The Futile Effort

Part 4

EVA POV

Two weeks of our marital routine have passed. I was very busy with the company. Jess's money helped settle debts and move on. The only inconvenience in this situation was Jess. I tried to avoid her as much as I could. She also went out of my way. However, today we were going to go on a formal date. In the morning she told me to be ready in the evening. She had booked a table at a famous restaurant. I dreaded this evening. I did not want to spend time with her. Ben became jealous and kept talking about how Jess was to blame for everything and that she was probably the one who forced the whole marriage on his father. Although at first I knew it wasn't true, Ben's words made me doubt it. And it made me angry. If she orchestrated the whole thing? I was sick of it. I couldn't even look at her. Which didn't change the fact that I saw jealous glances sent my way when I entered Hunter's company with Jess. Her admirers clearly hated me and Jess just smiled politely at them.

In the evening I chose a black, elegant dress and stilettos. Although I was quite tall, even in stilettos Jess was taller. When I went downstairs, the dark-haired woman was waiting for me, dressed in a black tuxedo, a green shirt that highlighted the colour of her eyes and leather boots. Her hair was styled and she looked really hot. She just glanced at me, smiled a bit and opened the door. We took the lift down to the garage and got into her old Ford Mustang. I thought Ben would have laughed at the old thing. He liked new sports cars. But as we started up and the quiet jazz music began to play inside, I appreciated the comfort of the leather seats and the confidence with which Jess drove the car.

A reserved table stood to the side of the restaurant. We had our own waitress available, who blushed every time she looked at Jess. I rolled my eyes annoyed at this inept flirting. We ate in silence. Occasionally smiling when we heard a flash. Reporters accompanied us for part of the evening. Then the restaurant was practically deserted. Jess was silent as if under a spell. Eventually she spoke up.

"My father was at my office today. He asked me to help you with a presentation for him."

"No thanks, I can handle it myself." I snapped angrily.

"He wanted me to set up a meeting with investors who would be interested in your hotel chain project." Jess continued fiddling with her fork.

I suddenly remembered Ben's words.

"Tell me, did you or your father come up with this wedding? Because it sounds like you want to force me to be with you."

Jess tightened her long fingers on her fork, looking me straight in the eye in disbelief.

"You've got to be kidding." Jess scoffed.

"Your actions indicate that I'm right!" I said louder with indignation.

"You're crazy if you think I'd want to marry you of my own free will. Besides, you're the only person who benefits from this arrangement."

"It's bullshit! You only agreed because Daddy would cut you off from the money and you'd be left with nothing." I smiled mischievously.

Jess closed her eyes for a moment, her fists clenched so tight she bent her fork. When she opened her eyes, there was nothing but cold in them.

"You think so low of me? I don't care about my father's money."

"Oh, so you just wanted to tie me down with you because you didn't make it in high school? You're disgusting!" I continued to stand my ground, watching the paleness that covered Jess' face.

"No. That's not why. After high school I didn't want anything to do with you. Now all we have in common is business and those occasional dates. So please let's eat in peace and get out of here without making a scene. Unless you want my father to take money back..." Jess said coolly.