When Brandon came home, he tucked Emma into bed, hesitating to walk into the bedroom he shared with Jade. He knew his earlier words had hurt her feelings, but he also understood how much her job meant to her. She had worked tirelessly to reach her current position, and he respected that.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the bedroom. Jade's back was turned, her silhouette framed by the dim light from the bedside lamp. Brandon sighed, placing his things down before peeling off his jeans and climbing into bed. He propped his elbows up against the mattress, watching her for a moment.
"Hey, I'm sorry about what I said earlier," he said, his voice soft but steady.
Silence hung in the air; she didn't reply. Concerned, he reached out, touching her arm, but she didn't budge.
"I love you, and I promise I didn't mean to hurt you," he added, nuzzling his head into her neck in a gesture of affection.
She sighed, turning to face him, but her eyes were cast downward, avoiding his gaze. Brandon shifted slightly, trying to regain her attention. "It's just... I worked really hard to be where I am, and it feels like you're not supportive of that. I've always been supportive of you being your own boss."
Brandon hummed in response, planting soft kisses along her neck, hoping to bridge the gap between them. "I know how much this relationship means to you, but it means a lot to me too," she said, her voice steady but distant as she moved away from him.
"I want to spend the rest of my life with you," Brandon murmured, leaning in to capture her lips with his. She kissed him back for a moment, but then abruptly pulled away, a resolute look in her eyes.
"I'm not forgiving you that easily," she said, her tone firm but not unkind.
"You don't have to," he replied quietly, the weight of her words settling heavily between them.
Brandon scooted back a little, turning his back to her, trying to forget the awkward exchange that lingered in the air like an uninvited guest.
The next morning, Jade was already on her way to the studio, her mind racing with the events of the previous night. Work was always her top priority, and she loved the adrenaline of a busy day, but now she couldn't shake the feeling of impending conflict. She hoped she wouldn't end up like Lynn and Brandon, with a relationship strained by career ambitions.
She parked in the garage and walked straight into the building, mentally preparing herself for the whirlwind ahead. Today was supposed to be busier than usual, and she was already looking forward to the end of her day.
As she waited for the elevator, it dinged open, revealing a tall man with dreads stepping inside. Jade's heart skipped a beat; she recognized him instantly.
"Zion?" she exclaimed, looking up at him.
"Oh, hi, Jade!" he replied, his face breaking into a smile.
Before she could react, Zion enveloped her in a warm hug, and for a moment, it felt like nothing had changed between them. She relaxed into the embrace, cherishing the familiarity of their friendship.
"So, how are you doing?" Jade asked as they pulled away, a smile lingering on her lips.
"I'm good! Just about to ask you the same thing. Still hanging out with that forty-year-old?" he chuckled, his laughter infectious.
Jade couldn't help but laugh too, but the humor masked the tension still gnawing at her heart. "Yeah, still figuring things out. Work is just... a lot right now."
"Hey, I get it. Just remember to take care of yourself too," Zion said, his tone shifting to something more serious.
Jade nodded, grateful for his concern, but the worry remained in the back of her mind. She couldn't let herself get too distracted, not when there were unresolved feelings waiting for her at home.
As the elevator doors closed, she felt a flicker of hope.
