Sealed with a kiss (WomanxWoman)

23

Charlotte's Pov:

"Where is she?!" I murmur to myself, staring anxiously at the monitor at 7:50 in the morning. Jenny's not here. God, I hope she's alright. The worry gnaws at me, a knot twisting in my stomach, and I feel utterly helpless, as though I've lost the right to even worry about her. After all, I'm the one who dropped this bombshell on her with no warning. But I didn't have a choice.

The day after Jeffery's threat, I had arranged to meet him for breakfast, determined to end things. I was ready to tell him to forget our engagement and any ideas he had of a marriage. He claimed he had "proof," but I suspected he might be bluffing. Even if he wasn't, I didn't care about my reputation or my job anymore. I didn't care if he went to my father.

But when I arrived at the bistro and looked him in the eyes, declaring my decision, his smug expression didn't waver for even a second. A chill ran through me as he leaned forward, his voice dripping with contempt. He sneered, "You're really going to throw everything you've worked for just to get laid? That girl must be really good in bed."

I felt a wave of revulsion. He couldn't even comprehend love, that much was clear. Everything was a transaction to him, every relationship a means to an end. I should have expected this.

I hoped that after standing my ground, this would all finally be behind me, that I'd be free to be with Jenny. But the gleam in his eyes told me otherwise. He tossed an envelope onto the table, gesturing for me to open it. Inside were photos: shots of me entering the hotel room after the gala, snapshots of us leaving together the next morning, and finally, the two of us kissing in my car before work. A sick, twisted feeling coiled in my gut. These were our private, precious moments. Exposed. Violated. How dare he?! I wanted to scream, but I forced myself to stay composed.

"How did you get these?" I asked, my voice strained. Then I caught myself. "You know what? It doesn't matter. I already told you-I don't care."

But his smile didn't falter. "Oh, I believe you don't care about yourself. But think about your little 'toy.' What will happen to her? It will ruin her."

My heart stopped. Not Jenny. She would be judged for our relationship, overshadowed by scandal instead of being recognized for her own abilities. "Also, you know I have connections," Jeffery continued, his tone cold and calculated. "I can make sure she never works in advertising again-not in this town, not in this country."

I felt my face flush with rage. "You son of a..." I started, but Jeffery remained calm, almost amused by my outburst. He relished my anger.

"So here's the deal," he said, glancing at his watch. "I have a meeting with your father in..." he paused, "...twenty minutes. You'll come with me and announce our wedding date. I've already booked the Plaza, and I've secured the best wedding planner in the business. Nothing but the best for my wife." His last words were dripping with sarcasm, like venom.

I was trapped. My mind raced with the weight of the decision before me. There was no way out that didn't end in Jenny's ruin. I had no choice but to accept defeat. For Jenny's sake, for her future, I had to sacrifice our love. The thought crushed me, but at least she would be free to pursue her dreams and her career.

"One more thing," Jeffery added, eyeing me with satisfaction. "You can't contact your 'play toy' in any way. I'll be watching, and you know now that I have the means." He gestured toward the photos on the table. "Don't you dare try anything." I looked down at my hands. I can't even warn her. She's going to be devastated and will never forgive me. I promised her she is the only one for me, and now... Now she will think I lied to her, tricked her. Oh Jenny! My Jenny! I looked up, gathering my last sesolve and told Jeffery we have to leave toward the office if he dosen't want to be late.

Twenty minutes later, we arrived at my father's office. When Jeffery announced our engagement, my father's face lit up, excitement radiating from him as he bombarded us with questions about the plans. He and Jeffery chatted animatedly, while I remained silent, trapped in my own dark thoughts, haunted by memories of that night at the hotel and our last kiss in the car. If only I had known it would be our last, I would have held her closer, memorized every detail of her touch.

My father and Jeffery talked for what felt like hours, while I struggled to hold back tears, forcing a neutral expression to avoid arousing any suspicion. Finally, my father suggested that we go down to my floor to announce the engagement to everyone.

The dread was overwhelming. As we stood before the gathered staff, my father speaking excitedly beside me, I couldn't bring myself to look in Jenny's direction. I could feel her eyes on me, and the thought of the pain and confusion she must be feeling sliced through me. It took everything I had to keep my expression blank, to not let the tears escape. Jeffery's promise to destroy Jenny's career loomed over me, a constant reminder of the danger she faced because of me.
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A sharp knock on the door pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts. I glance at the clock: 8 a.m. It's Claire. Of course, punctual as ever. She steps into my office with her usual confident energy, her keen eyes immediately scanning me like a hawk.

"Good morning, dear! How are you?" she chirps, though her cheerful tone quickly shifts to concern. She studies me for a moment before adding, "What's wrong?"

Nothing ever escapes Claire. She has a knack for reading people, especially me. I try to brush it off, but the worry in my chest bubbles to the surface. "I didn't see Jenny today. Do you know where she is?"

Claire's face lights up as though she has good news to share. "Of course! I was just about to tell you when I came in. HR called to inform us that Mr. Feingold asked Jenny to assist Marco's team. Apparently, Sheryl's water broke last week, and they needed an extra hand."

Her explanation hits me like a sudden chill. My father? Involving himself in departmental assignments? That's not like him. He rarely meddles in day-to-day operations unless it's absolutely necessary-or unless there's something more to it. And Marco? He's far too proud to request help, even in a crisis. The pieces don't fit. Something about this doesn't feel right.

"Thank you, Claire, for letting me know," I say, my voice calm but laced with unease. "Can you please schedule a meeting with my father? We have a lot to discuss."

Claire's face brightens instantly. She claps her hands together, practically glowing with excitement. "Oh, does this mean you're going to bring Jenny back?"

"Yes," I reply firmly, keeping my tone steady. "This is her department. She belongs here."

Claire seems satisfied with my response, leaving my office with a satisfied smile and a spring in her step. Once she's gone, I lean back in my chair, trying to process what I've just learned. My gut is telling me this isn't a coincidence. Something is off-very off. And I need to figure out exactly what. Maybe this is my opportunity for one last "hail mary" before I give in to Jeffery's plan.

There's one more thing I can try. A step I have to take. But I can't shake the nagging thought: what if it makes things worse?

The shrill ring of my office phone breaks my train of thought. I pick it up, knowing it's Claire. "Yes, Claire?"

"I just finnished the phone call with Mr. Feingold's secretary," she says briskly. "He's fully booked all day, but he said he'd be more than happy to have dinner with you."

I thank her and hang up, staring at the phone for a moment before setting it down. Dinner. My father always has a way of making time for me when it suits him-like when he thinks I'll play along with his plans. But tonight, it'll be different. I'll be the one steering the conversation, and I'm determined to get to the bottom of this and maybe, maybe get back the control over my life again.

Taking a deep breath, I glance out the window, the city skyline blurred by the morning haze. I clasp my hands tightly together, silently willing for things to go my way. Tonight, I'll face my father. I'll find why Jenny was suddenly transferred, and maybe change my life forever.

The stakes feel impossibly high, but I can't afford to fail. Not now. Here's is to one last chance!