As I stepped into the lively atmosphere of the event, the lights glittered like stars, and the chatter of well-dressed guests filled the air. Felix's presence loomed close, and before I could even catch my breath, he was right beside me, a mix of concern and annoyance etched across his handsome face.
“Where are you going? Ba't ang tagal mo?” he asked in a low voice, but the tension was palpable. There was an edge to his tone that made my heart race, not from excitement but from defiance.
“It’s none of your business,” I shot back, the words spilling from my lips before I could stop myself. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through me, fueled by the confrontation I had just endured with Aiden.
Felix raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my response. “It is my business, Jenna. You’re with me now, remember?” His voice was steady, but I could hear the underlying irritation.
I crossed my arms, trying to shield myself from the way his gaze seemed to pierce through me. “You don’t get to dictate my life just because of some stupid bet, Felix. You don’t own me.”
He stepped closer, lowering his voice even further as if he were sharing a secret. “You’re right, I don’t own you. But your safety does concern me. Aiden isn’t someone you should take lightly.”
I rolled my eyes, dismissing his concern. “I can take care of myself. I don’t need you or anyone else to protect me.”
“Then why did you look so shaken when you walked out of the restroom?” He leaned in slightly, and I could smell the faint scent of whiskey on his breath, a reminder of his earlier drink.
I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. “Because I just had a very uncomfortable conversation with my ex, and it made me realize just how messed up everything is. But that doesn’t mean I need your help.”
Felix’s expression softened, his annoyance giving way to something more genuine. “Look, Jenna. I know this isn’t how you wanted things to go. But Aiden isn’t just your ex; he’s a distraction you can’t afford right now. You’re here with me, and we have a bigger picture to focus on.”
“Bigger picture? Like what, Felix? Playing house? Acting like we’re engaged in front of everyone?” I felt my voice rising, drawing curious glances from nearby guests. “This is all so twisted.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair, visibly frustrated. “It’s more than that, and you know it. If we’re going to pull through this, we need to stick together. I don’t want you getting hurt because of him. You deserve better.”
My heart fluttered at his words, but I quickly shut down that feeling. “You think you know what I deserve? You’re the one who put me in this situation in the first place.”
Felix’s eyes darkened momentarily, and he opened his mouth to respond, but then he seemed to think better of it. “Okay, I get it. I’m not asking you to forget about Aiden or what he means to you. But you need to focus on the here and now. Let’s just enjoy the night.”
I hesitated, glancing around the room filled with beautiful people, laughter, and clinking glasses. For a brief moment, I considered taking his hand and allowing myself to slip into the fantasy he was offering, but the reality of my situation gripped me tighter.
“Fine. But this doesn’t change anything. I’m still angry about how everything happened,” I finally replied, my tone softer but still resolute.
Felix gave a slight nod, acknowledging my feelings. “That’s fair. Just promise me you won’t let Aiden get to you tonight. You deserve to have a good time, even if it’s with someone like me.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at his arrogance. “Someone like you? Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
“Take it however you want,” he smirked, his confidence returning. “Just try to relax. I’ll handle the rest.”
With a reluctant smile, I let him lead me back into the thrumming heart of the event, my mind still swirling with thoughts of Aiden and the mess we were in. But I couldn’t deny the thrill of being with Felix, even if it was complicated.
As we re-entered the crowd, I noticed a couple of familiar faces, but they didn’t matter. For now, I would play along, if only to keep Aiden out of my head.
“Alright, let’s see what this night has in store for us,” I muttered, determination building within me. I was done being a pawn in someone else’s game.
As the event came to a close, I finally sank into the plush sofa of Felix's house, the weight of the evening pressing down on me. My feet throbbed painfully in my heels, so I quickly slipped them off, letting out a sigh of relief as I massaged my sore arches.
Felix had tossed his coat onto a nearby chair and headed straight to the kitchen for a glass of water. I watched him, my mind still buzzing from the night's events. I couldn't shake off the image of Aiden with Clara, and it made my stomach churn.
“You're really a rich man,” I started, trying to break the silence that hung heavily in the air.
Felix returned, leaning against the kitchen counter with a glass in hand. He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. “What gave it away? The expensive suit or the mansion?”
“Definitely the mansion,” I replied, glancing around at the lavish decor that surrounded me. The walls were adorned with modern art, and the furniture looked like it belonged in a magazine spread. “It’s impressive, really. You must work hard for all this.”
“Or I just play my cards right,” he shot back, a sly grin spreading across his face as he took a sip of water. “But it comes with a price. People expect a lot when you’re in this world.”
I shifted in my seat, considering his words. “What do you mean?”
Felix set down the glass, a more serious look crossing his features. “Everyone thinks they know you when you have money. They want something from you. It can get lonely.”
“Lonely?” I repeated, surprised. “I wouldn’t think a guy like you would feel that way.”
He shrugged, the vulnerability in his eyes catching me off guard. “It’s easy to be surrounded by people but still feel isolated. Especially when the only connections you have are based on wealth and power.”
I nodded, feeling a strange empathy for him. “That sounds tough. I guess we all have our struggles, huh?”
“Exactly,” he replied, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “But enough about me. How are you holding up after tonight? Really?”
I hesitated, not wanting to open up completely but feeling compelled to be honest. “I’m… struggling. Seeing Aiden with someone else just made everything worse. I thought I was over him, but clearly, I’m not.”
Felix’s expression softened, and he stepped closer, his demeanor shifting from teasing to sincere. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Jenna. It’s okay to feel hurt. It’s normal.”
“It just feels like I’m in this twisted love triangle,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. “And I don’t even know how I got here.”
Felix studied me for a moment, his gaze intense and searching. “You have a choice, you know. You can either let Aiden control your emotions, or you can take charge of your own life. I won’t lie; I’m not exactly the best influence, but I’m here if you need someone to talk to.”
I swallowed hard, his offer of support stirring something deep inside me. “Why do you care so much? This whole thing started as a bet, remember?”