Love in the Spotlight - Bangchan

Chapter 4

The scene unfolding in front of my eyes was beyond belief.

"Are you being for real right now?" I stride towards them.

"Maya, it's not-"

"The hell it's not!" I cut him off.

"Um, who is she?" the unknown woman asks, raising an eyebrow.

Frozen in a state of shock, Jake stands motionless with uncertainty about what to do or say. He looks at the mystery woman, then back at me, unable to form words.

"It's not what it looks like, we were just" he was unable to finish that sentence not thinking quick enough for an excuse.

"So this is why you've been acting differently lately? You've moved on to another woman? Showing less interest in the girl you swore you wanted to marry and build a future with?" my heart begins to pound, fighting tears, not wanting to show even a hint of weakness.

"Maya, give me a chance to explain" he lets go of her and walks towards me.

"No" I step away.

"I'm not doing this right now" I shake my head.

Without a second thought, I turn around and rush off. Unable to hold my tears, I let it all flow down. I could not explain my emotions; I was hurt, frustrated, furious, embarrassed and somewhat glad. Because now I have a reason to blame Jake for how he has been acting toward me. I thought I was going insane thinking I was the problem.

Saturday 7:17pm

Five days. Five days of no contact with Jake since the incident. Five days of constantly avoiding Jake and his endless phone calls.

Standing outside Jakes house, I knock on the door and step aside. He opens the door and steps out, shutting the door behind him.

"I don't want you to talk. I talk and you answer. Got it?" I firmly state.

He nods his head.

"How long has this been going on?" I ask.

"About a month" he keeps his head down due to embarrassment.

"Who is she?"

"She's a colleague" he muffles.

I knew I wasn't going to like the answer to this question, but it had to be asked. For my own well-being and for the sake of my own closure.

"Do you have feelings for her?"

Silence.

"Do you have feelings for her Jake?" I ask in a harsher tone.

"I do" still avoiding eye contact with me.

That was all I needed to hear. Stepping closer to him, I raise my right hand which meets with his face in a sharp slap that could be heard from down the street.

"You're a piece of shit you know that?" the same tears had come rushing back.

It wasn't the closure I deserved, but definitely the one I needed. Walking away, I make my way back home. 

Chan's POV

Currently in the recording studio of the JYP building, the Kids and I are working on new music. Taking turns recording our parts, I was left in charge of guiding the boys on areas of improvement.

"Try it again, I want to see something" I instruct Han.

Sipping on my energy drink, I adjust the hood on my head and lean back in my chair. We have been at this all day and currently needed some time out.

"Just let go!" a voice yells from outside the studio walls.

Everyone turns around to face the door.

"What was that?" Felix asks.

"I don't know but it sounds like something serious" Changbin chips in.

"God damn it Maya would you stop!"

Standing up, I ask the boys to stay inside as I head outside myself. Two people were down the hall arguing. It was the same girl from earlier on, the new hire. She was backing herself off the boy who seemed to be physically forcing himself on her.

"I said I don't want to hear it, now let go" she harshly removes her wrist from his grip.

Moving my feet towards them, I had to settle this.

"Is there a problem?" I ask as they both step away.

She was facing away from me, as if embarrassed somewhat.

"This doesn't concern you buddy" the boy rudely states.

"Actually, you're on public property so it concerns everyone. If I didn't know any better I'd think you were giving this lovely lady a hard time" I step toward him, not showing a glimpse of fear.

"This is none of your business" he walks toward me, standing against me as if I had anything to fear.

"Is he giving you a tough time?" I ask the girl.

She nods her head, still avoiding eye contact. Pulling out my phone, I raise it in his face.

"I have security and police on speed dial. If you don't walk away in the next ten seconds, I can have you removed from the premises permanently" I say.

I had seen this man around several times. He was an employee and only ten seconds away from being an ex-employee. He stares down the girl then right back at me.

"You're making a big mistake Maya" he grits between his teeth and walks away, shaking his head.

Turning around to face her, I see her holding her wrist, wincing in pain.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

She nods her head.

"I am so sorry. This won't happen again" she bows. "Please don't tell my boss, I'm only new and don't want to get fired straight away" she pleads.

"That's not a priority right now. Can I see your wrist?" I ask.

With hesitation, she pulls out her right bruised wrist. That man had a real strong grip on her. The redness around her wrist was fairly visible.

"Let's get you some ice" I place my hand gently on her back and guide her down the hall and into the nurse's room.

I wait outside for her in the hallway until she comes out. She carries an ice pack around her wrist.

"Feeling better?" I ask.

"The nurse gave me some anti-inflammatory medication to ease the swelling and pain" she states.

I nod in approval.

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I'm okay. Once again, I'm so sorry for wasting your time. A busy man like you shouldn't have to be worrying about work drama" she apologised.

"Stop saying sorry. I'm glad I came out on time. If there's anything you need, contact my assistant. I'll give him your details and you let me know if that guy or anyone else gives you a tough time".

"Thank you, but I should be okay" not once has she made eye contact with me during this whole conversation.

Advising her to take the day off, she hesitates and ends the conversation then and there. Wanting to head back, I stop her in her tracks.

"Wait" she stops midway, refusing to turn around.

"Look at me" I say.

Slowly turning around, she lifts her head. Eyes filled with pain, tears streaming down her face like she'd been at it for a while. Without a second thought, she breaks down into sobs and begins to wipe her tears away.

"I'm so sorry I'm not usually like this. This is embarrassing for me" she manages to say.

"Maya, is it?" I ask.

She nods.

"Come with me" I lend out my hand.

"What?" she asks.

"Just trust me".