Chapter 8

Jaden's POV

"Mum, I already told you to stop butting in on my personal affairs. I can find a wife for myself," I rubbed my temple in frustration.

"It's been five years since Camille left you. You're yet to move on, I don't want to see you alone," she said dramatically, causing me to roll my eyes.

She always uses the fact that Camille left me to make me do whatever she wants, but no more.

"I know that mum but I have more pressing issues to handle," I clicked my tongue.

"Rylan won't you back me up? He doesn't want to listen," she turned to my dad.

It was Wednesday night and according to family tradition, it was family dinner night. So I had to spend the night at my parents house.

"Son, your mom is right. You need to move on. We need grandchildren. The Worthington name won't die with you," he said still digging into his meals

"I know that, and I'm working towards it," I grunted

"Working towards it? How, exactly?" my dad's voice boomed across the dining room, his attention now on me.

"I don't see you dating anyone. You're always buried in your work."

"I have my reasons, Dad. It's not like I'm doing nothing about it," I protested trying to avoid eye contact.

His eyes narrowed. "If you don't bring a lady home soon, I'll have no choice but to reconsider your position as President of Worthington Enterprises."

"What?" I froze. "You wouldn't," I tried convincing myself, but even as I spoke, I knew he wasn't bluffing.

He never made idle threats, especially when it came to the family and business.

"Try me," he said, his tone deadly serious.

I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling up inside me."I've saved this company and now my competency is doubted because I don't have a wife??"

Sighing, my dad looked up. "Say whatever you think, but my decision is final."

Grinding my teeth, I regretted coming for this dinner.

"Fine. I'll bring someone home. But under my conditions, not yours."

"That's all we ask," my mom chimed in, her tone suddenly softer. "We just want you to be happy." She rubbed my thighs softly under the dining table.

Happy. The word felt foreign, almost laughable. Happiness doesn't secure a $10 million deal.

But I nodded, just to end the conversation. The last thing I needed was more pressure.

Immediately, I lost my appetite. "I'd have to call it a night. Thanks for dinner mom and dad," I strode out but could feel their gazes trailing me.

I had a long day and just needed a cool bath, a glass of wine and good sleep. I headed straight home and sank right into my bed instead.

"Mr Jaden! Mr Jaden!" I heard Valentine call out in my dream. Oh well it's just a dream so I'll ignore it.

"Mr Jaden!" he called out again, this time with a bang on the door, making me jerk off bed.

It's morning already. "I'll be right there," I responded with a shaky voice.

I stood up, headed for the mirror in the toilet, and washed my face.

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I could see why I was voted most eligible bachelor. Even if they're a pain in my behind, I was grateful to my parents for their superb genes.

"Good morning Mr Billionaire," I smirked at myself. The wise people advised to confess what you want and so far my confession has been a reality.

I headed straight to the washroom to prepare for the day. Half dressed, I opened the door to let him in.

As I opened the door, Nadia stumbled on me. She fell right into my bare chest, and I instinctively reached out to steady her. I guess she was resting on the door.

Nadia is my assistant secretary. Guess I misheard, Valentine usually meets me at home, not her.

"Whoa, Nadia, you okay?" I asked, my hands gripping her arms to keep her from falling.

Her face flushed a deep shade of red, and she quickly stepped back, smoothing her skirt. "I…I'm so sorry, sir," she stammered, trying not to meet my eyes.

"It's fine," I said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Just an accident."

She nodded, but her eyes flickered up my bare chest for a brief moment, her eyes trailing over in lust.

"Do you need something?" I asked, snapping my fingers to bring her out of her wormhole of thoughts.

This is the reason she was made assistant. I can't stand her staring at me like she wants to jump on me. Yeah, she was decent at her job but this, No No.

"Oh, yes," she said, snapping back to the present. "Mr Valentine sent me to get you. He went to close the deal at St. Bons."

"Thanks, Nadia," I said, brushing off the odd moment. "I'll be ready in 10 minutes. Tell my driver to get the car ready."

She nodded. "One more thing, there's a lady waiting for you in the garden."

"I'm not expecting anyone this early but that's okay, I'll be with her shortly," I headed back into my room to dress fully.

I got dressed in a charcoal gray fitted suit, a son navy tie with a subtle pattern, a black leather Oxford shoes and a classic silver Rolex watch.

I took deep breaths to get myself ready for the workload I have to finish and then headed for the garden to see the unreasonable person that'll come visiting this early without a notice.

"Camille?" my voice caught in my throat.

FLASHBACK

After almost a year of being in a long distance relationship due to work, I decided to surprise her. I had a spare key so I just let myself in.

The living room was dimly lit and I noticed a box of half done pizza laying on the kitchen counter with two almost empty glasses of wine.

Maybe she had a friend over for a sleepover so I decided to wait till daybreak when they wake up, to avoid an awkward situation.

I don't want to walk in on two naked women asleep as I know some ladies almost never sleep with clothes on.

It was day break but they were yet to wake up so I decided to go wake them up myself. Then I heard a familiar laughter. As I got closer to the door the voices became clear.

"You know I don't love him. I'm just doing this for you," Camille chuckled.

"Call it off then, we can't be hiding. We're not kids you know," a male voice responded.

The door was slightly ajar and through the gap I saw them. My cousin, Fidel and Camille tangled up together all cozy.

I pushed the door open in anguish. "Camille! Fidel!!"