Jake
Morning sunlight poured through the curtains, waking me gently. I stretched, rolling over to find Laura already awake beside me, her head propped on her hand as she watched me with a soft smile.
"Morning, future husband," she teased, her voice warm and melodic.
"Good morning, future Mrs. Robbins," I replied, grinning as I leaned in to kiss her. The fact that we were just hours away from getting married still felt surreal.
She sighed contentedly, her fingers tracing lazy circles on my chest. "Can you believe it? By this time tomorrow, I'll officially be your wife."
I chuckled. "I can believe it. I've been waiting for this moment since the day I met you."
Laura laughed lightly, her cheeks flushing. "That's a lie, you know. You wanted to rip my head off the moment you met me." She let out and we both laughed.
"Actually the first time I met you, it was your panties I ripped off…" we laughed again.
"But… you're such a romantic, Jake. Who would've thought?"
"What can I say? You bring it out of me."
We lay there in comfortable silence for a moment until Laura's expression shifted. She hesitated before speaking, her tone more serious. "Hey, have you… have you heard anything from Chloe lately?"
I froze, my hand pausing mid-stroke on her arm. "Uh, no," I said quickly, hoping she wouldn't pick up on the tension in my voice. "Why?"
"She's been AWOL," Laura said, sitting up slightly. "I've called her several times, but she hasn't answered. It's not like her to just disappear like this. I know she's been acting weird, but still…"
I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Maybe she's just busy or needs space. You know Chloe, she's unpredictable."
Laura frowned, studying me for a moment. "Jake, are you sure you don't know anything?"
I leaned in and kissed her forehead, hoping to distract her. "I promise, if I knew anything, I'd tell you. Now, stop worrying about Chloe. This is our time, okay?"
She sighed but nodded, letting it go for now. "You're right. I just… I hope she's okay."
I nodded, though guilt tugged at me. I knew exactly where Chloe was, or rather, where she wasn't. Not in my relationship, manipulating and scheme to ruin things. But that wasn't a conversation I was ready to have.
After breakfast, I got dressed and headed to work. My assistant, Anna, greeted me with a cup of coffee and an enthusiastic grin as I walked into the office.
"Morning, boss! Big day tomorrow, huh? Nervous?"
"Nervous?" I scoffed, taking a sip of the coffee. "Not even a little. Marrying Laura feels like the easiest decision I've ever made."
Anna chuckled. "Man, you're making the rest of us look bad. Anyway, we've got that contract meeting in an hour. Ready to close the deal?"
"Always," I said, grabbing my briefcase.
The business meeting was set in the grand boardroom of Grant Enterprises, the company we had been negotiating with for months. Anna and I walked in, and I immediately noticed the imposing figures of Mr. Grant and his legal team seated around the polished oak table.
"Jake Robbins," Mr. Grant greeted, standing to shake my hand. "Good to see you again."
"Always a pleasure, Mr. Grant," I replied with a firm handshake, matching his energy. "I trust everything's in order for today?"
"Let's hope so," he said with a chuckle, motioning for us to sit. "I've heard good things about you, Jake. You're known for being thorough."
"Thoroughness is how we make sure everyone wins," I said confidently as I took my seat.
Anna set up the files and handed me a copy of the contract. I quickly glanced over it to ensure everything was as expected.
"So," Mr. Grant began, leaning back in his chair. "This partnership has been a long time coming. I must say, your team has impressed me throughout the negotiations. But I need to hear it from you directly, why should I finalize this deal with you today?"
I leaned forward, meeting his gaze. "Because, Mr. Grant, this isn't just about a contract, it's about trust. Your company and mine align on values: innovation, integrity, and long-term growth. I don't just see this as a partnership; I see it as a legacy project, something that will outlast both of us."
Mr. Grant nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Legacy, huh? Big word. What guarantees do I have that this partnership will be as mutually beneficial as you claim?"
Anna chimed in, presenting a projection on his tablet. "If I may, sir, our latest market analysis shows a 35% increase in projected revenue within the first year of this collaboration. We've outlined our strategy in detail, which you'll find on page 12 of the contract."
Mr. Grant flipped to the page, his brows furrowing in concentration.
I added, "We're not just offering you numbers, Mr. Grant. We're offering a partnership built on transparency and shared goals. We'll work together every step of the way to ensure success."
One of his legal advisors interjected, "The numbers are solid, but there's a clause in here about intellectual property that might need some clarification."
