Jackass Boss [COMPLETED]

Emotions

Afternoon arrives, and I decide to take a short break. The sound of bells ringing pulls me from my thoughts—someone just entered the shop.

Strange. I already flipped the sign to Closed. Tilly mentioned she'd be home by evening, and it's not Julissa either. Curious, I walk out of the kitchen and spot Isabel.

"Hey," she greets with a small smile.

"H-Hi," I respond, a little surprised by her sudden visit.

I invite her in. She sits on the stool in front of the counter while I take the seat beside her. She grabs one of the cupcakes I had just finished and takes a bite.

"These are amazing," she compliments, smiling sweetly.

Then, her expression shifts. "Jessy... I'm sorry."

I blink. "Sorry?"

"I'm sorry if I caused everything that happened between you and Jay. I never meant to come between the two of you."

"No, Bel. It wasn't because of you," I assure her gently. "It was my own fault. I shouldn't have acted so irrationally. You're a good person. I just thought... I thought you were trying to steal him from me. I'm sorry, too—for thinking badly of you."

She shakes her head. "Please, don't apologize. When I worked with him... yes, Jay was attractive. But he was my boss, and I never thought about seducing him. We always kept things professional. Even if he was attracted to me, it was probably just because of my looks or my fiery personality."

She sighs, then continues, "We never crossed the line back then. It was Tanya who caused that big incident. We got trapped because of her. I started falling for him later—when he protected me from the people who mistreated me. He's a good man, Jessy."

She reaches out and holds my hand, and I nod quietly in agreement.

"After you left, I tried to win his heart. And yes... he accepted me. He liked me. But eventually, he realized we weren't meant for each other." Her voice softens into a bittersweet smile. "It was always you."

She must be hurting, and yet she still smiles.

"I'm not saying this to make you feel guilty, okay?" she adds gently.

"No... It's okay, Bel," I reply, squeezing her hand.

"He told me he couldn't forget the past, but he also couldn't see me as more than a friend. So I respected his decision. Of course I was hurt—who wouldn't be? But I know I'll be okay. I just wanted you to know that I loved Jay very much. But more than anything, I want him to be happy with whoever he chooses."

She pauses before adding softly, "Think wisely, Jessy. Don't let a good man slip away. And I hope... we can be good friends, forever."

Smiling, she extends her hand to me.

"Of course," I say, reaching out to hold hers.

When I turn around, I freeze. Jay is standing at the doorway.

Damn. How long has he been there? Did he hear everything?

"J-Jay?" Isabel stammers in surprise.

"You're here?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah..." he nods calmly.

"I'll get going then," Isabel says with a smile. "Bye, Jessy."

"Bye."

After she leaves, Jay walks in further.

"So," he asks, "what were you two talking about?"

"You didn't hear us?"

"Nope. I just got here," he shrugs.

Liar.

"Uh-huh... nothing much, really," I say, sticking out my tongue in defiance. "But honestly, Jay... she's a great woman."

Jay nods in agreement.

"I guess life would've been happier if she stayed with you, right?" I mutter.

His next words hit me like a punch to the gut.

"So now you regret it? Good."

I slam a mixing bowl down onto the counter.

"What's your problem?" he asks, clearly annoyed.

"Nothing."

"Are you jealous again?" he smirks.

I stop, setting the flour aside and turning away from him. I don't want him to see my face right now.

This isn't how things were supposed to go. Why am I getting jealous? This is all my fault. Isabel had the courage to speak her truth, but me? I just keep avoiding everything. She's perfect for him—brave, beautiful, strong. What am I? Nothing but a coward. I was just lucky I came into his life before she did. Otherwise... I'm sure he would've chosen her.

I'm sure Jay would've been with her.

Suddenly, someone hugs me from behind. I freeze.

"Relax, Miss Booby... relax," he murmurs huskily, lightly brushing his fingers up my forearm. The sensation sends a shiver through me.

In one fluid motion, I turn and wrap my arms around him, hugging him tightly. I just want to stay like this—pressed close, no space between us. He doesn't push me away or say anything. He just stands still.

What have I done for him? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Please God... just give me one chance to prove myself.

Then, I feel it—his arms slowly wrap around me, holding me even closer. Maybe he's doing this out of kindness. Maybe not. But right now, I don't care. This is what I need the most.

"Mommy!"

We pull apart as Julissa's voice echoes from outside. She steps into the kitchen and stops when she sees us.

"Hey, sweetie. How was school?" I ask quickly, wiping my face.

"Fine, Mommy! Buddy, don't forget tomorrow—you have a big role to play!"

Jay chuckles. "Sure, Princess."

"What role?" I ask, puzzled.

"It's between us," Ju replies with a wink.

God help me... I just hope she's not planning anything crazy.

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What Ju and Jay are planning? Any idea? hehehe.... read the story to know it!

Will continue tomorrow ;)