I sink lower in my bed, trying to find comfort in these satin sheets.

Sunlight peeked through the heavy curtains, filling up the entire room. I reach over to my blanket and pull it over my face.

I took in a deep breath and snuggled closer to the pillows around me.

The peaceful morning silence was suddenly broken when a loud sound coming from my right engaged my ears. I furrowed my brows and slipped my hand inside one of the pillows before pressing it harshly against my ears.

After a couple seconds I realize that the sound was coming from my phone's alarm clock. I let out a soft moan in frustration and push the pillows and blanket away from myself.

Half-conscious, I wriggled my arm free and slapped at my bedside table, searching for my phone as its relentless buzzing sound burrowed into my brain.

My knuckles knocked against something cold and I quickly tap all over the screen a few numbers of times, hopefully pressing on the snooze button on the process.

A soft smile appeared on my face when the buzzing sound finally stopped ringing my ears. I pull my arm back inside the blanket and sigh.

After a few minutes of me shifting my positions from left to right, I slowly started to feel awoke.

Consciousness crept over me, confusion coming with it. The mattress felt weird; softer then usual and so did the sheets, way softer than usual. The air smelled like sandalwood and vanilla instead of sweet lavender.

I slowly squint my eyes open and realize that I wasn't in my room or the room I was going to sleep in last night.

Instead,

I was in Jaden's room, Jaden's bed, and under Jaden's blanket.

I wonder how I ended up here.

I lift up my weight and lean against the headboard. His room was really big, maybe like the same size as my living room. I was surprised seeing how tidy it was, well, compared to his house in La, this one was extremely tidy.

With really big bed in the middle with two side tables next to it and a wide screened Tv in the front. Then a open door to the balcony that leads to a nice view of his backyard and the large trees behind it.

There was a little living room place on the far end of the room with two big fat black leather couches and a fire place in front of it.

The only thing that bothered me was the lack of color. Everything was black white and gray. If this was my room, I swear I would've made it look like a barbie dream house, cute and cute.

I shuffle around for a second before pulling the warm blanket off of my body and lazily getting up from the bed. Yawning the whole time, I tiredly make the bed.

I pat on the mattress and smile to myself for my accomplishment. Stretching my arms out, I carry my weight to the bathroom and lock the door behind.

My eyes immediately falls on the unused brush on top of the sink countertop, still in it's original package.

"How thoughtful of you," I think out loud.

Soon after I was done doing my somewhat morning routine, I quickly left the bathroom and then out of the room itself.

The first thing I did when I was out of that room was look for Jaden but he was nowhere to be found. I looked though almost every room but he wasn't in there.

I cowardly walk down the large corridor, feeling quite disappointed. Now how am I supposed to go home?

Midway through the dark wooden stairs, a sweet smell of pancakes invaded my senses.

I almost jolted in excitement as a huge smile grew on my face. I follow the smell to the kitchen and stand behind one of the kitchen islands. I place my hands on top of the cold marble countertop and watch Amanda as she drizzles chocolate syrup all over a plate full of some yummy looking pancakes.

"Good morning ma'am," she said once she turned around with the plate on her hands. She then placed the pancakes on top of the kitchen island.

"Good morning, ms.." I try to look for the correct word.

She looked up at me with a simper, "Just call me Amanda."

Amanda was a short woman with silky grayish brown hair that she always keeps in a low bun and pale skin on top of her lips. Her eyes were a shade of light brown, which somewhat reminded me of mine.

I caught a glimpse of the wrinkles around her forehead and eyes as she smiled at me.

I return the same gesture, "Only if you call me Lily instead of ma'am first."

Her eyes softened subtly as she looked at me with a weird expression on her face, a mixture of realization, confusion and exhilaration.

"Is your name Lily?" She asked.

I tilt my head a little and nod.

"Wow, you're just like what I imagined." She said with admiration and satisfaction. I look at her, confused. What is she talking about? I bring my hands to my sides and furrow my brows.

"What do you mean?"

"Jaden used to talk about you a lot whenever he came here. I used to think he has a crush on you or something but the last time he talked about you was like almost two years ago, I don't really remember."

I stare at her.

"But then seeing him with you yesterday made me think otherwise. He looked quite happy, after a very long time."

