“I knew something was weird about the fact that Jade was dating a woman like you.” Chloe continued. “I should’ve known it had something to do with money.”

Sapphire walked closer to her, tired of the annoying words she was spitting out.

“Isn’t it immature to cling to someone just because of some will?” Chloe asked with a pitiable expression. Sapphire smiled at her for that.

“I know, right? Jade is clinging to me because of something so inconsequential.”

“Therefore, people like us should not mingle with poor folk. I bet your life has changed for the better since you’ve started dating.” Chloe coiled a stand of her hair with her index finger and heaved heavily on her breath.

“Put an end to the contract already. And I’ll pay you for it. Cut ties between you and Jade, my dear... I’ll give you all the money you’ll ever need. So, take the hint and disappear now, sweetheart.” Chloe spoke as if she was pitying Sapphire and begging her the same time.

Watching her dramatically face, Sapphire chuckled softly into a small laugh while Chloe rolled her eyes at her like an insignificant thing.

“Do you really think we’re dating because of our contract? I guess you don’t truly know the man Jade is. He’s not the type to be forced in doing things he doesn’t want to do. Who would he obey, when he even disobeys his grandfather?” Chloe watched Sapphire with an empty look. It’s clear that she’s lost in words of how fast Sapphire knew Jade better.
“Also, I’d never date a man who doesn’t want to date me.” Sapphire explained with a smile on her face. “So... For your information, I’ll be completely fine without your money, thank you.”

Chloe felt a salty taste on her lips as she digest Sapphire’s words.

Meanwhile, Jade turned back to where Sapphire was standing and noticed she was no longer there. He looked around as his eyes searched the four corners of the room but Sapphire was nowhere to be found.
Looking back at Lucas who was lost in laughter with some of his friends, Jade whispered, “where did she go?”

Lucas looked around too, just then, he noticed she wasn’t in the room. He apologized to Jade, vividly and went to check the restroom.

“Do you know why Jade and I broke up three years ago!” Chloe, continued. “It was because he wanted me to sign a prenup. Do you think you’d be able to sign something like that? Something like that is on a completely different level than a dating contract. Look here, Saph or whatever you call yourself. I’m offering you a life opportunity here. It would be so foolish of you to reject my offer. What does Jade mean to you, anyway? I mean... You just met him a couple of months ago. I’ve spent over ten years with Jade and I know him so well, more than you think you know. So... Why are you trying so hard to push through a relationship that won’t even last?”

“Well, who knows? I’ll think about that when that happens.” Sapphire calmly replied.

With this, Chloe laughed out loud. “You’re hilarious, you know? Although you are opportune to visit places like this, I’m sure you don’t even have a degree so I’m sure you won’t probably understand me well. Do you think you’ll be able to marry him? Jade has been my man since three, good years. We are legally engaged. What part of this do you not understand, exactly? Can’t you see I love that man?” Chloe pointed out with almost drippy eyes.

“Miss Chloe Charles. You’re supposed to make confessions to the person you actually love, not to his girlfriend.” Sapphire emphasized on her words.

This made Chloe blush, but she sounded nervous and looked stunned. As if she’d never expected Sapphire to reply her so boldly.

About to leave, Sapphire turned back at her.
“I think you’ve misunderstood something, but... It’s not that Jade agreed to date me. Rather, I’m dating him because he asked and begged me to.”

Just then, Lucas rushed to where they were standing.

“OMG! So this is where you are, Sapphire.” Lucas walked to the ladies’ direction.

“Oh, yes. It feels stuffy in there.” Sapphire revealed."Can you let me know when the chairman arrives?"

“Yes, of course.” Lucas answered and turned back to Chloe, who was staring at her with critical eyes.

“Why are you here, Chloe? Hope you’re not here to disturb Sapphire?” Lucas looked at how she rolled her eyes at him and hissed in frustration.

He cradled her arm, pulling her away from Sapphire’s side, but Chloe jerked off and pushed him away.
“Let go of me, idiot!”

She grabbed her bag and hissed at both of them once more. Looking at her, it looked as if tears were dropping her eyes. She wiped it off and angrily walked into the toilet.

“Just a moment.” Lucas told Sapphire, with a smile, he’d put so much effort in.

Sapphire nodded her head as tears clouded in her eyes, too. She hated the fact that she had to be hated and embarrassed by Jade’s ex. Looking at her reflection in the mirror. She seized a seat and wiped her tears away.

‘So, today. I’ll advise you straighten your back, and have a confident look in your eyes. And I’m saying this just in case, but... Don’t get mad, okay? The one that gets angry first loses. So, just smile no matter what.... Hahahaha... Hahahaha..’

Sapphire remembered Zoey’s words to her.

Meanwhile, Lucas went back to the party room and whispered softly into Jade’s ear.

“Stay here for a bit.” Jade instructed Lucas as he went to check on Sapphire himself.

