Entangled Fortunes: A Billionaire's Dilemma

Debunking Myths

Chapter Two

With the city buzzing all about me, I stepped out into the crisp night air and headed for Jenny's flat. Every stride I made appeared to count down to the answers I so desperately sought.

As I approached the building, fear slipped in with the nervous energy in the air. What would I find between Jenny's doors? Could she even want to see me?

Heart pounding in my chest, I pushed past my misgivings, took a long breath, and rang the doorbell. Moments passed, as though they lasted forever, until Jenny's worn-out visage was seen when the door opened.

Glancing with surprise, she screamed, "Jude?" How come you are here?

My head racing with a thousand thoughts and emotions, words escaped me. Rather nervously, I managed to say, "I heard you were sick." "I had to see how you were doing."

A small thank you flashed in Jenny's eyes. With a "I'm fine, really," she stepped aside to let me enter. Not really sick.

I accompanied her into her cozy apartment, her familiarity and warmth overpowering my senses. There was something horrifying and exciting at the same time here by myself with Jenny.

We moved into the living room, where the soft light from the lamps left shadows on the walls. Jenny settled upon the couch and I buried myself in its plush cushions, my thoughts still racing from the day's events.

I said, "I hope you don't mind me dropping by unexpectedly," breaking the quiet that hovered between us like a thick mist.

Jenny gave a small head swish. "Not at all," came the hushed reply. That you came makes me very happy.

The words shook me with adrenaline and I felt uncomfortably vulnerable. Jenny, what did you mean? What then was the reason of my intense reaction to her presence?

Before I could really consider the question, Jenny spoke once more in a calm, low voice. Eyes locked, she said, "Jude, I have something to tell you." Crucially, anything.

A heartbeat passed, anticipation churning in the pit of my stomach. Jenny could hardly have told me anything. Why, therefore, did I feel as though the whole universe was going to collapse?

Jenny stumbled out, "I'm pregnant," the words lingering like a thick fog. And you own it now.

I was left reeling in the wake of the revelation, which struck me like a freight train. Are you expecting? Among my kids? Though it was a situation I had never even thought about, here it was, unavoidably harsh and in my face.

Jenny said, "I don't know what to do, Jude," her voice shaking with trepidation. "I don't know where to turn and I'm scared."

With a bolt of lightning-like warmth, I stretched out and took her hand in mine. I said, "You're not alone, Jenny," my voice strained with passion. Anytime you need anything, I'm here for you.

And I knew everything had changed the instant our eyes locked across the living room's width. I was weak and exposed in front of this woman who had seized my soul because the barriers I had erected around my heart were collapsing.

I had no idea, though, that our trip was far from done. We would be entangled into a web of treachery and deceit as the night went on, trying the boundaries of our love and driving us to the point of hopelessness.

And I knew our lives would never be the same when the first rays of morning peaked through the window, revealing the reality that was concealed in the darkness.

Jenny's admission hovered there, a weight of uncertainty. I looked into her eyes, trying to figure out what a range of emotions were whirling about in there. She had a look of fear, doubt, and hope dancing across her features, and I felt completely helpless in the face of her vulnerability.

I said again, "I'm here for you, Jenny," the words resonating in the quiet that descended upon us. "We'll work this through together."

Jenny smiled gently, a glimmer of thanksfulness in her eyes. Little more than a whisper, she said, "Thank you, Jude." "I have no idea how I would manage without you."

Warmth shot through me at the admission, eroding the barriers I had built around my heart. I came to understand then how much I loved Jenny and how far I would go to keep her and our unborn kid safe.

But the hard realities of the outer world broke our brief period of vulnerability. A loud knock at the door broke the tenuous calm that had descended over us as we sat there engrossed in our own thoughts.

Surprised, Jenny's eyes widened and she looked straight toward the door, as though she were bracing herself for the worst. She said, a little nervously, "Who could that be?"

My gut knotting with uneasiness, I got to my feet. My voice firm in spite of the tumult inside of me, I responded, "I'll go see."

I opened the door and crossed the room, and my heart dropped to my feet. Michael appeared in front of me, the competing billionaire whose very existence threatened to break the brittle relationship I had with Jenny.

Michael said, "Jude," grinning smugly. I like having you here.

Grinning formally, I gripped the doorframe more firmly. Why are you here, Michael? In a tone that was just barely hostile, I asked.

Michael grinned wider and his eyes shone with malice. "I could ask you the same thing," he said, sarcastically. "But I think we both know the answer to that."

Jenny was by my side before I could answer, her eyes widening in astonishment at seeing Michael. Confusion obscuring her features, she murmured, "What's going on?"

Michael looked at Jenny now, a predatory glitter in his eyes. His tone silky, "I'm here to offer you a job," he stated. At my firm, a manager post with a pay that would make your head spin.

Jenny's lips opened and closed silently as she tried to find her voice, her eyes enlarging in amaze. At last she said, "I don't understand," her voice tinted with trepidation. How come me?

Michael never looked away from Jenny's face as his smile got wider. "Because I think you have potential, Jenny," he stated in a firm, quiet voice. Potential lost in this pointless career.

I could feel my wrath building and ready to explode. With his walk into this place and his phony flattery and empty promises, who did Michael think he was?

Jenny, though, responded before I could approach him, her voice firm in spite of the fury inside her. I appreciate the offer, Michael, she said, her eyes unmoving. "But where I am, I'm happy."

Michael squinted in frustration, his smile wavering. His tone almost menacing, "Are you sure about that, Jenny?" "Because I don't think you understand what you're losing."

But Jenny's chin raised in defiance as she met Michael's stare squarely. She said, "I'm sure," her voice resonating with assurance. "We have some things to talk about, now if you'll excuse us."

She shut the door in Michael's face and we stood there in awe-stricken quiet. And I came to see that our problems were far from ended as the echo of his leaving vanished into the darkness.

Because relationships might change quickly and allegiances could be put to the test in ways we never could have predicted in the brutal world of high stakes business. And I realized our trip was only getting started as the shadows drew in around us.