Kayla's POV
“Since you’re not considering a divorce, how about getting me a job? I can’t spend all day at home anymore,” I said as I followed Andrew around the room while he got ready for work.
He glanced at me briefly and replied with a hint of scorn, “What exactly can you do? You’ve spent so much time sheltered by your father that you haven't interacted with many people. How can you be expected to deal with the real world?”
“I understand your concern, but please give me a chance. I’m confident I can discover something I’m skilled at,” I pleaded.
“You’re better off a gold digger. Just stay at home,” he replied dismissively.
While it was true that I lacked practical experience because of my upbringing, I wasn’t willing to let my life pass by as a housewife. I needed to feel productive, and more importantly, I wanted to find a way to see Jade again.
I knew that persuading Andrew would likely be futile so I had prepared something in advance. “Then I'm afraid, I might have to consider sharing that video of you using drugs with your father.”
He stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing in anger. “What did you just say?”
Gathering my courage, I reiterated, “You heard me correctly. I’ll show your father that video.”
His expression shifted to disbelief. “And how did you get such a video?”
“Let’s just say you haven't been the best at keeping your affairs in order,” I replied, feeling a sense of empowerment.
He glared at me intensely, his jaw clenched as he took a moment to process my words. “You’re just like your father,” he growled.
I couldn’t help but smirk, “It’s called the hustle, sweetheart.”
After a brief pause, he studied me with a mix of emotions before finally asking, “So what kind of work are you thinking about?”
I smiled and placed my hand on my hip, flipping my hair back confidently. “I’d love to take part in an outing for a few weeks. That way, I can figure out what I really want to do.”
He snatched his suit jacket from the chair and stormed out of the room. I let out a low chuckle that I hoped echoed in the hallway, just enough for him to hear. My life hadn’t turned out as I envisioned, but every time I found myself in a position of control over him, it brought a thrill. I know I was thrust into his world without choice, but he showed little respect for me as a person, treating me as if I were invisible, especially when he made out with his girlfriend in my presence.
An hour after Andrew left, I found myself dressed and ready to leave, even though I wasn't quite sure where I wanted to go. As I descended the stairs, my thoughts gravitated toward a specific location, though I questioned my own bravery in going there.
“Where are you headed, ma’am?” the driver asked.
I took a deep breath, summoning my resolve, “Take me to Jade.”
He glanced back at me, surprised. “Jade? Jade Morgan?”
Trying to project confidence, I replied, “Yes, Jade Morgan.”
“Does the master know about this?” he pressed.
I sighed, exasperated. “Of course he does.”
Doubt lingered in his eyes as he stepped aside to call Andrew. I was confident that Andrew wouldn't deny me this visit, so I settled into the car and awaited his return. When he got back, the car was already moving when my phone rang. “Andrew,” I said softly.
Without waiting for a response, he asked, “What do you want with my enemy?”
“She's your enemy, not mine. I just want to visit my sister-in-law,” I responded, a hint of impatience in my tone.
He exhaled deeply before abruptly hanging up…
When we arrived at Hazel Gym, the structure was impressive, unlike any typical gym I’d seen. Its expansive premises resembled half a football field, and the luxury cars parked outside was an indication that this was a hike for the rich.
My heart began to race, pounding heavily in my chest. For a fleeting moment, I considered turning back, but my desire to see her again pushed me forward. I counted to fifty, yet I still found it difficult to muster the courage to enter.
I adjusted my knee length peach colored gown that accentuated my figure, using my hand I brushed my hair backward, allowing it to fall gracefully on my back. After taking a few deep breaths, I counted to ten and finally pushed through the glass door. As I stepped inside, my purse tumbled to the floor, capturing everyone’s attention, including Jade’s.
I looked up to find Jade gazing at me, her brow furrowed as if questioning my presence. I attempted to maintain my composure, but my heart raced, and I instantly regretted coming here. The others resumed their activities, but Jade kept her focus on me, awaiting my next move.
As I reached for my purse, I wiped away an imaginary dust and turned to leave, but my heels betrayed me. I twisted my ankle and stumbled to the floor, but Jade was quick to catch me.
Her grip was firm yet gentle. She guided me to lean on her, and before I could respond, she swept me off my feet effortlessly. In her arms, she carried me up the stairs with so much ease. I stole a glance at her face, captivated by her beauty.
Her lips were soft, a delicate blend of pink and peach, and her jawline was defined yet perfectly feminine. The scent of her cologne mingled with a hint of sweat, creating an unexpectedly pleasant aroma.
Upon reaching the second floor, Jade used her leg to push open the door and stepped inside with me still cradled in her arms.
“Are you hurt?” she asked as she gently set me down in a chair.
My throat felt dry from a mix of nervousness and excitement as she sat in front of me and lifted my injured foot to assess the situation. “No, I'm fine,” I replied, avoiding her gaze.
“That's good,” she responded, her tone straightforward.
An awkward silence lingered for a moment. When I finally looked up, I found her eyes fixed on me, and a warm smile graced her lips, revealing her bright white teeth. With a gentle, soothing voice, she asked, “To what do I owe this visit?”
Feeling a bit flustered and unsure, I shrugged and answered instinctively, “Just to see you.”
Jade raised her eyebrows, clearly seeking more information.
“Oh, no,” I quickly clarified, shaking my head. “I came to work out; I didn’t realize this place belonged to you. I hadn’t thought of you since yesterday, so it’s not like I was intentionally looking forward to seeing you here.” I chuckled nervously, waving my hand in the air to emphasize my point.
She just sat there, smiling and nodding. Obviously not buying what I just said.
My heart raced as she looked at me, the rise and fall of my chest revealing my nervousness. Sensing the impact she had on me, she stood up. “Let’s get you changed into some activewear,” she said with a confident smile.
She moved with grace toward a drawer, dressed in black tracksuit pants that sat low on her hips, revealing the waistband of her sports innerwear. The black sports bra hugged her torso, accentuating her toned figure and the definition of her abs. A strand of hair, damp with sweat, fell across her forehead, adding to her athletic allure.
I couldn't help but admire her from head to toe, my gaze lingering on her sleek black sneakers as it traveled upwards. When I looked up to meet her eyes, she beckoned me closer. I felt like a puppet on strings, moving eagerly toward her, stopping just a few steps away, anticipating her next command.
Instead of speaking, she placed her left hand on my waist, pulling me nearer. Our eyes locked, and in a surprising move, she playfully used her lips to tear open a poly mailer containing a piece of sportswear, a corner of it still dangling from her mouth.
I swallowed hard, my heart racing as I battled the impulse to lean in and kiss her.
In a husky voice, she instructed, “Turn around.”
I complied, feeling electrified as her fingers brushed against my back, my body craving more contact, though she merely brushed off my hair from my back unclipping the pearl I wore. “I’ll hold onto this for you,” she said as she presented the sportswear to me. Once I had it in hand, she turned to the door.
“You can use the sneakers under the desk, I’ll wait outside,” she announced before stepping out, not glancing back at me.