Felix’s POV
We finished eating and started preparing the clothes she would wear. I watched as Jenna rifled through the clothes in her closet, her brow furrowed in concentration. I could tell she was nervous about the evening ahead, and honestly, I didn’t blame her. Meeting investors was always a high-stakes situation, and now she would be stepping into my world—one that was far from ordinary.
“Do you have anything formal?” I asked, leaning against the doorframe. “This meeting is important, and I want you to look your best.”
She shot me a glare, her eyes sparkling with defiance. “Since when did you become my stylist? I can dress myself, thank you very much.”
I chuckled softly, enjoying her sass. “I know you can. But remember, first impressions matter. You want them to see the real you, not just Aiden’s ex-girlfriend.”
“Fine, Mr. Fashion Police,” she replied, rolling her eyes but smiling slightly. “I’ll wear something that doesn’t scream ‘I just rolled out of bed.’”
As she rummaged through her things, I couldn’t help but admire her determination. This was the side of her I wanted to see—the strong, independent woman who would fight for what she wanted. The one who was willing to stand up to Aiden, even if it took time for her to fully embrace it.
After a few minutes, Jenna finally pulled out a sleek black dress that hugged her figure perfectly. “How about this?” she asked, holding it up to me.
“Perfect. You’ll look stunning in that,” I replied, my voice genuine. It was the kind of dress that would turn heads and demand attention—exactly what she needed for tonight.
She raised an eyebrow, a hint of uncertainty crossing her face. “You really think so? I mean, I know it’s nice, but I’m not used to wearing things like this.”
“Trust me,” I encouraged, stepping closer to her. “You’ll own the room. Just be confident, and everything will fall into place. You’re not just playing a part; you’re stepping into a new role—one that’s all yours.”
Jenna bit her lip, looking at the dress with a mix of apprehension and excitement. “Okay, I’ll wear it. But if I trip or embarrass myself, I’m holding you responsible.”
“Deal,” I said, grinning as I watched her slip into the dress. The way it accentuated her curves made my breath hitch. “You look incredible, Jenna.”
She spun around, a shy smile breaking across her face. “You really think so?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, my tone serious. “Now, let’s get you ready. We have a few hours before the meeting, and I want you to feel as confident as you look.”
As I helped her with her hair and makeup, I noticed how the tension between us shifted. It was more than just the circumstances binding us; there was a connection forming, a spark that neither of us could ignore. I caught her stealing glances at me in the mirror, and I couldn’t help but smile at the playful banter that had replaced our earlier arguments.
When we were finally finished, I stepped back to admire her work. “Wow, you really are breathtaking,” I said, feeling a swell of pride at what we had accomplished together.
“Thanks,” she murmured, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.”
“Believe it,” I replied, my gaze steady. “You’re ready for this, Jenna. Just remember, we’re in this together. I’ve got your back.”
As we headed toward the door, I felt a sense of anticipation bubbling inside me. This was the beginning of something new—not just for her, but for both of us. Tonight, would be a turning point, and I was determined to make it count.
Nakarating na kami sa event, at kitang kita ko ang magagandang damit nila. Ang yayaman, napabitaw naman ako sa braso ni Felix dahil nakita ko si Aiden na may kasamang babae. My heart dropped as I registered the scene unfolding before me. Aiden, my Aiden, laughing with someone else, his hand casually resting on the small of her back.
“Jenna, are you okay?” Felix’s voice cut through my daze, concern lacing his words.
I forced a smile, but inside, a storm was brewing. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I lied, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling clawing at my chest. But my gaze was glued to Aiden, who looked so at ease with this new woman. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she wore a stunning red dress that clung to her figure, making her look every bit the part of a trophy girlfriend.
“Are you sure?” Felix asked again, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. “We don’t have to stay if—”
“No, it’s fine. Let’s just go inside,” I interrupted, not wanting to show any weakness in front of him. I was determined to be strong, even if my heart felt like it was being crushed under the weight of betrayal.
As we stepped into the venue, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over elegantly dressed guests mingling and sipping champagne. I tried to focus on the event, to engage with the crowd, but all I could think about was Aiden.
Felix led me deeper into the room, introducing me to various investors and business partners. I plastered on a smile, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, but my mind kept drifting back to the sight of Aiden.
“Do you want me to introduce you to some people?” Felix asked, noticing my distraction.
“No, I’m fine,” I replied too quickly, wishing I could shake off the feeling of being out of place. “I just need a moment.”
