"I don't think that's necessary, Jackson," I said, my voice firm and detached. "We've already said everything we needed to say."
Jackson's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "Cecilia, please..."
I cut him off, my tone icy. "I mean it, Jackson. We're nothing but strangers now. The only thing we could possibly discuss is business, and that's something my father handles. You can speak with him if you need to."
Jackson's face fell, his eyes flashing with anger and hurt. "So that's it? You're just going to shut me out completely?"
I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of my decision. "Yes, Jackson. That's exactly what I'm doing."
The air was thick with tension as Jackson's eyes locked onto mine, searching for any glimmer of hope. But I kept my gaze steady, my expression unyielding.
Finally, he nodded curtly and got out of the car, his movements stiff with anger. I watched him go, feeling a pang of sadness and loss.
But I pushed it aside, reminding myself that I had made this decision for a reason. I couldn't let Jackson get close to me again, couldn't let him see me at my weakest.
As the car pulled away, I caught a glimpse of Jackson's face in the rearview mirror, his eyes still fixed on me with a mixture of anger and longing.
I shivered, feeling a chill run down my spine. I knew I had hurt him, and I knew he wouldn't give up easily. But I was determined to keep him at arm's length, no matter what it took.
I thought I had finally escaped the chaos that was Jackson, but fate had other plans. As I sat in class, trying to focus on the teacher's drone-like voice, I felt a sense of unease wash over me.
And then, the announcement came. "For those planning to study business in college, we have a special opportunity for you. A renowned business mentor has offered to take on a select group of students for a free class, and we are thrilled to announce that..."
My heart sank as the teacher paused for dramatic effect.
"...Jackson Wellington will be leading the class!"
The room erupted into excited chatter, but I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Jackson? My Jackson? The same Jackson I had just rejected and hurt?
I couldn't believe it. Life couldn't get any worse.
I tried to process this new information, but my mind was a jumble of emotions. Why did it have to be Jackson? Why did he have to be my mentor?
As the teacher continued to talk, I felt my anxiety grow. I knew I couldn't avoid him now. I would have to face him, work with him, and learn from him.
The thought sent shivers down my spine. I was trapped, and I didn't know how to escape.
The teacher's voice brought me back to reality. "Those interested in participating, please sign up on the sheet being passed around. And don't forget, class starts next week!"
I watched in horror as my classmates eagerly signed up, oblivious to my inner turmoil. And then, my eyes met Jackson's, his gaze piercing and intense.
I knew in that moment, I was in trouble. Big trouble.
The teacher smiled and nodded at Jackson. "Great, now that we have our mentor, let's have him introduce himself."
Jackson stood up, his eyes scanning the room before locking onto mine. He didn't look away, his gaze piercing and intense.
"Hi everyone, I'm Jackson Wellington," he started, his voice confident and smooth. "I've been in the business world for over a decade, and I'm excited to share my knowledge with you all."
But he didn't look excited. He looked...focused. On me.
The class started to stir, sensing the tension between us. Whispers and glances were exchanged, and I felt my face heat up with embarrassment.
Jackson continued to talk, but his eyes never left mine. It was as if he was trying to convey a message, to tell me something without saying it out loud.
I tried to look away, but I couldn't. I was trapped in his gaze, my heart racing with anticipation.
The teacher cleared her throat, breaking the spell. "Thank you, Jackson. I'm sure you'll be a great mentor."
But the damage was done. The class was buzzing with curiosity, and I knew I had to endure a week of speculation and whispers.
As the class ended, I quickly gathered my things and tried to make a hasty exit. But Jackson was too quick.
"Cecilia, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
I hesitated, unsure of what to do. But something in his eyes made me nod, and I followed him out of the classroom, into the unknown.