CHAPTER 4

We Meet Again...

Jade’s POV

I sighed as I watched the old man circle my damaged car, his rough hands brushing over the dented hood and scratched doors. The accident from yesterday had left it in bad shape, and I knew getting it fixed wouldn’t come cheap.

"Please, can you get it fixed?" I asked, my voice almost pleading.

The old mechanic, Mr. Harris, scratched his graying beard, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the damage.

"Yeah, but it's gonna cost you a lot of money, young lady," he said, shaking his head.

I bit my lower lip, knowing I didn’t have the kind of money he was talking about. That’s why I had come here instead of a legal auto shop. Those places would charge me an arm and a leg for repairs.

"Please, sir. I purposely didn’t go to a legal mechanic knowing their price would be too high. But I really need this car. Please accept this and reduce the price," I said, pulling out a neatly wrapped takeout box. Inside was freshly baked bread—made by none other than my dad.

Mr. Harris’s eyes lit up the moment he saw it, and his tough expression softened into a smile.

"You know I can’t refuse this. Your dad’s freshly baked bread is the best," he said, taking the box with a pleased look. "Fine, I’ll do it."

I grinned. "Thank you so much!"

"Yeah, yeah. You get the car fixed, and I'll come back for it later," I said before turning to leave.

---

I was back at the café where I worked part-time, cleaning up tables when Julian, my best friend and coworker, walked up to me with an inquisitive expression.

"You’re smiling a lot today," she said, tilting her head as she observed me.

I rolled my eyes, feigning ignorance. "What do you mean? I smile all the time."

She narrowed her eyes at me, her lips curving into a smirk. "Hmm, you do, but today’s smile is different. It’s even bigger." Then her eyes widened in realization. "Wait a minute. Did you have sex last night?!"

I gasped, eyes widening as I quickly covered her mouth with my hands. "Shh!" I scolded in a hushed voice.

She mumbled something against my hand, and I hesitated before finally letting her go.

"Okay, if it's not sex, what is it?" she asked, her expression growing serious.

I glanced around the café, then grabbed her hand and pulled her into the locker room.

"Okay, I’ll tell you everything," I whispered, my cheeks heating up.

Julian grinned. "Go on. You look like you’re going to explode soon."

I took a deep breath and told her everything—from how I was furious with Will, to how he completely surprised me with a heartfelt proposal, and the unforgettable night we had together.

Julian’s jaw dropped. "No way!" she squealed, gripping my hands.

"Yes way." I grinned and held up my hand, showcasing the sparkling ring on my finger. "I’m getting married!" I screamed, unable to contain my excitement.

---

Nathaniel’s POV

"Hit and run?" I asked Jesse, my right-hand man, as he stood in front of my desk.

He had just finished explaining what happened to June. My June. The only woman I had ever truly loved.

I was still processing the information, my mind refusing to accept the reality of it.

"Yes, sir. According to the footage from the CCTV on the road," Jesse confirmed.

My hands clenched into fists, my anger boiling over. "Who... Who the fuck killed June?" I shouted, my voice echoing through the room. In a fit of rage, I threw the coffee mug in my hand. It shattered against the wall, pieces scattering across the floor.

Jesse took a cautious step back, but his expression remained cold and unreadable.

"We are yet to find out, sir. I’ll get the results soon," he assured me.

My temper flared. "Why the fuck are you telling me this if you don’t have answers? What’s the point of this information if you haven’t found out who did it?!" I stormed toward him, glaring straight into his eyes. We were the same height, making it an intense stare-down.

"Find out who did it! And don’t fucking show your face here until you do!" I barked, turning my back on him.

"Is that clear?!"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Now get the fuck out of here."

The sound of the door closing behind him signaled his departure.

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. My gaze flickered to the wall clock. 3:40.

Shit.

I had to pick up that girl at the airport by four.

Grabbing my office phone, I dialed my secretary. "Helena, come to my office now."

She arrived quickly, but not quick enough for my liking.

"You’re one minute late. Do you think I have time to waste?" I snapped.

"I’m sorry, sir," she said, bowing her head.

"Cancel all my meetings for today. I’m leaving."

"But sir—"

"I didn’t ask for your opinion. Do it!" I grabbed my car keys and walked out.

As I got into my car and sped toward the airport, my grip tightened around the steering wheel.

Whoever took June away from me was going to pay.

---

At the Airport

I arrived at exactly 4:15.

As I was walking through the terminal, I accidentally bumped into a woman.

"Hey! Watch it! This dress is more expensive than you think," she scoffed, dusting off her clothes dramatically.

I arched a brow, my irritation flaring. "Excuse me?"

She gave me a long stare before folding her arms.

"Well, hello," she said, her frown deepening. "Nathaniel."

I studied her features. There was something oddly familiar about her, but I couldn’t place it.

"Do I know you?" I asked.

She smirked. "How time flies. You don’t even recognize me?"

I remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"Elizabeth Clayton," she finally said.

I felt my stomach drop.

Oh, fuck no.

Lizzy. My high school bully. My so-called friend. The only person who ever had control over me back then.

And now my father wanted us to get married?

Shit.

She flashed a wicked smile, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

"Well, there’s my bag," she said before walking out.

I sighed heavily before following her.

When we reached my car, she tapped her watch. "Oh yeah, you were fifteen minutes late."

I ignored her comment and opened the door for her. She got in, and I placed her suitcase in the trunk before getting into the driver’s seat.

My father had asked me to give her a gift. I pulled out a small box and handed it to her.

"Here. For you."

She opened it and scoffed.

"Is this a way of buying my permission into this marriage?" she asked, looking at the ring with disgust. "Too cheap." She closed the box and tossed it back at me.

I smirked. Well played, Dad.

I had a feeling this was just the beginning.

------

Jade’s POV

This was my third part-time job of the day. I had to work hard to take care of my dad—he was all I had.

"Get your roses here!" I called out, standing by the roadside selling flowers.

A sleek black car pulled up beside the curb, and the driver—a strikingly familiar man—rolled down the window.

"I’ll take that rose," he said.

"That’ll be one dollar, sir," I said, handing him the flower.

"Too bad I don’t have any cash on me," he said, smirking.

I frowned. Was this guy serious?

Then, to my shock, he tossed a small box at me. When I opened it, my breath caught.

An expensive ring.

"I can’t accept this," I stammered.

"Then keep it for me," he said.

The traffic light turned green, and before I could protest further, he smiled, waved, and drove off.

I stared after the car, utterly speechless.

Well... that was unusual.