I nodded. "Of course. That clause ensures that your company retains ownership of all existing IP while granting us limited licensing rights to co-develop future projects. It's structured to protect your interests while fostering collaboration."
The room was silent for a moment as they digested my words.
Mr. Grant finally spoke, "Jake, you've made a compelling case. But let me ask you this, why are you so invested in this deal? Why not just move on to the next opportunity?"
I smiled, leaning back slightly. "Because this isn't just another opportunity for me. I believe in what your company stands for. This is about more than profit, it's about creating something meaningful."
Mr. Grant studied me for a moment before breaking into a grin. "Well, Jake, you've got a way with words. And your numbers back them up. Let's do it."
He extended his hand, and I shook it firmly.
Anna couldn't help but grin. "Fantastic news, Mr. Grant. I'll make sure everything is finalized immediately."
"Good work, Jake," Mr. Grant said. "I look forward to seeing where this partnership takes us."
"Likewise," I said, standing. "This is the start of something great."
As Anna and I walked out of the boardroom, she turned to me with a smirk. "You know, boss, if you ever get tired of running the company, you could always make a killing as a motivational speaker."
I laughed. "Let's stick to closing deals for now."
"Fair enough," she said. "But seriously, congrats. This is a big win."
"It is," I agreed. "Now, let's head back. I've got a wedding tomorrow to prepare for."
On the way back to the office, my phone buzzed. It was my friend, Nate.
"Jake! My man!" he shouted as soon as I picked up.
"Nate," I said, already bracing myself. "What's up?"
"What's up? Dude, it's your bachelor party tonight! You didn't think I was going to let you get married without one last hurrah, did you?"
I sighed. "Nate, come on. I've got a lot going on, and…"
"Don't even try to get out of this," Nate interrupted. "I already talked to some of the guys, and we've got everything set up. You're coming, whether you like it or not."
I hesitated, glancing at the clock. "Look, I need to check with Laura first. If she's okay with it, I'll come. But if she's not…"
"Isn't she having her own party tonight?" Nate cut in. "I'm sure her girls will be throwing her a big one, so you've got no excuse. Call her and let me know though. I'll text you the address."
"Fine," I said, ending the call.
I dialed Laura immediately, and she picked up on the second ring. "Hey, babe," she said, her voice bright. "How's work?"
"Good," I said. "But listen, Nate just called. Apparently, he's throwing me a bachelor party tonight. Are you okay with that?"
Laura laughed. "Of course, baby. You deserve to have some fun. Besides, the girls are throwing me one too. It's only fair."
"You sure?" I asked.
"Yes, go! Have fun," she said. "Just don't get into too much trouble, okay?"
I grinned. "I promise. I'll see you later, alright? Love you."
"Love you too," she said before hanging up.
Later that evening, we met at the bar, and the place was already buzzing with energy… music blaring, drinks flowing, and a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces filling the room.
"Jake!" Nate called out, rushing over to greet me. "There he is… the man of the hour!"
"Hey, Nate," I said, shaking his hand.
"Come on in, grab a drink. Tonight's all about you, buddy!"
I grabbed a beer and mingled with the crowd, laughing and chatting with friends I hadn't seen in ages. Nate, of course, was in his element, playing host and keeping the party alive.
At one point, he pulled me aside and handed me a shot. "To your last night of freedom," he said, clinking his glass against mine.
I raised an eyebrow. "Nate, you know I don't see it that way. Marrying Laura isn't giving up freedom, it's gaining something better."
"Alright, alright, Mr. Perfect Husband," he said, rolling his eyes. "But seriously, you've got to let loose tonight. It's tradition."
I laughed but didn't argue, downing the shot.
The night went on, and the drinks kept coming. At one point, Nate tried to introduce me to a group of women he'd invited, but I shut that down quickly.
"Come on, Jake," Nate said, nudging me. "It's just some harmless fun."
"Not interested," I said firmly. "Laura's the only woman for me."
Nate held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. You're no fun, but I respect it."
We moved on, playing games and telling stories. The drinks started to catch up with me, and by the time midnight rolled around, I was feeling the effects.
"Alright, I think I'm done," I said, slumping into a chair.
"Done? The night's just getting started!" Nate exclaimed.
"Yeah, well, I'm getting married tomorrow," I reminded him.
"Fair point," he said, laughing.
The last thing I remembered was Nate handing me one final drink, his voice fading as my head started to spin. The room blurred, and the next thing I knew, everything went dark…