Jackass Boss [COMPLETED]

Disguise as Father

Jay is leaving in a week.

The truth is—I don't want him to go. But should I tell him that?

No... I can't.

Still... I don't want to keep avoiding him either. And yet, I have to think about Julissa's well-being.

Even though Ju gets along well with Jay, what if she won't accept him that way? Or worse—what if Jay can't fully accept her?

Right now, Tilly and I are at Julissa's school for her public speaking competition. Strangely enough, I'm a nervous wreck, like I'm the one competing. My palms are sweaty, my legs keep bouncing, and I'm pretty sure I've checked the program sheet twenty times. I just want her to do her best.

When I offered to practice her speech with her earlier, she rejected me on the spot—said I wouldn't give her an honest opinion. Jeez... this girl is hardcore. But she did mention she'd been secretly practicing with someone else.

 Tilly? Hmm.

Or maybe Andrew or Finlay?

Speak of the devils—those two show up shortly after, which is odd because I never told them about the competition.

"Mom, relax. Jeez, you're exaggerating," Julissa says calmly, noticing my anxious pacing.
I swear, I don't know how she can look so composed when her turn is just minutes away. She clearly didn't inherit that trait from me.

Maybe it's from Emanuel?

No. Shut up, Jessy. He's out of the picture.

"Hey, Jessy," a familiar voice calls from behind.

I turn and spot Isabel... and Jay walking beside her.

What the—?

Apparently, Dev and Elina had to return to their hometown because their four-year-old son isn't well. I was shocked when I first found out they had a son—but I'm happy for them. I just hope the little one gets better soon.

"We came to cheer her on," Isabel says with a warm smile.

"Oh... that's great," I reply, still adjusting to Jay's unexpected presence.

Jay crouches down to Julissa's level. "Do well, Tiger," he says softly.

His words flutter through my heart. He didn't ignore me. He didn't act awkward around Julissa either. He's changed.

He's not the cold, ruthless man I once knew.

He's... better.

"Thank you! I was waiting for you, actually." Julissa beams and pulls out a small charm. "This makes me stronger. Just like you said."

Wait.

No way.

Don't tell me—Jay is the one who's been secretly coaching her?

I turn to him, squinting. "So you're the mystery teacher, huh?"

He shrugs. "Who knows?"

"Ugh, you're still the same, Jackass Boss," I mutter under my breath. He just smirks.

Then Julissa's name is called.

My nerves spike like I'm about to pass out. I'm proud of her—but terrified for her too.

Suddenly, someone slips their hand into mine.

Startled, I glance down. It's Jay. His fingers intertwine with mine gently.

Warm.
Reassuring.
Safe.

I don't dare look at him, but I can't stop myself from smiling. His hand is warmer than I remember. And somehow, I feel more grounded.