JAY'S POV —
4:00 AM comes faster than expected—and I'm already awake before the alarm even gets the chance to ring, staring at the ceiling for a second before reality settles back in like a weight I can't ignore.
London.
Him.All of them under one roof....
"Great," I mutter under my breath, dragging myself out of bed.
There's no hesitation after that.
No overthinking again Jay jay...but if I stop—I'll spiral again.
So I didn't.
I move fast, mechanically almost, pulling on a comfortable hoodie set, slipping my headphones around my neck as I do a final check of my already packed luggage from last night, making sure everything is in place.
Just the way I like it.
By 4:30, I'm out of my room.
The house is quieter than usual—but not empty.
I pause slightly when I step into the living room and see them.
Dad and Percy—already dressed, stretching lightly, clearly about to head out for their usual morning jog.
Percy looks up first. "Damn," he whistles softly. "Look at you—Miss International Crisis already on the move."
I roll my eyes, adjusting my bag on my shoulder. "Very funny kuya."
Dad walks over, placing a firm hand on my head for a second, his voice softer. "Stop it percy,your sister is overtaking four biggest clients of the company....anyway anak be careful alright, Jay."
"I will dad..," I nod.
Percy steps closer, his expression turning just a little more serious. "You sure you don't want us to drop you?"
I shake my head immediately. "No. I'm taking my car. The driver will handle it after—I've already arranged everything."
He studies me for a second longer—then nods. "Alright."
There's a pause.Then I step forward and hug them both..tighter than usual.
Not because I'm scared—but because something about this trip feels… different.
"Call me if anything feels off I'll be on the first flight to get you back....," Percy murmurs quietly.
"I will."
I pull away, giving them one last look before turning toward the door and just like that—
I left....
The airport doesn't feel like an airport when you own the jet.
Security is nonexistent for me, the car driving straight onto the runway, the early morning sky still dark with just hints of light creeping in.
The pilot greets me the moment I step out.
"Good Morning Ma'am, we'll be ready for takeoff in about fifteen minutes."
I nod once, glancing at the empty steps. "That's fine. We're waiting for one more."
He nods and steps aside.And right on cue—A car pulls in fast.I don't even have to guess.
Jeremy practically jumps out, one hand holding files, the other dragging his suitcase, clearly rushing.
"You're late Jere," I call out flatly.
"I'm fashionably late Jay," he shoots back, slightly out of breath as he climbs up. "There's a difference."
"You were ten minutes away from being left behind."
"You wouldn't dare."
I raise a brow. "Try me next time."
He grins. "Missed me that much?"
"Unfortunately."
He gasps dramatically. "That hurts and felt pleasent...."
"Wahtever,now sir we need to discuss a few things before I doze off..."
The jet door closes behind us and just like that
We're in the air.
"Alright so listen up," Jeremy says once we're settled, already handing me the schedule.
I take it, scanning quickly.
"We land at 10 in London and our first meeting is with—Willow Industries at 12."
My eyes narrow slightly. "They're first?"
He nods. "Yeah. Apparently the London legal team messed up a solo collaboration deal between Willow and Mariano Industries as well so we need to take up on it too I have studied the case and made notes and I have sent it to you..you can overlook it once...."
My jaw tightens.
"Of course they did," I mutter.
"And then at 3 PM," he continues carefully, "all four companies will be present for the joint legal discussion and then one more meeting with a potential client that also requires an immediate meeting due to.....legal team..."
Fuck.
Something sharp flickers in my chest—but I bury it instantly.
"They messed up this badly?" I ask coldly.
Jeremy winces slightly. "Bad enough that you might wish to fire someone."
I let out a short breath.
"Oh, I definitely will," I say simply. "In front of everyone."
He blinks. "Public execution?"
"Professional accountability," I correct. "They need to know we don't tolerate incompetence and ignore the profesional conduct..."
"Remind me to never be on your bad side."
"Too late you already are..."
He huffs, then adds, "Funny...Also—since neither Percy nor your dad could make it—you'll be acting as co-CEO for this."
