Chapter 333: Jab

Ian had come to Zane's home to pick up Mina only to hear that she was in the guest room recovering from what Zane described as a serious panic attack. Ian had witnessed Mina's panic attacks, but what Zane described seemed worse than anything Ian had seen. Sadly, Ian's concern for Mina was replaced by jealousy.

The night before, Ian dreamed that he and Mina were getting married, except he was not the only groom. All around Mina were several men who Ian knew were interested in her, and each of them called out to her; listing out the reasons why she should not marry Ian as they did.

Although Ian knew that Zane liked Mina, he knew that his friend would hold back, no matter what he claimed. The problem was that he also understood that Zane would not reject Mina if she were interested and the thought made Ian worry. What if what Mina wanted was the freedom to be with someone else?

"What if Mina wants something I cannot give her? What if she wants someone else?" Ian asked. He was not expecting Zane to answer, he was just putting a voice to his worry.

"It's possible. Mina is young. You told me yourself that her family used the life calendar, so while she sees herself as a near twenty-four-year-old woman she is only twenty-two. Mina has not even hit the prime age of marriage, and it would not surprise me if people are interested in her; especially since her education can now be confirmed."

Zane was not trying to make his friend feel bad, but he had to let him know the truth. Mina was an incredibly good catch and when Ian had her, he should have held on not tortured her.

Now, Mina was fair game and unless Ian planned to keep her a prisoner locked in his home forever, he should count his losses early.

"I don't know if I can handle that," Ian said honestly.

"Then I suggest you let go and move on before it happens. It has been enough time since your little faux pas with that bar girl. You need to get out and meet new people. You have spent enough time chasing Mina." Zane also wanted to remind his friend that after he tortured Mina, he then assigned petty tasks for her to complete as a form of punishment anytime she made him unhappy.

When Mina had first told Zane about those things, he had trouble believing her, but then he had witnessed Mina sitting in a frigid room, wrapped in blankets. Back then he had asked the woman why her windows were open, and she said that she was airing out her room so that its smell did not bother Ian.

Later, Zane heard from Luna that Mina had also told her about the same 'punishments.' He was shocked when Ian's own sister said that she had witnessed Ian's poor treatment of Mina, and just recently, Zane learned that Ian had given Lisa a dress that CEO Rue had sent for Mina to wear.

There were a lot of hurdles Ian would have to overcome if he wanted Mina, and Zane did not think it was possible. His untainted advice to Ian, would be for him to find a replacement. The woman did not have to be a permanent fixture, but if Ian wanted to get over Mina, he might need someone to help him.

----

Mina awoke and checked the time; she was late. President Lee had said he would get her at noon, but it was nearing 2PM and she was not even dressed. Mina got out of the bed and quickly washed herself again. Anytime she had a panic attack, her body became sticky with sweat, and she could not function properly.

Mina was an extremely clean person, and although she did not mind getting dirty, it did not mean she enjoyed it. Even when she was unable to afford pretty much anything, soap was always a priority to Mina.

No matter how low she had been, taking a shower had always been in a top spot on her list and Mina would not visit Dom feeling dingy.

Mina remembered Zane telling her that he had put the tracksuit he purchased for her in the closet, and she saw it immediately. She had spoken to Mr. Eric, who suggested that she invest in a black jogging suit with a hoodie she could pull over her head. He was under the impression that an overly excited fan accidentally hurt her. With that in mind, Mina asked Zane to get her the suit because she thought it could help hide her face from Dom.

What Mina had asked for was an all-black jogging suit that was loose fitting and nondescript. Something with a hood, preferably with draw strings, but what Zane had purchased, was something else.

The track suit was black, but it had silver sequins down the sides of the arms and legs. It also had large sequin letters that spelled out the word 'cute' across the chest. Mina was originally confused as to why President Lee and Zane were friends, but she now saw that they both got a kick out of torturing people.

Swallowing her pride, Mina put on the fitted suit. She also put on her hat and sunglasses and when she checked herself out in the mirror, she looked crazy, but her face was well hidden and that was her aim.

Mina made her way out of the guest room and she encountered the butler who she swore chuckled when he saw her. He pointed her in the direction of Zane's study, and she made her way to the room, being careful not to break from her act. If she wanted the men to think she had mellowed out and forgiven president Lee for everything, she had to put her best foot forward.

----

Ian and Zane were browsing through the social media profiles of eligible bachelorettes when Mina knocked at the door. Ian felt guilty, but Zane reminded him that he was a single man who did not need to hide things from Mina, who was a single woman.

Before Ian could close the screen of Zane's laptop, the man had already called for Mina to enter his study, and the woman walked in with a smile that was soon replaced with a frown when Zane caught sight of her.

"Please Mina, I need a picture of you," he said, and Mina pouted.

"Did you get this on purpose?" Mina asked, and Zane nodded.

"I saw it, and I thought. You know who likes to play cute little games? Mina does. So, I bought it." Mina pretended not to understand Zane's mocking words, but they were clear. The outfit was payback.

Mina looked at President Lee who was staring at her wordlessly. She knew he was holding back, but she could not blame him if he laughed at her. She looked ridiculous, and even though she disliked the man, it was okay for him to laugh.

Mina could take Zane's method of payback; it was not violent nor was it demeaning. It was just a subtle jab, that let Mina know he was onto her.