32

Jennifer.
I took a refreshing shower, letting the warm water cascade over me, washing away the stress and confusion that clung to me like a heavy fog. Each droplet felt like a cleansing ritual, and I tried to let go of the emotional turmoil that had been brewing inside. Afterward, I slipped into a beautiful, sexy dress that hugged my curves perfectly, enhancing my figure in a way that made me feel beautiful and confident. A wave of empowerment surged through me as I walked down the stairs, eager yet nervous about the evening ahead. Mr. Cercus had called to inform me he would be arriving in just one minute, and I felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
As I stepped out through the grand door of the chateau, I spotted him approaching in a sleek, elegant suit that accentuated his handsome features. He stepped out of his car with an air of sophistication that was hard to ignore. “Oh, Miss Jennifer, you look absolutely amazing!” Mr. Cercus exclaimed, his gaze lingering on my dress and body.
His words ignited a spark of confidence within me, lifting my spirits just a little higher. I felt empowered, ready to face whatever unknown destiny awaited me. It was strange to think I had gone from feeling like a victim to someone who could take charge of her life. In just a few days, it seemed like I had accumulated more enemies than I could handle, and the thought was both thrilling and terrifying.
Chuckling lightly, I replied, “Thank you, Cercus! You look fantastic too. Honestly, you surprised me. I was so confused about what to wear, but now, seeing you in that suit, I feel like I made the right choice.”
“First, Miss Jennifer, please just call me Cercus. Second, you would look amazing in any outfit,” he said, his nod sincere and warm.
“Thank you, Cercus. I guess we should head out now,” I responded, feeling a flutter of excitement in my stomach as I looked around, searching for everyone else. Just then, Jack rushed in, grabbing my arm with urgency.
“Are you mad, Jack?!” I shouted, taken aback by his sudden appearance.
“Don’t yell at me, Jennifer! I can’t handle this anymore! I will never let you go alone with this man!” Jack screamed, his voice filled with frustration and panic.
At that moment, everyone else rushed in as well. Tomas remained rooted in place, his eyes locked on me and Jack, a storm brewing in his expression. Mark appeared next, stepping forward to intervene.
“Jack, calm down. You’re not her fiance. The one who should be fighting for her is Tomas, not you!” Mark said firmly, trying to assert some authority.
Jack’s eyes widened in disbelief. “All of you want a piece of Jennifer! She’s my best friend! I won’t let her get hurt by a selfish man like Tomas! I know her better than anyone! I know when she falls in love!” Jack shouted, turning his head to look at me with a mix of concern and anger, his loyalty evident.
I cleared my throat, feeling the tension in the air thickening like a cloud. “This is none of your business, Jack,” I said in a low voice, trying to assert myself. I opened the door to the limo and climbed in, with Cercus following me and closing the door behind him.
“Please, let’s move, Mr. Cercus,” I urged, hoping to escape the escalating confrontation.
Jack stood defiantly in front of the car, blocking our way. “Leave her, Jack! Just leave her!” Tomas shouted, his voice sharp and commanding, cutting through the tension.
With a sigh of relief, Mr. Cercus began to drive me around the island, and I marveled at the beauty of the scenery unfolding outside the window. This was a place I had only dreamed of visiting, and here I was, treated with kindness and care. No one had ever shown me this kind of attention before, and it made me feel both special and anxious.
He was handsome and tough but different from Tomas-he wasn’t the typical womanizer I had encountered. Instead, he seemed wise and mature, qualities that intrigued me further as we drove along the winding roads.
Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt, and we arrived at a stunning location that took my breath away. Mr. Cercus opened the car door for me, revealing a cobblestone path illuminated by flickering candlelight. As I walked, I felt a sense of wonder wash over me. The path led to a table set right in the middle of the sea, adorned with an exquisite dinner, vibrant flowers, and flickering candles that danced in the gentle breeze.
“It’s beautiful,” I breathed, taking it all in, overwhelmed by the romantic setting.
“Please, have a seat, Miss Jennifer,” Mr. Cercus said, helping me into my chair, his demeanor respectful and attentive.
I sat there, feeling utterly confused by the enormity of it all. I never imagined someone would go to such lengths for me. I began to wonder if perhaps he was only doing this to get back at Tomas, as they were competitors in some business I didn’t fully understand.
“Miss Jennifer, I suppose you are wondering why I invited you here?” he asked, breaking my thoughts with a gentle smile.
