the room."
I grabbed a glass of water from the living room, letting the quiet settle around me.
Moments later, Jayden appeared. Hair damp, droplets clinging to his jawline, wearing matching black nightwear that left little to the imagination. My breath caught.
"You're not sleeping?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"No. You take the room, I'll sort myself," he replied.
I was heading back when his voice stopped me.
"Actually… Selena." His tone was softer than I'd ever heard it.
He walked closer, presence tense yet different.
"About tonight… and the gala. I'm sorry. I did kiss you to avoid Cynthia, but that's not the entire truth. I didn't see you as easy or a pawn. That night, you were all I saw. I was merely drawn to you. And I wouldn't like you to feel used.
I know none of this makes sense, but you were right, you deserve an explanation. I'm… sorry."
His eyes held something I'd never seen before,soft, vulnerable. My pulse quickened. The heat of him, the faint scent of soa
p, the casual confidence in his posture… it was maddening.
Then he leaned closer. Too close. My breath caught as his eyes lingered on me, almost as if he... wanted to kiss me again.