Damn.

"Do you know where he is?" I ask.

"Oh, Jaden is at work right now. He told me to make you some breakfast in the morning so here I am with some pancakes. Hope you like them," she pushed the plate towards me and then gestured me to take a seat on the long legged stool beside me.

I mouth a thank you to Amanda before pushing the bar stool a bit farther and hopping onto it. I bring the plate closer to me and use the fork to rip out a piece.

"How long have you known Jaden for?" I figured this would be a great time to ask her some questions that were circling my mind since yesterday.

I take a piece of chocolate covered pancake inside my mouth and wait for her to answer.

"Since he was a little baby. I used to work for his mother as her child's nanny but when she moved away with him, I decided to stay here with her husband and-" she paused.

"Ugh, I feel like I talk to much. Why don't you tell me something about you and Jaden's relationship."

I gulp.

How do I tell her that him and I aren't together. I felt bad but I also didn't want to tell a lie. "Actually, we aren't in one."

She almost replied instantly, "Come on sweetheart, you don't have to be shy about it."

"I'm telling the truth," I admit.

"But you're wearing his clothes? And these-" she paused again, her eyes narrowed towards my neck. I shifted my position in the chair and felt my jaw tick.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I got too excited." She laughed it off.

I began devouring the pancakes again as we fell into an awkward silence. I say thank you to her once I was done and head over to the sink.

She insisted on leaving the plate behind but I washed it up anyways.

"Those pancakes were delicious," I send her a soft smile as she claps her hands together with delight.

"Thank you so much, it's Jaden's favorite."

"I know," I smiled.

After that, I went back upstairs, grabbed my belongings and went downstairs. I slipped on my shoes and clicked on the uber app on my phone.

"By the way Lily, Jaden asked one of the drivers to drop you off to your house." Amanda told me.

"Oh, that won't be necessary, I was just about to call an uber," I say, politely.

"But I already told Mr. Chandler to wait for you outside."

A frown falls on my face, since he's already waiting for me, I might as well take his car. "Oh okay, thank you Amanda for the great food!" I almost shout as she was quite far away from me.

Amanda shouts back a welcome cashing me to giggle. I then exit there house and reach the black mercedes' that was waiting for me in the drive way. I say good morning to the driver and tell him my address.

After about twenty minutes in the car, I was finally inside my house. For a second I thought I'd have to wait outside of my home because I didn't have keys with me but then I realized that we always keep a spare one on top of the door.

I was now in my room getting ready for work.

For my clothes I chose a white cropped tank and matching cardigan with long purple cargo pants. I threw on a piece of white perl necklace and white sneakers.

I decided to leave my hair down today. I part my hair down the middle and place them behind my ears with two skinny strands in the front. I added my favorite perl earrings to match with my necklace.

For makeup, I did what I usually do. Which is me applying some mascara, vaseline and a little bit of blush even thought that wasn't really necessary.

After all that, I went straight to my car and drove off to the tallest building in Manhattan.

Passed a few busy streets until finally I was outside of my office. I quickly put on my badge and walk off, closing the door behind me.

My eyes widens as I check the time.

8:35 am

I was a whole 15 minutes late, oh my god.

The first thing I see when I walked inside the building was Shay sitting on her desk. I let out a sigh of relief, at least I have someone to talk to here.

I know she saw me walk inside because whenever someone does, a little bell sound plays automatically. Shay looked back down on her papers and started writing something.

"Hi shay, good morning!" I drag my words.

Shay looked up at me and send me a smile. I furrow my brows, usually she'd be the one to talk to me first. I was kind of confused but I brushed it off.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked, confused.

"Why didn't you tell me anything about you and our boss?" She asked, quite randomly to be honest. I was kind of surprised by the tone of her voice, she looked genuinely upset.

"How did you find out?" I gulp.

"Ashly told me everything yesterday when you left to go find him. I was confused at first but then realized how obvious everything was. It really explained why boss beat the absolute shit out of that guy in the club."

I frowned.

"I'm- I'm sorry Shay, I didn't really know how to say anything. I didn't expect to see him here after almost three years of no contact. I didn't want anyone to know about our past relationship because now, we're just strangers."

Strangers that knows every single detail about each other.

