Jackass Boss [COMPLETED]

Tanya

After I heard his footsteps fade out of the room, I dropped the duvet from over my head and exhaled slowly. A small laugh escaped me. God, I missed him so much...

But wait... he's leaving in three days...

The realization hit hard. A sudden ache stabbed through my chest, hollow and sharp. Before I could spiral, my phone rang, pulling me back to the present. It was from a new customer who'd recently ordered cupcakes.

"Yes, Miss Rin. Oh, yes... I'll be there in thirty minutes," I said into the phone, trying to sound cheerful. As soon as the call ended, I sighed. Back to work.

After a quick shower, I headed downstairs. The warm smell of sugar and cocoa greeted me, mixing with the soft hum of chatter. Everyone was already back. Ju was sitting on Jay's lap, chattering excitedly about her school friends.

Lately, she'd been so much more cheerful. She used to keep to herself, wary of strangers. But ever since Jay and the others came, she'd opened up, smiling more, laughing louder. I couldn't help but wonder... what will happen to her once they leave?

"Mommy!" she squealed when she saw me.

"Hey, sweetie. Did you have a good day?" I asked, walking over.

"Yes! I missed you," she pouted.

"Aww, I missed you too," I cooed, ruffling her hair before moving to the counter to warm the cupcakes I'd baked earlier — just before Jay and I...

"You going somewhere?" Andrew asked from his seat.

"Yeah," I nodded, packing the cupcakes carefully into a box. "Got an order yesterday. Two dozen cupcakes for a birthday party. I need to deliver them today."

When I emerged from the kitchen, box in hand, Jay, Andrew, and Isabel were seated at one of the tables. Tilly, Finlay, and Ju must've gone upstairs.

"I can drop you," Jay offered suddenly.

"H-Huh? No, it's okay. I can go by myself," I replied quickly, caught off guard.

"We're heading in that direction anyway. We'll drop you," Isabel added, her voice soft, polite.

We?

That one word hit harder than it should've. As much as I tried to ignore it, the jealousy rose again — that tight, familiar burn beneath my ribs. Isabel was beautiful, accomplished, effortlessly composed. And I hated that next to her, I felt... small. Insecure. Replaceable.

But damn it, why should I?

I wasn't wrong to feel jealous. I was human. I had reasons — scars, even. Still, I hated how it made me doubt myself. I wasn't just some fragile thing unraveling in the corner. I was building my own life, running my own business, raising my daughter. I was enough.

Isabel let out a quiet sigh. "Actually... I've decided to resign," she said calmly.

I blinked. "What?"

"Please don't take it the wrong way," she continued. "But I think this is how it should end. My presence only creates tension. And Jay... I hope you understand where I'm coming from."

A wave of guilt crashed over me.

What am I doing?

"There's no need for you to resign," Jay said, his voice tight. "If she can't accept our friendship, then maybe I was wrong to give her another chance."

My heart stilled.

Another chance...?

"Jay, are you serious?" Isabel asked sharply. "As a woman, I understand how she feels. You should try to see it, too."