Nemesis, I'm not yours | COMPLETED.

Chapter One

Isla

[Starz Fashions, CEO's office]

I slammed my fist on the desk, scattering papers across the polished mahogany surface. "One job! I gave you one simple task and see no results. Give me one reason I shouldn't fire you right now?" My voice boomed, barely containing my fury.

Across the desk, a sheepish-looking man stammered, "Boss, I won't do it next time. I promise!"

I scoffed. "Of course, you won't." A cruel twist of my lips hinted at the rumors that followed me – ruthless, demanding, and utterly unforgiving. "Because you're fired," I declared, the finality in my voice leaving no room for argument.

The man practically scrambled out of his chair, relief washing over his features. I watched him go, a flicker of something akin to sadness crossing my eyes before it was extinguished by the steely glint that returned. Just then, the door to my office swung open, revealing a figure bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.

"Hey there, my favorite person in the whole wide world," Jack Lewis drawled, amusement dancing in his voice. The cologne that preceded him announced his arrival even before he did.

I raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on my face. "What do you want, Jack?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Help, what else?" Jack replied with a lopsided grin. "But seriously, you look like you could use a break. Mind if I steal my best friend for a bit?"

I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was nearly 7 PM, the official end of my workday. "I'm swamped right now, Jack. Can this wait until later?"

Jack sighed dramatically, collapsing onto one of the plush armchairs. "Can't you make time for your only best friend who's practically worshipped the ground you walk on since diapers?"

I rolled my eyes, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips despite myself. I set my work aside, giving Jack my full attention. "Alright, alright. Spill it. What's got the great Jack Lewis needing help from a ruthless fashion CEO?"

Jack cleared his throat, momentarily forgetting his theatrics. "It's a new case I'm working on. It's a bit complicated, Isla. Both sides came to me, each with their own story. I can't seem to figure out who's telling the truth, and it's driving me crazy."

I leaned back in my chair, listening intently. "Let me guess," I said finally, "your heart is telling you one thing, and your head is telling you another?"

Jack grimaced. "Exactly. It's a mess, Isla. I need your... objectivity."

I was known for my sharp mind and laser focus, the perfect foil to Jack's easygoing nature. "Look," I said, my voice firm but laced with a hint of concern, "from a professional standpoint, this is your case to handle. But as your friend, I say talk to them both. Get their stories straight. Then, use your gut feeling. You've got good instincts, Jack. Trust them."

Jack groaned. "That sounds cheesy coming from you, Ice Queen."

I smirked. "Now get out. I have actual work to do."

"Fine, fine," Jack grumbled, rising from the chair. "But how much longer will you be here? I have a feeling celebrating with takeout might be a good way to unwind after this crazy case."

I glanced at the clock again. "Another hour, tops. Just don't expect me to share my fries."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Jack winked before sauntering out of the office.

I settled back into my work, a determined glint in my eyes. Deadlines loomed, but for the first time that evening, a sliver of a smile played on my lips. Jack, for all his teasing, was a constant source of amusement and a welcome distraction from the relentless demands of my career.

The clock struck seven, and with a satisfied click, I shut down my computer. Tonight's work was done. Stretching my stiff muscles, I grabbed my bag and headed towards the door, ready to face Jack and a well-deserved dinner.

As I stepped out of my office, I was met with an unexpected sight. Jack was sprawled on the waiting room sofa, fast asleep. A half-eaten bag of chips lay discarded on the coffee table beside him.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Please don't tell me you slept on this uncomfortable couch. If you wanted to sleep, you could've slept on the couch inside my office. Unlike this one, it is meant for sitting and sleeping."

"Couldn't bring myself to do that, sweetheart. You wouldn't have been able to concentrate because of my handsomeness."

"If you were handsome to me, we'd be married by now. Don't waste your time and get to the point. What do you want from me?"

"A date."