"Yeah sure, stranger that kisses you in front of everyone and called you mine," she said in a sarcastic tone, quoting the word "mine."

"Ok ok, yeah, strangers with a past and some weird obsession with each other," I roll my eyes.

Shay chuckled slightly at my words, "If I didn't know any better, I would've asked why your lips were swollen and who's love bites those belonged to."

My eyes widens at her words. How did she notice them? I literally wore a cardigan on top of my shirt so that my hickeys would be hidden, guess that didn't work.

"Seriously though, you look like you had a really rough night," she giggled.

I place my hands on top of her desk and lean forward with a sigh. "Not gonna lie, but my night wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. I slept so peacefully," I shrug.

I wasn't even lying, I'd totally ask Jaden where he buys his blankets from.

Shay raised a brow, "So are you and boss, friends again?"

I stick my tongue out in disgust, "No, ew, never!" I make a thumbs down and shake my head.

Shay and I both giggle after wards almost forgetting why I even came here the first place. I quickly stood straight, "Shit, I'm already so late for work. I gotta run now," I said worriedly.

"Don't worry, I had already marked you present earlier," she winked.

A huge smile grows on my face, "Gosh, you're the best!"

"Have you decided which dress you are going to wear on Friday?" She asked making me scrunch my eyebrows together in confusion.

"But, I don't wear dresses to work," I say.

"No idiot, I meant after work! Like on the masquerade ball!" She clasped her hands together in excitement and looked at me for an answer.

I stare at her, as confused as ever.

"I actually have no clue what you're talking about to be honest."

Shay face palmed herself and typed up something on her computer. She then gestured me to come over to her desk. I walk around the desk and looked at the bright screen in front of me.

Mr and Mrs Edward McMillan
request the pleasure of you and your partner's company at a Masquerade Ball

In honer of our 25th year wedding anniversary

on Friday, June 15 from 8pm til midnight
Wear your favorite outfit and don't forget to bring your best Mask

Old town hall, High street/ New York
RSVP 571*******

"See?" Shay drags her words as she clicks off of the page.

"But I don't know who this Edward McMillan is," I pout.

"That's one of the businessmen whom our company trades with, they're pretty powerful in my opinion. And quiet dangerous too," she says the last few words quieter than the other ones.

"What do you mean by dangerous?" I ask curiously.

Shay looks at me and huffs, "I heard they are like related to the bad people, like mafia's," she whispered so that no one around could hear us.

Oh.

-

I click on the link Mr. Carter sent me to view but it was empty. It was just a white blank screen.

I frown. He said that this was very important and I had to report on it by tomorrow.

I spent minutes trying to figure this out but to no solutions.

Without a frustrated sigh, I get up from my table and carry the laptop out of my office. I slowly walk down the long hallway trying to make sure I don't drop the device.

Then, I finally reach his cabin.

I knock a few times until I hear a come in.

Slowly, I enter the extra cold room, nervousness creeping up my body.

Jaden was sat on his chair, his head leaned back comfortably. He looked up at me once I was inside and gestured me to take a seat.

"What do you want?" was the first thing he said as I stood beside him with the laptop in my hands. I ignore his rudeness and place the laptop on top of his desk, in front of him.

"I need help, I can't get into the link," I said with a annoyed look on my face.

I placed my hand on top of the pad and moved the little hand all over the screen trying to prove how stupidly blank this page was. "See? Look how goddamn white the screen is, can't even find the exit button," I huff.

Wait, what if I got hacked? Could that be possible?

"Dumbass," Jaden mumbled. He's acting like I'm not right there in front of him.

I roll my eyes.

Jaden pulls himself and the chair an inch away from me and shakes his head i. disappointed. "Click on exit," he said.

I look around the keyboard trying to find it. Was I going blind or was the exit key missing? What the fuck is this laptop?

"Where?" I mutter.

Subtly, he places his hand over mine and moved the little hand over the very left of the screen where suddenly a x shoes up out of nowhere. My mind was completely blown, I thought he was talking about the key not this.

I feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment as Jaden kept his hand over mine. His hand felt cold on my skin and for some reason I liked it. It felt familiar, but I ignored my conscience and looked straight ahead at the screen.

He reloads the page and the link magically started to work. I was dumbfounded.

