Chapter 20: Regret
As Julia’s eyelids fluttered, on the verge of unveiling the scene before her, Joseph’s urgent voice pierced the air.
“Boss, you’re here. Just a moment ago, Scott…” His words hung in the air, his widening at the sight before him. Julia, ensnared in Jared’s grip, her very presence
eyes orchestrated by the scheming hands of Jared.
A moment’s pause, a breath held, as the atmosphere tingled with anticipation. Joseph’s mind raced, a realization dawning upon him – the boss was about to kiss Julia! The audacity of his ambition was breathtaking, and he had nearly succeeded, inches away from their lips connecting.
Julia’s eyes blinked open, a gasp escaping her lips as she found herself trapped within Jared’s proximity. Bewilderment painted her features, her thoughts echoing in the aftermath of her shock. Why was he so close, invading her personal space with an intent that mirrored a lover’s desire?
Yet, her musings held a rational thread. The idea of Jared harboring romantic inclinations towards women seemed far–fetched, a notion defying his station and appearance. Surely, if his heart inclined towards the fairer sex, he would have forged relationships, perhaps even fathered children.
Jared’s countenance bore a shadow, a cloud of melancholy darkening his features. Had it not been for Joseph’s intervention, he would have triumphed, tasting the sweetness of her lips. “What’s the matter?” Julia inquired, her voice laced with curiosity, unaware of the tumultuous thoughts swirling within Jared’s mind.
Joseph, too, grappled with an unsettling mixture of emotions. Nervously, he stammered, “Mr. Scott overheard of your arrival… he wishes to meet you.”
Jared’s composure realigned, a hint of understanding coloring his response, “I see.” Julia’s resolve stiffened, her gratitude evident. “You aided me earlier, and now it’s my turn to repay the favor. Let’s head over there together.”
Jared’s disquiet simmered beneath his facade, a knot tightening within him. Though he recognized Julia’s utilization of their earlier kiss as a strategic maneuver, hearing her articulate it pierced a fresh wound within him.
Yet, the tide of emotions turned swiftly, as Julia’s fingers linked with Jared’s arm, a gesture laden with playful intent. “If you’re up for it, you could take a page from my book and steal a kiss in front of Naomi Scott,”
Julia’s suggestion hung in the air, suspended in a moment of suspended tension. Jared halted, his gaze sidelong, his eyes riveted to the crimson curve of her lips. Could it be possible?
A cough broke the spell, Jared’s demeanor shifting. “I’m not inclined towards women. Who spread such gossip?”
Julia’s response was a nonchalant shrug, her words dripping with conviction. “Why
would I heed hearsay? You’ve reached the age of thirty without any visible romantic entanglements, and your disinterest in women’s advances is no secret.” She paused, her voice lowering with a conspiratorial note. “Rumors even suggest you might prefer the company of men.”
Jared’s brows furrowed, a mixture of disbelief and exasperation twisting his expression. “Rumors often stray far from the truth.”
Yet, the urgency to clarify remained. He couldn’t allow misunderstandings to fester, not on a matter so personal. “That’s correct,” she admitted, her voice firm. “Misconceptions should be addressed. It’s essential that you know the reality.”
Jared nodded, a thoughtful expression gracing his features. “Yes. Actions speak louder than words, after all. We’ll see if rumors hold any weight.”
In the seclusion of a private chamber, a plea echoed with desperation.
“Dad, please, I can’t bear to marry him! Let me go, I’m begging you.“.
Neil Scott’s countenance remained stern, unmoved by his daughter’s distress. “Don’t be foolish. While Mr. Brooks may already be married, our Scott family and the Brooks family share a strong alliance. He’s never made a public appearance before, but today, on your grandfather’s birthday celebration, he’s willing to attend. If you evade this responsibility, the blame falls on you. Besides, just a few days ago, you crossed words with Mr. Brooks, and he let the matter slide. That’s fortunate enough as it is,” Neil reasoned, though a trace of trepidation crept into his thoughts.
“But I truly can’t stand the idea of marrying that repugnant man, Daddy.”
“Enough!” Grandpa Scott’s booming voice reverberated, his eyes sternly fixed upon Naomi. “Jared is on his way. Mind your words and actions. Moreover, I’ve heard whispers that he might already be wed.”
Naomi’s surprise was palpable. “Is that true?”
Mr. Scott stroked his beard, contemplation etched upon his features. “I can’t verify the authenticity. I’ve heard murmurs within the industry.”
Naomi’s lips curled in skepticism. “It’s probably just a ruse,” she mused aloud. In her estimation, this rumor might well be Jared’s ploy to lower her defenses, coaxing her into meeting him under false pretenses.
As Naomi mulled over her suspicions, a knock echoed through the chamber, signaling the arrival of their guest.
Grandpa Scott and Neil rose from their seats, a sense of anticipation settling over the room. Meanwhile, Naomi huddled in a corner, deliberately keeping her back turned to the door. A deliberate attempt to play on her perceived unattractiveness, hoping to
evoke aversion in others.
As Neil swung open the door, he was momentarily taken aback by the sight that met
his
eyes the young, strikingly handsome figure of Jared.
–
“You, are you Mr. Brooks?” Neil stammered, surprise evident in his voice.
Jared’s response was delivered with an air of indifference. “I am Jared Brooks.” Naomi, her interest piqued by the deep, resonant timbre of Jared’s voice, couldn’t resist turning her head ever so slightly. The sound was an intoxicating blend of masculine allure that tugged at her senses, prompting her curiosity.
And then, their eyes met.
A jolt of astonishment raced through Naomi as she was confronted by Jared’s striking countenance. Her own expression mirrored her inner revelation, a mixture of awe and captivation as she beheld his breathtaking features.
In that fleeting moment, time seemed suspended, their gazes locked in a silent exchange. Naomi’s initial resistance wavered, replaced by an unforeseen attraction that fluttered within her chest.
The room was charged with an electrifying tension, a subtle undercurrent that crackled between them. As Jared’s presence loomed, Naomi found herself ensnared by his magnetic pull, her previous convictions shaken by the undeniable allure that he exuded.
update please thanks