Felix’s POV
"By the way, get ready later; we’re going somewhere. We have an investor, and I’ll be introducing you as my fiancée," I said, noticing her surprise as she paused from eating.
“What? No, Aiden is still my boyfriend, so stop,” she shot back, her voice rising slightly as disbelief flickered in her eyes.
I leaned forward, enjoying the way her brows furrowed in frustration. “Aiden lost you in a bet, Jenna. The moment he put you on the table, he forfeited any claim he had over you. You’re mine now, and you need to accept that.”
Her expression hardened, defiance radiating from her. “You can’t just decide that for me. I don’t belong to you or anyone else!”
I chuckled softly, appreciating her fire. “You say that now, but you’ll learn to adapt. Just look at it this way: this is a business arrangement, and playing the part of my fiancée will make it easier for both of us. Besides, it’ll keep Aiden at bay.”
“Can you just forget about him? He used you to pay off his debt to me. If he had done better, then maybe you two would still be together,” I said coldly, my tone full of determination.
“Exactly,” she retorted, her voice firm. “Just because of your bet, you forced him. Other people know that we have a relationship.”
I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms as I regarded her. “That relationship was built on shaky ground. Aiden’s gambling habits have put you in this position. You’re worth more than a bet, Jenna, and I intend to show you that.”
“Worth more? Is that how you see me? As some kind of trophy to be won?” she shot back, frustration mingling with her resolve.
“No, I see you as a partner. You have the potential to be more than just someone stuck in a toxic relationship,” I replied, trying to keep my tone steady despite the tension building between us. “You can either keep clinging to a past that’s dragging you down or embrace a future that could be a lot more exciting.”
She paused, her expression softening just a fraction as she considered my words. “Exciting? Is that what you call this? A game? A transaction?”
I nodded, leaning forward slightly. “That’s exactly it. Life is a series of risks, and this is just one of them. But you have a choice. You can either play it safe with Aiden, or you can step into the unknown with me. I can offer you things he never could.”
“Like what? Money? Power?” she asked, skepticism evident in her voice. “You think that’s what I want?”
“No, but it’s about opportunity, Jenna. You have the chance to redefine yourself outside of Aiden’s shadow. I’m offering you a fresh start, and you need to decide what you truly want.”
She looked away, the conflict playing across her features. “I just… I don’t know if I can do that. I feel trapped.”
“Then let’s change that,” I said, my voice low and steady. “You’re here now, and you can make this work. I won’t force you to forget Aiden, but I will be here to show you that there’s more to life than just him.”
After a moment, she finally met my gaze, and I saw a flicker of something—hope or uncertainty, I couldn’t tell. “What if I fail? What if I can’t let go?”
“Then I’ll be right here to catch you when you fall,” I promised, surprising even myself with the sincerity in my tone. “I won’t let you down. We’re in this together, whether you like it or not.”
Jenna’s lips pressed into a thin line, clearly contemplating my offer. “And what happens when Aiden comes looking for me?” she asked, her voice softer but still tinged with concern.
I shrugged, a confident smirk playing on my lips. “Let him come. We’ll handle him together. You deserve to stand your ground, Jenna. And if Aiden wants to reclaim you, he’ll have to fight for it.”
Her expression shifted, and for the first time, I saw a spark of determination in her eyes. “You’re really something, you know that?” she said, a hint of admiration in her voice.
“I have my moments,” I replied with a wink, feeling the tension in the air begin to dissipate. “But let’s focus on what’s ahead. Tonight’s meeting with the investor is crucial, and I want you by my side—fiancée or not.”
Jenna nodded slowly, and I could see the resolve building within her. “Fine. I’ll play along for now, but don’t think this means I’m fully on board with your plans.”
“Fair enough,” I said, raising my glass again in a mock toast. “Here’s to new beginnings, Jenna.”
As we clinked our glasses together, I felt a surge of anticipation for what lay ahead. She may have started as a gamble, but I was determined to turn this bet into something more—something real.