She looked so down and sad, and her glittering eyes suddenly looked pale and dull. Jade went to a seat close to her as he noticed the beads of tears that were still hanging out at the corner of her eyes.

He watched her in admiration once more.

“Why are you here all by yourself?” He asked.

“This isn’t very fun. I thought it won’t be a big deal because you said this was a party.” Sapphire muttered.

Jade took a deep breath before replying her.
“To those people, only talking about themselves is a party.”

Sapphire took a sincere look, as if she’d have to accept it. But Jade’s eyes caught hers. “Have you eaten anything? Do you want me to get you something?”

He looked so concerned while asking, but Sapphire faked a small smile.
“No, I’m not hungry.” She replied and stood up.

Jade stood up, too.

“You need to stay here, don’t you?”

“It’s okay for me to be absent for a while, you know?” He replied her sincerely.

Sapphire took out a soft breath and opened her palms in front of him.

“Let’s go in together.”

Jade blushed but tried not to reveal his teeth. He grabbed her hand immediately into his and held it tight.

Jade took her into the party room while Chloe, who had been watching them for a while, scoffed at the both of them. Her usual mysterious smirk formed on her rosy lips as she sniffed.

Side by side, Jade took Sapphire into the party room. But in no time. Her hands crawled to his arm, holding him in a grip the way couples do.

A smile formed on the CEO’s lips as he watched her once more.

“I thought you didn’t want to do this.”

She smiled at him.
“Well, I don’t. But right now, I want to do this.” She replied as they walked side by side to the Alejandro’s table.

“Sit here.” Jade offered as she took a sit. He sat right next to her and spread the table sheets so they would eat.

“So, we meet again!” Sandra’s rude voice sounded right in front of the both of them.
Kate, who was talking to her guest, turned to them. Her smile dropped immediately as she saw Sandra.

Sapphire stood up immediately and greeted her respectfully with a bow.

“I don’t know what you may think, but don’t even entertain the idea that Jade might marry you!” She warned, rather aggressively.

“Aunt!” Jade stood up to her hurtful words that pierced his heart like an arrow of an enemy.
Ace, whom was talking to some guests too, turned to their direction with a glass of red wine still in his hands.

“In case you don’t know... Jade is someone who’s so desperate to become the heir to B.B Company that he doesn’t even acknowledge his birth parents anymore.”

“Sandra!” Kate butt in, in protection of her son and their family name.
As it fire was burning in her eyes, Kate tried not to say anything more.

“How dare you! Is it because Jade isn’t your own son?! Why are you acting so uncouth?!” Kate scrolled at Sandra, who just rolled her eyes and turned away.

Sandra then turned to Sapphire, who was surprised at all of this. “I’m sorry.” She said with a heartwarming smile. Then she turned to Sandra again.

“There are many people watching us, and you’re not doing you or your husband any favours by acting this way. I think you said enough for today, it’s best you go home right away.” Kate demanded.

Sandra took a stern look at Sapphire and Jade and then gave a hateful hiss before walking away.

Ace, whom was watching all of it in a corner, dropped his wine glass and left the party as well.

Watching Sandra leave, Sapphire felt a ball of guilt building up inside of her. She just tried to compress all of it.

“Are you alright?” Kate asked Sapphire in concern.

“Yes, I’m okay.” She faked a smile and replied her, politely.

“I’m sure you’re not okay. Jade’s aunt has a special talent for hurting people’s feelings, you see. But there’s nothing to worry about.” She smiled and looked at her son, Jade.
“Is this the young lady your grandfather introduced to you?”

“Oh, yes. Sapphire, meet my mum.” He introduced.

A surprising look appeared on her face as she heard his words.
“Oh, good evening ma’am. She greeted. “I’m Sapphire Blac.”

Kate softly blushed at Sapphire’s reaction. “You’re welcome, my dear. I’m sure there won’t be many people you know here, but there won’t be anyone else who would be rude towards you. Make sure you have fun, okay?”

“Okay ma’am.” Sapphire replied with a sincere smile. This time, Kate took an excuse to meet her guests.

“Jade’s arm wrapped around her waist as she turned to him, stunned.
“Don’t worry about anything. Just have a se--“

“Jadee...” Kate called him to meet some of their very important guests from Hawaii even before he could complete his words.

Jade went to meet them in an instant. As it is, he has no choice as the guest were arriving and the place was getting crowded.

Sapphire took out a heavy sigh, knowing she’s going to be lonely throughout the party, since the chairman is yet to come. She gently took a seat and scrolled through her phone. It was already 10:45 p.m.

Just a moment, Kate took her son to a corner. Staring at his eyes, she noticed he wasn’t happy as well.