I freeze mid-page.
"Excuse me?"
"You're representing both legal and executive authority," he clarifies. "So… double role."
I lean back slowly, closing my eyes for a second.
"Fantastic," I mutter dryly. "Exactly what I needed."
"You'll be great."
"I know," I sigh. "That's not the problem."
A pause.Then—
"Get me everything on Willow Industries' CEO," I say, opening my eyes again. "Personal details. Preferences. Anything useful."
Jeremy nods. "Already did."
"And?"
He hesitates. "There's not much on him...he's very....private."
"figured...but not even a single detail?."
"Nope only that he is a pilipino," he adds. " His initials—C. Willow."
I hum slightly.
"That's it?"
"And… he has a taste for good wine."
That makes me pause.
"…interesting."
I look at him. "You know what,arrange the finest wine selection we can get. Premium. No compromises."
"As a gesture?"
"As an apology or a way to show our sincerity...," I correct. "We show sincerity first and then we take up on the accountability part...."
He smirks. "Ruthless and classy."
"I prefer efficient."
Somewhere between reviewing files and planning strategies—I fall asleep.
Because my body knows what's coming.
"Jay—get up..."
A light nudge.
"We're here."
My eyes open slowly.
London.
By 10:30, we're already in the car heading toward the hotel.
"Has the team arrived?" I ask immediately.
"They flew in last night," Jeremy replies. "They're ready with the notes and documents and will be meeting you at the office by 11:30."
I check the time.
"One hour," I nod. "That's enough and any other Willow CEO info?"
"Sent to your tab," he says.
I skim it briefly.Minimal.Too minimal.
I don't like that.
"Is the wine arranged??" I ask.
"Yes,it's been delivered to the office as well so no need to worry....."
"Good."
The hotel room is quiet—but my mind isn't.
I took a quick shower and when I stepped out wearing my robe and opened my luggage to pick an outfit—
I stopped.
Suddenly Kyle's voice echoes in my head.
Dress like a weapon.
I stare at my options for a second longer than necessary.Because this?
This isn't just another meeting.
This is—Seven years of unfinished history walking into one room.
My jaw tightens.
The I made my decision.
I pull out the suit the three-piece.Black Sharp. Tailored. Impeccable.My favourite Louboutins.Hair slicked back into a clean, tight bun.Minimal jewelry.Maximum impact.
(Check the comments)
When I look at myself in the mirror—Wow I looked... amazing....
"Good," I murmur.
Because if I'm walking into war—I'm not walking in unarmed.
~11:15 AM.Lobby.
Jeremy is already there—and the moment he looks up—He whistles.
"Damn,Jay Jay..," he grins. "Someone's about to lose their composure today seeing you like this....."
I grab my file, walking past him. "Focus,Jere."
"I am focused," he says, catching up. "On the chaos you're about to cause."
"Whatever...Let's go."
The Mariano London building stands tall—impressive, polished, powerful.Just like it should be.
The moment I step inside—Everything shifts.
"Good morning, Ms. Mariano."
"Welcome Attorney Mariano...."
"Welcome—"
People step aside,some bow slightly.I don't slow down not even for a second.I reached the conference room.
The doors open—and I walk in like I own the place.
Because I did.
"Ms. Mariano—" Ms. Maureen starts nervously, rushing forward along with Mr. Smith.
I lift a hand.They stop instantly.
"We'll talk later," I say coldly. "Not here."
They exchange a glance.
"Y-Yes, ma'am."
Good.They step back in time otherwise only God knows what I was gonna do to them...
Jeremy leans in slightly. "Jay,Mr. Willow is here."
I nod once, adjusting my sleeves, buttoning my blazer smoothly.
"Send him in."
My posture straightens.My expression resets.
Cold. Composed. Untouchable.The door opens.
I look up—and I freeze.
Not visibly.Not enough for anyone else to notice.
But inside—Everything stops.
Because standing there—Is not just a stranger and not just the past.
It's something far more complicated and for the first time since landing—
I realize.This isn't going to be controlled.Not completely.Not anymore.