I widened my eyes, curiosity piqued. “Yes, please tell me. This is such a romantic place,” I replied, attempting to mask my apprehension.
“Like a date, right?” he teased, his tone light.
“Yes, Mr. Cercus, but no one has ever done anything like this for me before,” I admitted, a blush creeping up my cheeks as I felt both flattered and vulnerable.
“I think it’s because no one has cared for you like I do, Miss Jennifer,” he responded earnestly, his gaze intense and sincere.
“Care about me?” I echoed, surprised by his words and the depth of his gaze.
“Yes, you’re innocent, and you deserve to live like a queen,” he said, his expression unwavering.
“A queen?” I smirked, trying to downplay the compliment that made my heart flutter.
“Yes, Miss Jennifer, a queen! Just give me the chance, and you will see how I care about you, how much I like you, and what I could do for your happiness,” he assured me, placing his hand gently over mine.
I instinctively pulled my hand back, feeling a rush of conflicting emotions. “What are you saying? I’m engaged!” I nearly shouted, standing up in protest, the weight of my commitment pressing down on me.
“Wait, Miss Jennifer, please…” he pleaded, reaching for my hand again, his expression one of desperation.
I turned to face him, my expression firm. “I think I was right to suspect your intentions. You think I’m an easy girl, and you want to take me from Tomas to win your little game. You won’t succeed, Mr. Cercus. Now, please let me go!”
He laughed, a sound that both confused and irritated me. “A game? No way! You truly are innocent. Do you even understand the nature of the competition between Tomas and me? I guess not, because if you did, you wouldn’t be here with me,” he said, grinning in a way that made me wary.
“What do you mean?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me despite my reservations.
“You should ask Mr. Tomas about that, not me! He’s your fiance, not me!” he replied, teasingly as if the whole situation were a game to him.
I raised an eyebrow, my irritation boiling over. “No, you started this conversation, so you have to answer me now, Mr. Cercus! What kind of work do you do?” I demanded, my tone firm.
He gestured for me to sit down again. “Have a seat, Miss Jennifer, and let me explain,” he said calmly, his demeanor shifting to one of seriousness.
Reluctantly, I sat down, crossing my arms defiantly. “Now talk to me!” I commanded, feeling more like a judge than a guest.
“We have a weapons factory. We trade in weapons, Miss Jennifer,” he stated plainly, his gaze unwavering.
I gasped, standing up again in shock. “What?! No way! You’re lying! You’re just saying this to break me up with Tomas!”
That was the first thought that sprang to mind, but I realized it might have been a naive assumption.
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “If I wanted to break you up with Tomas, I wouldn’t tell you I have a factory at all! Be smart! I’m being straightforward with you, Jennifer. From the moment I first saw you, I fell for you. I would never hurt you or your feelings. That’s why I’m telling you the truth about myself. You will be safe with me, but with Tomas, no way. He’s heartless and uses everyone around him. All he cares about is money and expanding his empire, controlling more countries. He’s sick!”
I searched his eyes, attempting to decipher the truth in his words, my mind racing with doubts.
“Then how could you fall in love with me? How can I trust you? How can I believe you’re not heartless like Tomas, Mr. Cercus? You have the same job as him-a killer!” I challenged him, my voice rising in indignation.
“I’m not a killer, Jennifer!” he replied, rubbing his chin as if pondering his next words carefully.
“No, you are! You manufacture the weapons that others use to kill people, so you are!” I argued back, my voice filled with righteous anger.
“Listen to me, Jennifer. This isn’t a game, and I need to tell you everything before you judge me. You might think I’m like Tomas, but I’m not! Have you ever wondered why I don’t have women or girls around?” he asked, his tone suddenly serious.
“No! Maybe you’re gay, that’s why!” I shot back, half-joking, trying to lighten the mood but feeling the tension still lingering.
“I told you I’m not gay! I do have one woman, but she’s more like my right hand at work. She’s incredibly faithful. That’s it,” he clarified, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.
“Maybe this assistant is your secret lover! You’re having an affair with her!” I accused, my suspicions flaring again.
“No, Miss Jennifer, you need to hear the whole story first. You need to understand why I hate Tomas so much and why I don’t have any women in my life. Please, just give me a chance. Sit down and listen. Trust me, I’m different,” Cercus implored, his eyes earnest.
I reluctantly sat down again, not because I liked him, but because I wanted to understand the full picture of Tomas’s life. It felt as if everyone else knew him well except for me, and I was determined to figure out the truth behind this web of lies and deceit.