Chapter Five: The Man I Didn't Expect
1214 Words
“Smile, Joyce.”
Sofia’s voice came through my phone like a command. I glanced at my reflection in the dressing mirror. Black silk gown, diamond earrings. Hair swept back in a way that made me look calm, elegant… untouchable.
Exactly the image Jack loved to show the world. “Do I look like someone who wants to smile?” I asked dryly.
“You look like someone who’s about to murder her husband,” Sofia replied.
I almost laughed. “Close enough?”
“Good,” she said. “Now listen to me. Tonight is important.”
“It’s a charity event.” “It’s a room full of rich people, politicians, investors, and gossip,” she corrected. “Which means one thing.”
“What?”
“If Victoria has been spreading lies about you, someone in that room has heard them.”
I adjusted my bracelet slowly.
“Then they’ll hear the truth soon enough.”
Sofia hummed thoughtfully. “Just remember, don’t start a war tonight.”
“I won’t.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
I picked up my clutch. “But if someone starts one with me…” I smiled faintly.
“I’ll finish it.”
Sofia sighed dramatically. “You’re terrifying.”
“I know.”
The ballroom of the Grand Regency Hotel glittered with chandeliers and soft music.
Wealthy donors mingled with politicians while cameras flashed at the entrance.
Jack loved events like this. They fed his reputation of being the kind, generous businessman. I stepped inside alone, Jack had already arrived earlier, claiming he needed to “network.”
Of course he did. A waiter passed with champagne and I took a glass.
“Joyce?”
The voice was familiar, deep and slightly amused. I turned.
Jason Carter stood a few feet away, hands in the pockets of his tuxedo, looking exactly the way I remembered. Tall, broad-shouldered. Dangerously handsome. The kind of man people noticed the moment he walked into a room. He smiled slowly.
“Well,” he said, “this is becoming a habit.”
I tilted my head.
“Running into you?”
“Yes.”
I took a sip of champagne.
“The last time was my birthday party.”
Jason nodded. “And before that, five years ago at a fundraiser.”
“You remember?” He gave me a look.
“I remember everything about that night.”
My eyebrow lifted slightly. “Everything?”
Jason’s smile widened just a little.
“You were wearing a red dress,” he said calmly. “You argued with the auction host because he was trying to pressure a donor. And you left early because you said the room smelled like fake money.” I blinked.
“That’s… surprisingly accurate.”
“I told you,” he said. “I remember.”
I studied him carefully. Jason Carter had always been like this. Observant and calm, Sharp in ways people underestimated.
He gestured toward my glass.
“Champagne?”
“Yes.”
He lifted his own. “Then we’re both pretending to enjoy this event.”
I smiled faintly. “Pretending?” “Yes,” he said. “Charity galas are just rich people trying to look noble.”
“That’s a very cynical view.”
“Not cynical,” he corrected. “Realistic.”
I studied him for a moment. “And yet you’re here.” Jason shrugged. “Good publicity.” Honest and blunt. I appreciated that.
“So,” he said, glancing around the ballroom, “where’s the famous husband?”
My smile didn’t change.
“Networking.”
Jason hummed. “I see.”
Something about the way he said it made me narrow my eyes slightly. “You don’t sound convinced.”
Jason met my gaze.
“I’ve been around men like Jack.”
“Oh?” “Yes.”
“And what does that mean?” I asked.
He smiled lightly.
“It means I’m not surprised he’s not by your side.”
The music shifted to a slower song.
Couples began moving toward the dance floor.
Jason extended his hand. “Dance with me.”
I blinked. “That was sudden.”
“You look bored.”
“I am.”
“Then I’m offering a solution.”
I looked at his hand and for a moment I hesitated, Then I placed my hand in his.
“Fine.”
The dance floor wasn’t crowded.
Jason’s hand settled lightly on my waist as the music played.
“Comfortable?” he asked.
“Enough.”
He chuckled softly.“You’re very cautious tonight.”
“Am I?” I said sharply
“Yes.” He studied my face carefully. “Something’s different about you.” My lips curved slightly. “You haven’t seen me in years.” “True,” he said. “But that’s not what I mean.”
I tilted my head.
“Then what do you mean?”
Jason leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice.
“You look like someone who just learned a dangerous secret.”
My heartbeat didn’t change.
But my mind sharpened instantly.
“Is that so?”
“Yes.” He watched me carefully.
“Did I guess right?” I smiled politely.
“You’re imagining things.”
Jason didn’t argue further. He just smiled like a man who knew better.
“You’ve always been hard to read,” he said.
“Good.”
The music continued.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then Jason said something unexpected.
“You deserve better, you know.” My eyes flicked to his. “Better than what?”
He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, his gaze shifted over my shoulder. Toward the balcony doors then back to me.
“Better than that.” he said with a serious expression on his face. I turned slightly and saw them. Jack, Standing near the balcony with Victoria. Her hand resting on his arm,too close...too familiar. They were laughing together like a private joke existed between them. My jaw tightened. Jason followed my gaze. “Ah,” he said quietly. “So that’s the situation.”
I looked back at him slowly. “You’re very observant tonight.”
He didn’t smile this time. “Joyce.”
“Yes?”
“If you ever need someone on your side…”
His voice dropped slightly.
“I’m a very useful ally.”
I studied his face carefully and smiled faintly.
“Good to know.”The music ended and Jason released my hand. But before I could step away, he leaned closer and said quietly:
“By the way…” “You look much happier dancing with me than watching your husband.”
My smile sharpened slightly.
“That’s because I’m imagining his funeral.”
Jason blinked. Then laughed.
“Remind me never to make you angry.”
“Too late,” I murmured.
Across the ballroom, Victoria suddenly looked in our direction. Her smile faded, her eyes narrowed. And then she leaned closer to Jack and whispered something into his ear. Jack turned slowly. And his gaze landed directly on me. Standing with Jason. His expression hardened instantly. Like a man who had just realized…
His wife might not be as obedient as he thought.
- Writer