“Okay, but don’t take too long,” he said, his voice turning serious. “You need to be seen with me, remember? We have a reputation to uphold.”
I nodded, but the truth was, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of confidence I didn’t possess. Felix was right; I had to play the part of his fiancée, but all I wanted was to confront Aiden and demand an explanation.
Taking a deep breath, I excused myself and made my way through the crowd. The music pulsed around me, but all I could hear was the thudding of my heart as I approached Aiden.
“Jenna?” he exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise as he caught sight of me.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rush of emotions coursing through me.
Aiden opened his mouth to respond, but the woman beside him chimed in. “Oh, you must be Jenna! Aiden told me all about you.” Her tone was sickly sweet, and I felt my stomach churn.
I shot Aiden a look that demanded answers, and he shifted uncomfortably. “I was just—”
“Looks like you’re having a great time,” I interrupted, unable to hide the bitterness in my voice.
"Jenna, this is Clara," Aiden said, trying to redirect the conversation. "She's a—"
Aiden couldn't finish what Clara was going to say. "I'm his girlfriend,"
I'm surprised, girlfriend? How? Well, I'm his girlfriend.
“We’re happy,” Clara added, her voice laced with an almost smug satisfaction, and her lips curled into a smile that felt more like a taunt.
I froze. Girlfriend? How could she say that? I'm Aiden's girlfriend—or at least I thought I was. I felt my heart pounding in my chest, confusion swirling in my mind. Aiden couldn’t even meet my eyes. He stood there, shifting uncomfortably, while Clara clung to his arm like she had already won some twisted game I didn't even know I was part of.
“So… that’s why,” I whispered, more to myself than anyone. "That’s why you didn’t come for me."
The realization hit me like a freight train. The man I had been so desperate to hold on to, the one I thought would never leave me behind, had already replaced me. He let me fall into Felix’s hands without a second thought because he had her now.
“Jenna, wait—” Aiden started, but his voice was hollow, like he knew there was no good explanation he could give.
“For what, Aiden?” I snapped, cutting him off. My voice was trembling now, barely holding it together. “For you to lie some more? For you to pretend that you didn’t bet me away like I meant nothing to you?”
Clara just watched, her smile unbothered, her eyes flashing with amusement. She clearly enjoyed watching me crumble.
Aiden reached for me, but I took a step back. "I don’t need your explanations. I’ve heard enough.”
Felix suddenly appeared beside me, his presence strong and unyielding. "We should go," he said, his voice low, but there was a warning edge to it, as if daring Aiden to say anything more.
I could feel Felix’s hand resting protectively on the small of my back, guiding me away from them, and for a moment, I was grateful. Not for the possessiveness, but for the way Felix pulled me out of that humiliating situation. I couldn’t stand there another second, not with Aiden and Clara parading their relationship in front of me.
As we walked away, I refused to look back. My heart was breaking into a million pieces, but I wouldn’t give Aiden or Clara the satisfaction of seeing it. Instead, I focused on putting one foot in front of the other, willing myself to keep moving.
“Don’t let it get to you,” Felix murmured as we stepped outside into the cool night air. “He’s not worth it, Jenna.”
I swallowed hard, biting back the tears threatening to spill. “I thought he was,” I whispered, my voice cracking.
Felix stopped and turned to face me, his eyes softening in a way I hadn’t seen before. “Maybe you thought wrong. Maybe this was supposed to happen, so you could see who really cares.”
I didn’t know how to respond. My mind was a mess, and my heart ached, but deep down, I knew Felix was right. Aiden had already made his choice, and it wasn’t me. He had gambled me away like a possession, and now he was with her.
Felix gently lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You don’t need him, Jenna. Trust me.”
I nodded weakly, unsure of what else to say. I wasn’t sure if I trusted Felix either, but in that moment, I needed something—anything—to hold on to.
“I’ll take care of you,” Felix added softly, his hand lingering on my cheek. His words sent a shiver down my spine, both comforting and unsettling at the same time.
As we headed toward the car, I tried to steady my thoughts. My life had been turned upside down in a matter of days. Aiden was gone—emotionally, if not yet physically. And here I was, tethered to Felix, a man who had won me in a bet, a man I barely knew.
But as much as I wanted to hate Felix, he was right about one thing: Aiden didn’t deserve me.
And maybe, just maybe, Felix was offering me a way out.