The whole one minute of his hand over mine, I was cursing at my stupidity.

"There," he said and pulled his hand away.

"Thanks," I say quietly, having a hard time admitting his work skills.

In return he sent me a crooked smile. I narrow my eyes and start walking back to my room. I feel his stare from a mile away but I only ignore.

Closing the door behind me, I walk out only to be thrown to the floor in a matter of seconds.

I was almost baffled at the sudden knockout. I put the laptop down and rub my back as pain swells up my bones. I look up to see the culprit and my eyes widens like they've never seen before.

It was the girl.

The pretty girl I last seen Jaden with about two years ago.

The same girl who crushed my believes and thoughts into prices, along with my undying trust for Jaden.

She was looking back at me with her brown eyes, her lips turning up into a snarl, "Get up already."

I felt like my heart had shattered once again. Maybe worse this time because now I know that Jaden and her are still in contact with each other.

I don't think she recognized me, but I did. How could I forget such an important person in my life? She's so important because she was the reason why my whole life turned upside down.

I feel a my eyes start to blur all of a sudden. Jennifer gave me the most nastiest look and cooed, "Are you gonna cry now?"

She rolled her eyes and landed a hand before me. "No thanks," I said, my voice so damn small I swear even I couldn't hear it.

I got up by myself and stood to my complete height. Jennifer was obviously taller than me, maybe older too.

I wonder why Jaden chose her instead of me. Was it because she was more mature? And pretty?

I wipe my eyes dry and turn away from her. She called for me a few times but I only ignored. I couldn't handle this anymore, if I stay in front of her for one more second I swear I'll turn into a sobbing mess.

I was halfway down the corridor when I hear my name being called. I pause my steps and wipe my tears away with my sleeves and turn around with a soft smile.

"Morning Chase."

He had a smiling face too at first but after examining mine, he frowned.

"Are you okay kiwi?" He asked, concerned.

"Yes of course, I- I just don't feel all good today," so began.

"I don't know why," I finish.

Chase stepped a few inches closer to me and nodded. "So, I was wondering if you were going to the ball," he scratched the back of his neck.

By the look on his face, I already knew what he was talking about. "Yes Chase, Shay is going to the ball too," I roll my eyes jokingly.

I see the red tint on his face as he cowardly stands in front of me. "How'd you know I was going to ask you that?"

"Magic," I giggled.

"Also, kiwi, is Shay mad at me from last night?" He asked out of nowhere.

I scrunch my brows and stare at him.

"For what?"

He licked his lips and shrugged, "You know, for not saying that she wasn't the hottest person in that room."

I raise a brow, "Why didn't you?"

Chase slimmed, "Cause like, I got hella fucking nervous and I didn't want to make it so obvious that I sort of, kind of starting to like her." He particularly said all that in one single breath.

God, they're going to make such a cute couple.

"Don't worry, she's not upset at you," I smile at him.

I see him let out a huge sigh in relief, "I'm going to ask her to the ball on Friday."

Before I could say something, he speaks again. "So who are you gonna go with?"

Originally, I was going to go with Shay but now that Chase is planning on asking her on a date I'm just gonna have to go alone. I don't really wanna third wheel them. Mostly because it's gonna be their first date! I'm way too excited for them.

"I, um, I'm not sure," I said truthfully.

Chase opened his mouth but was cut off before he could even say something by another voice. I turn around to see a tall dark man standing in front of me. He had the most precious smile playing on the corner of his lips and his thick brows furrowed as he walked towards us.

"Sup guys."

"Hi Lee," I sent him a short smile and Chase does the same.

"I was kind of eves-dropping and figured that even the prettiest girl in this building doesn't have a date herself," he stared at me in amusement. I didn't know if that was supposed to be a compliment or a comment but I stood still anyways.

"I was wondering if you'd grant me a wish to make you my date for the ball," he asked, quite straightforwardly.

Chase was staring at the both of us causing me to feel very anxious. They were looking for an answer and honestly, I didn't know what to say. I've barely knows Lee but he seems so sweet.

If I say no I'd have to go alone and if I say yes I'd have to encounter a very awkward situation with him. I'm an awkward person in general.

I blink.

They're stares were intense, one asking for a yes and the other just...staring.

