Love x betrayal

chapter 29 : feelings

Sadie awoke with a sense of emptiness, her first clue that something was amiss. She shuffled into the kitchen and discovered that the food she had left for Jake was gone. So he came back, she mused, feeling a flicker of hope. Checking her phone, she was startled by a news alert: “CEO of Shires, Jake Hampshire Caught with His Newfound Love.” The accompanying photo showed Jake hugging Camelia, and the sight felt like a physical blow to Sadie’s chest.

Why is he keeping me here, then? she wondered bitterly. I knew I couldn’t trust him. It’s better if I leave. With determination, Sadie began packing her belongings, her movements brisk and resolute.

Jake, having woken up feeling hopeful about the surprise he planned for Sadie, decided to check on her. He was shocked to find her packing her things.

“Sadie, what’s going on?” he asked, his concern evident.

Sadie held up her phone to show him the news report. Jake’s heart sank as he saw the headline and photo. He attempted to explain, “Camelia is just an old school friend. The picture doesn’t mean what you think.”

Sadie’s eyes flashed with anger. “Stop lying to me, Jake.”

Jake smirked, slightly frustrated and confused by her reaction. “I thought you didn’t like me. Why does it bother you so much?”

Sadie’s face flushed with embarrassment and unspoken feelings. She was surprised to realize that her emotions for Jake were more complicated than she had admitted. *Why am I letting this bother me so much?* she wondered, shaking off the confusing thought.

Jake noticed her reaction and felt a powerful pull. Seeing her vulnerability, he couldn’t resist. Without a word, he swept her off her feet and carried her to the car. Sadie protested, but Jake was determined.

He drove her to a fancy restaurant, filled with elegance and class. As the waiter seated them and handed Sadie the menu, Jake said, “Order whatever you want.”

Sadie looked at him skeptically. “You think you can buy my heart with food? Not working,” she replied defiantly. Yet, as she glanced through the menu, a mischievous smirk appeared on her face. “I’ll get two of everything,” she told the shocked waiter.

The meal that arrived was enough to feed a small army. Sadie couldn’t help but laugh at the sheer abundance of food, realizing they couldn’t possibly finish it all. Jake chuckled and said, “Don’t worry about it. You’re the most important person right now. You’ll understand the reason for why we met later.” His words were filled with warmth and sincerity, making Sadie smile. She felt a mix of appreciation and curiosity about the surprise Jake had planned.

As they returned home, Jake noticed that Sadie had drunk a bit too much wine. Concerned, he carried her to her room.

Seeing her so vulnerable and relaxed was tempting for Jake. As he tucked her into bed, he couldn’t resist the urge to lean in and steal a kiss. To his surprise, Sadie kissed him back. The moment was electric, and Jake’s stomach did somersaults. His face turned crimson with a mixture of desire and embarrassment.

He wanted her more than anything but knew he needed to control himself. He pulled away quickly, leaving the room before he could do anything he might regret. Alone in his bed, the image of Sadie’s vulnerable state replayed in his mind, making it impossible for him to find peace. He struggled to sleep, tormented by the memory and the intense feelings it stirred.

Later in the night, Sadie woke up with a start, her face flushed as she recalled the evening’s events. She felt a mix of relief and embarrassment that nothing more had happened. As she settled back into her bed, she thanked God for keeping her safe and finally managed to drift into a peaceful sleep, her mind calm despite the day’s tumultuous emotions.