CHAPTER 39: CHAPTER 39 JEROME FINDS HER

*CADEN*

Alora didn’t leave her bedroom for a day, it helped me catch up on work but I knew she was avoiding me.

Was she feeling that ashamed about what happened?

I chuckled. I admit I had teased her about it and added to her shame but I was just joking with her. I wasn’t feeling wronged about what happened. If anything, I was happy I got to spend the night in her bed.

I was okay with what happened last night.

At this point, I was okay with anything she does to me.

The following day, she had a scene to shoot. I stood in front of the car waiting for her. When she came out, she stared at everything but my face. She was even using her hair to cover her face at some point.

Seriously, she was literally dying of guilt.

We got into the car and she sat near the window, leaning against it and using her hair to cover her face.

Granted, feisty Alora could be really a pain in the neck but I think I’ve come to like how bold and strong-willed she was.

While this was funny and I had fun teasing her, I think it was time to release her from the shame.

I glanced at Hanks to make sure he was focused on driving. I then unfastened my seatbelt and moved closer to Alora.

I gently pulled her hair away from her face, she stiffened and slowly turned to face me, her face turning pink.

“It’s okay. I’m not going to sue you or anything. You can return to your normal self now.”

I watched her throat moved, convulsively.

“I’m really sorry about that night. I could compensate you if you want.”

I shook my head. “I don’t need any. In fact, you can harass me anytime you want.”

She gasped and pushed me away.

I laughed.

Yeah, the normal Alora was back.

“Jerk!”She let out.

***************

That evening, Mason and I met up at a bar. We weren’t clubbing tonight because he doesn’t like it anymore.

We were just having a few drinks and then calling it a night.

I noticed he kept staring at the bracelet in his hand.

Suddenly, he lifted it up to my face.

“This is cute, isn’t it?”

“Mine” was inscribed on the bracelet.

I shrugged.

“Gigi got matching pairs. We both wear it all the time.”He let out, smiling like a fool.

I scoffed.”It’s cheesy. Nothing cute about it.”

“You’re just jealous. If you’re able to win Alora back, I’m sure you would do more than this with her. I’ll be here to tell you how cheesy it is too.”Mason laughed.

I gulped.”Why do you keep saying that? I’m not trying to win her back.”

“I can see you’re still lying to yourself.”

I looked away from him.

The thought of wearing matching stuff with Alora felt wholesome though.

My phone rang out.

I brought it out to see that it was Vance.

I answered.”Talk to me.”

“I have good news, sir. Mr Russo finally fixed a date for the meeting. But he insisted of hearing the proposal from you in person.”

“What date did he choose?”

“Tomorrow, 1:pm.”

“I’ll be there.”I retorted.

Mr Russo was an Italian businessman, a very successful one at that.

I had been trying to make my company go global.

He was my shot at that.

Getting him to do business with me would accelerate my company’s ranking.

This was a huge deal for me. I had been reaching out to him for more than a year now.

“Hanks and Jerry’s schedules are completely free tomorrow, right?”I asked Mason when I ended the call.

“Yeah.”

“Good, I have to be at my company tomorrow. I just got a positive response from a potential business partner and investor.”

“No worries. They can handle everything.”Mason assured.

I nodded.

***********************

*ALORA*

Today, I had a photoshoot, to model and display for a cosmetic company that I was the brand ambassador for.

As I walked out of my house, I found Hanks and Jerry waiting.

It was usually Hanks and Caden while Jerry stayed at the house.

I got into the car and Jerry got to the back seat.

Curiously, I asked.”Where’s Caden?”

“He has something to take care of, Ma’am.”Jerry replied.

Something to take care of?

Wasn’t his job to protect me for now?

The ride was made in total silence and I had no idea why that was suddenly suffocating.

This was how my car rides used to be, my employees did not make small talks with me but I guess I was kinda getting used to Caden talking and pushing my buttons all the way.

I shook my head and assured myself.

It was better this way.

No disturbances.

********

The photoshoot session was going well so far.

They granted me a short break and I headed to the restroom to wash my face.

I was feeling a bit sweaty.

I bent down and splashed water on my face, I heard the sound of the door opening.

I didn’t think too much about it. It could be another woman coming in, after all, this was the women’s bathroom.

But as I lifted my head, I saw my reflection on the mirror and a man behind me.

He was dressed in black.

As I opened my mouth to scream, his hand clamped over my nose suffocating me with a handkerchief.

Slowly, my head spun into oblivion.