"Sure," it's not that I didn't want to be his date but I felt so pressured that I only could utter one word.

Lee's lips curled, it wasn't a smile this time, but a smirk.

"Alright then, I'd take my leave," Chase cleared his throat. "Bye kiwi."

"Bye Chase," I said and before I even knew it, he was gone.

Lee taking the chance of no one near us, he stepped closer to me. Closer then I'd like him to be but I didn't object. He leaned in a bit, "I'll see you on Friday then, I'm sure you'd look as beautiful as ever."

The only thing I could do was nod my head.

"O-kay, I'll see you later," I wave at him before walking out of his way. I could feel his stare on me but I didn't care. It wasn't something new.

I clench my jaw and hurried out of the building.

I needed some air.

J A D E N' S   P O V

My door was suddenly being kicked open making me glance forward.

A short girl walked inside with a annoyed look plastered on her face. At first I was mad thinking that it was just some random employee but then I realized who it was.

"Jennifer?"

She looked into my eyes and stumbled across the room to the chair in front of me.

"Tell one of your people to bring me something to drink, god, I'm thirsty," she said before sitting on the chair and placing her head down on my table.

"The fuck are you doing here?" I narrow my eyes at her.

She sits back up and leans backwards. "Why can't I be here?" She asks with one of her brows raised.

I roll my eyes, "Shut up."

"Am I disturbing you guys?" Another annoying voice speaks from the door way. Before I could even tell him to get out, he randomly walks over and stands besides me.

His brows furrowed as he saw the girl that was seated in front of me.

"What the fuck is she doing here?" He snarled.

"Exactly what I was saying," I rest my head on my hand and stare at the both of them making faces at each other.

"You're still friends with this annoying dog?" Jennifer asks sarcastically.

I roll my eyes.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"Who me?" They both question at the same time.

"Both of you," I sighed.

"K, I'm here because I wanted to ask you if you are going to come to the ball on Friday," Chase takes a seat next to Jennie.

Fuck, why is everyone so damn excited about this ball thing. McMillan could've thrown a regular party but nah, he wanted to be extra fancy and organizes whole masquerade ball.

How the fuck am I supposed to deal with him looking like a stupid cartoon character?

"Ion want to, we can deal some other time."

Jennifer looks at me, "Wait what ball?"

Before I could brush this topic off of her head, Chase interrupts me. "Masquerade ball with the Macmillan's," he smirked.

A grin appeared on her face, "Okay then, I'm going."

I cringe.

"With who exactly?"

She huffed, "With you Jay."

"No you're not!" I was pretty straightforward and clear but she wasn't taking it. For as much as I known her, she'll most definitely go to the ball. One way or another.

"Who's going Chasy," she flutters her lashes at Chase who made the nastiest face ever seeing that.

I roll my eyes, weirdos.

"Me and basically everyone in the building," he announced.

I wonder if Lily is also going.

"What about Lily?" I ask.

Chase blinks, "She's going too."

"With Shay?" I raise a brow.

"Nah Shays going with me, and Kiwi is going with Lee," he said.

"Wait that kind of rhymed!" He grins as I narrow my eyes.

Now who the fuck is Lee?

"Who?"

"Balee, one of the workers here, he's kinda bold though. He asked her out in front of me and for some reason Lily said yes. They were being flirty asf." I didn't know if what Chase was saying was a lie or not because of the way he was saying it.

It's like he was joking, only to see my reaction.

But I didn't care, his words had dig deep into my brain.

"Actually, I change my mind."

If she can do it, I can do it better.

Way fucking better.

•••

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚊 𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝, 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚊 𝚊𝚍𝚍 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚐𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗.

𝙰𝚗𝚢𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜, 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚝:)

𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚞𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚊 𝚋𝚎 𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝙰𝚕𝚜𝚘, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚍𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝙹𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜? 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚢 𝚒𝚜 𝙹𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚘𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚎𝚛?

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝙻𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙? 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑i𝚗𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝙻𝚎𝚎 𝚐𝚞𝚢? 𝙷𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚟𝚒𝚋𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚊𝚑?

𝙱𝚝𝚠 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚛𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚜𝚘 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜, 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠!!! 𝙿𝚕𝚜 𝚟𝚘𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝:𝙳

𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚋𝚢𝚎𝚎𝚎𝚎