“You’re the host here today, darling. You’re the heir to B.B Company. I’ll have to tell you everyday if possible. All I want you to do is to keep that in mind. Again, don’t stick around one person for too long. Anyone can manage Sapphire, but such isn’t the case with B.B Company. There’s only one Jade of B.B Company, okay? Don’t forget that.”

“Yes, mother.” Jade replied her.

“Good.” she replied while a guest came in their direction.

Sapphire, who somehow heard their discussion, took her purse while Jade went to her.

“Go on. I think I’ll have to go, too.” She started.

“But why? Grandpa would be here in less than thirty minutes.” He checked his wristwatch.

“Umm... You see. My head hurts a bit.” She lied. “I’ll just meet him another day.” She smiled and went to his mum.

“I’ll be leaving now, ma’am.”

“Alright then.” She replied politely.

“I’ll take her home.” Jade told him mum too.

“Okay then.” She gave a go ahead as both of them walked out of the party room.

Jade noticed that she was walking faster, then he held her back.

“I’ll take you home.”

“It’s fine. Stay here. Your attention is needed here.” She told him.

“Okay, I’ll call you a car. Wait, just a little.”

“It’s fine.” She insisted. “I’ll just take a cab. It’ll be a lot quicker, too.”

With his, he braced her hands, as he didn’t want her to leave.

“Hurry and go inside.” She begged.

Jade wasn’t happy, but he takes a smile to make her smile too.

“Hurry!” she added.

“Okay then.” He replied her as Sapphire walked to stop a taxi.

She couldn’t help but to think about what had happened between her and Chloe and also the look Jade’s aunt last watched her with. Thinking about them made her feel so insufficient, like a small finger, and for some reasons, she feel she won’t be able to fit into his world. Too bad she had to get so dressed up for their insults. Sapphire wished she didn’t even come.

Reaching home, she swiped her index finger at the door, and it automatically opened. Zoey, whom was still taking cute selfie of herself, heard her footsteps and rushed to check on her bestie.

“Oh, why are you back so early?” She asked. “Didn’t Jade bring you home?”

Sapphire didn’t answer her questions. She just dropped her bag on the table and pulled out her shoes.

“Well? How was it? I bet it was fun.. huh?

Sapphire sat on the bed with a long face. Just then, Zoey recognizes the sad expression.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Did something happen? Are you alright?”

Only the silence in the room answered Zoey’s questions.

Ring! Ring!! Ring!!!

Sapphire’s phone vibrated inside her back. She lazily stretched to carry it as she stared at the new name she gave him on her phone’s screen.

The Kings of Devils😈

Sapphire let out a soft breath, thinking if she should pick up his call or not. But she knew he wasn’t happy as well, so she answered.

“How’s your head? Dies it still hurt?” He asked over the phone.

“I’m fine.” She replied, and her voice shivered.

“My aunt said some pretty nasty things, didn’t she?”

“No, I’m sure it must have been more unpleasant for you. Someone did not really direct those words at me, after all.” She tried to sound natural, but her voice sounded so emotional. As if she was pained.
“You should go. I’m sure the party is still going on. And it would be a bore without you. See you later.”

“Alright then.” He replied to her as she cuts the call.

“What’s it? What happened?” Zoey asked, out of concern.

“I feel like Jade lives in a different world than I do. I feel there’s an enormous gap between us that can never be filled.”

“What? Did you just realize that?” Zoey wore a smirk and nodded in agreement. “Of course he does. As it is, the name, Alejandro is one of the world’s richest and must famous name, especially in the business world. Too bad you’re just realizing this.”

“I think I just realized how different he really is from me.” Her frown appeared suddenly as she faced her friend.
“Why does he have to be rich? Why is there a vast difference between us?” She whined.

Just then, she remembered Chloe’s words to her.

‘I told you that wearing shoes that don’t fit would be uncomfortable.’

“Damn it! That means that witch was right about everything!” She pointed out.

“Witch? Who?” Zoey questioned.
“You mean.. Chloe Charles? Was she there, too?”

“No, Chloe is the mini witch. There was a witch that was even worse than her.” She thought about her scary eyes and muttered. “Jade’s aunt. I wonder how I’ll ever face that woman in my miserable life!”

Jade couldn’t help but to think about Sapphire. For some reasons, he wanted to leave the party and check on her if she was really okay.

Lucas then walked outside, where his friend was standing in a confused state.

“The chairman is here.” Lucas tells him. Looking at Jade’s face, he noticed a glint of sadness and dullness laced in it.

“What’s wrong, Jade?”

“It’s just that her voice sounded a bit off and her happy eyes were sad.” Jade placed his phone in his pocket.

“Whose?” Lucas asked.

“Sapphire’s.” Jade replied and held his friend. “Let’s go in.”

The party went well that night, but Sapphire couldn’t sleep.

*****

Hope you enjoyed this chapter guys. Here's a little look at the characters.

How Jade dressed to the party.

Lucas at the party

The chairman

Jade's car.

Ace at the party.