HEAT |OMEGAVERSE| ⚣ ✔️

Drunken Stupor

ALEX'S POV

I don't think I've ever felt so full of life. These past three weeks with Jasper—getting to know him from the inside out—have left me feeling more like myself than I've been in years. I can't even remember the last time I've laughed so hard with someone, stayed up all night binge-watching movies in bed, and felt a connection so real that every conversation comes so effortlessly.

I was terrified that night when I finally told Jasper everything, I thought for sure he wouldn't believe me, or that he'd walk away. But now, I see how incredible his heart is, how much forgiveness he holds, despite the rough upbringing he's had. I've tried asking about his family, about why they don't speak anymore, but I can see the way his eyes darken whenever he brings it up—the kind of pain that doesn't fade easily. I understand that. I know when he feels comfortable, that he will eventually tell me.

On a another note, I've been keeping watch of Jasper's apartment every time I come and go—for a dark grey car lurking in the shadows. To my surprise I haven't seen it once, which gives me hope that whoever it is knows he isn't alone anymore—and will leave him alone. I still find myself anxious to leave his side though. Just because Jasper hasn't received any more messages and we haven't seen the stranger around lately, it doesn't mean he's in the clear.

I've also been working hard, trying my best to prove that he can trust me again, and I'll admit—it hasn't been easy. Even though he never really asks where I am or what I'm doing, I make sure to tell him anyway—showing that I have nothing to hide. I've been more open with my feelings than ever before, I can't remember the last time I've sat down and told somebody, I'm upset—or I'm angry, and even let myself she'd a couple of unwanted tears.

I'm doing my best to stay consistent with my communication now. In the past, I'd get so wrapped up in my own mess that I might go days—even a week, without reaching out. I can see now, after many long conversations with Jasper—that that silence could make someone feel like they don't even cross your mind, and I don't want Jasper to see me in that light. He deserves more than somebody who only occasionally shows they care for him.

There are only two major issues that seem to stand in the way of my peace now...Veronica, and—my father. Which together seem like an impassable obstacle. I sigh and push my face down into my hands, my elbows resting on the hard wood of my desk.

I haven't heard anything from Veronica since she threw her temper tantrum the night she discovered Jasper in my apartment. I've tried numerous times to call and text her, but to no avail she hasn't returned my advances to see Sadie. I glance at the corner of my desk and pick the small framed photo of my daughter up, holding it tenderly in my hands, rubbing at the glass with the pad of my thumb.

I set back down her photo and open my laptop in front of me, remembering I have some important emails I need to get out to other companies for my father.

Moments turn into minutes, and minutes turn into hours as I type away at my desk, sending email after email, typing document after document. Here and there answering a phone call while I take notes on what they say. Before I know it—my watch is telling me that it's time to get out of here.

I shut down my computer and organize the paperwork thats scattered across my desk in chaos, carefully assorting each into a multitude of piles for different clients and investors.

My phone beeps and I take it out of my pocket, looking at the glowing notification at the top.

Jasper: I'm not feeling great today, think I'm gonna lay in bed for a while 🤒

That's his way of saying not to come over, which I get...I've been there a lot recently.

Alex: Feel better, let me know if you need anything :)