Jackass Boss [COMPLETED]

Decision

JAY POV

I'm not good with kids—especially when they aren't mine. When I first found out she kept the child, I was furious. But after she confronted me, I realized how cruel I had been... expecting her to have an abortion. No matter whose child it is, a child is still a child—an innocent soul.

Of course, she's sharp. Talking to her feels like engaging with someone far beyond her years. She's impressive.

"Tell me, Mr. Silent," she asked, "what cartoon do you like?"

"Huh... SpongeBob SquarePants," I answered after thinking for a second. That's the only cartoon I've ever really watched. And honestly, I like it.

"Yes," she ticked something off on her little paper.

"Favorite color?"

"Black."

"Yes. Do you like spaghetti or pasta?"

"Neither."

"Three right," she mumbled, pleased. "Drinks?"

I glanced over at Jessy, who was making hot chocolate for us. I smiled without realizing.

"I like whatever she makes."

Julissa giggled. My face flushed instantly.

"N-no, I mean... I don't mind whoever makes it," I tried to cover up.

"Yeah right," she said, clearly not buying it. "Last question. Do you have a father?"

I hesitated. "Hmm... No. I'm fine on my own."

"Good. You're eligible to be my dad," she said matter-of-factly, making me choke.

"W-what?"

"Don't worry. Not really. I just need someone to act like my dad for a school event. I have to teach some kids," she grinned like a little devil.

She's... creepy.

"So what do you say?" she asked again, eyes hopeful.

"Why me?"

"Because our favorites match!" she winked. "I love SpongeBob SquarePants, black is my favorite color too, I hate both spaghetti and pasta, and even though I hate to admit it—I love my mom's drinks," she shrugged. "And just like me, you don't have a dad. So... we're even."

I don't know why, but her words hit me hard. She might not show it, but I could feel her pain buried under those matter-of-fact statements.

"I'm not forcing you though. It's your call," she said, her tone suddenly softer.

"Fine," I gave in. "What do I get in return?"

She paused thoughtfully. "You can be my friend," she said, holding out her tiny hand.

Smiling, I took it. Her hand was small, warm, and for some reason, that simple gesture made me... happy.

"What are you two whispering about so eagerly?" Jessy came over with a tray of hot chocolate. It's been so long since I've had something she made. Her drinks are always warm... not just in temperature, but in the way they feel.

"Mmm..." Ju and I both hummed at the same time.

"You guys are funny," Jessy laughed.

Later, Dev came to pick me up. On the drive, I couldn't stop thinking about Jessy and Julissa.

"So... what happened?" Dev asked, glancing at me.

"What?"

"Come on, man. Your face is practically glowing. Something happened, didn't it?" he teased.

"Jeez... You're exaggerating," I muttered, trying to hide my smirk.

"Haha. Whatever you say. But for what it's worth, it's good to see happy Jay again. I haven't seen that face since you met her."

I didn't respond. Was I doing the right thing? Why can't I let go of the past? The truth is—I can't stop loving her.

She betrayed my trust, broke my heart into a thousand pieces... and yet, she still owns every one of them. Every time I see her, she takes more of me. Her smile? Intoxicating. The way she runs her fingers through her hair? Addicting. Her laugh? It lingers in my mind.

She'll never return the love I gave her—but I still come back. Every. Single. Time.

When I got to my room, Isabel was waiting outside. She turned to me with a soft smile. We both knew something was off.

"Hey," she greeted quietly, stepping inside with me.

"So, where'd you go?" she asked.

"Just... out," I lied. Not because I wanted to, but because I didn't want to hurt her. Isabel was everything a man should want... but why couldn't I stop comparing her to Jessy?

"You're lying," she said gently. "You went to see her. I saw you."

"Bel... I'm sorry. I can't do this anymore," I sat beside her. "I tried. I tried to move on, but... I can't forget her."

I sighed, finally letting everything out.

"I don't know who to blame. I know she was drunk that night. The Jessy I know—she would never willingly do something like that. Everything spiraled out of control. She suffered so much—stranded on the street, giving birth, raising her daughter alone... and still, she smiles like nothing ever happened."

I smiled faintly, lost in thought.

"That smile... it's real. It's strong. And the more I see her, the more I fall for her. Again."

"I knew she didn't trust me back then—and it hurt. But thinking about it now... I didn't trust her either. I judged her without thinking. I assumed the worst. And despite all of it—she accepted me. I didn't do the same."

Isabel sat silently, clearly heartbroken.

"I don't want to hurt you, Bel," I held her hand gently. "You're important to me. But no matter how hard I try, I can only see you as a friend."

She looked up at me, trying to smile through her pain.

"I didn't expect this, Jay... but I understand," she said quietly. "I'm human too. I'll need time. But you're right. You can't force love."

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

She nodded, then left my room with a final, sad smile.

After a shower, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling—thinking about Jessy.

Can I fix what we had?

Can I truly accept everything and still love her with my whole heart?

But before that... I need to do something about her plan to hang out with that bastard Adrian.

Soldier or not—I'm way better than him.