The tension in the Walker hacienda was subtle but palpable. Kayden's interactions with Jia were becoming more natural, almost too natural. The line between their fabricated relationship and reality was starting to blur, at least in the eyes of the Walkers—and in Calvin's ever-watchful, teasing gaze.
Jia woke up the next morning to find Calvin lounging in the kitchen, a cup of coffee in hand and an amused expression on his face.
"Morning, sunshine," he greeted.
"What are you doing here?" Jia asked groggily, rubbing her eyes.
"Documenting history," Calvin replied, gesturing toward his phone. "Every great love story has a breakfast scene."
Jia groaned. "You're insufferable."
"And you're glowing," Calvin teased. "Must be all that quality time with President Hayes. Should I start planning the wedding?"
Jia rolled her eyes, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "Don't you have anything better to do?"
"Not at all," Calvin said with a grin. "But don't worry. I'll step aside when the real drama unfolds."
Jia shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself.
As Jia and Calvin left the kitchen, they found Mrs. Walker in the living room, arranging fresh flowers.
"Good morning, dear," Mrs. Walker said, her gaze warm. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, Mom," Jia replied, sitting on the couch. "What's on the agenda today?"
Mrs. Walker's eyes twinkled. "I was actually going to ask you and Kayden the same thing. You two have been spending so much time together. It's nice to see."
Jia hesitated. "Well, we're just..."
"Getting to know each other better," Calvin interjected, appearing behind her with his coffee. "It's adorable, really."
Mrs. Walker smiled. "He's such a gentleman. Jia, you've found someone special."
Jia forced a smile. "Yeah, he's... something."
"Something special," Calvin corrected with a smirk, earning a glare from Jia.
Upstairs, Kayden was on his laptop, reviewing documents Ava had sent the previous night. His phone buzzed with a notification—a message from Ava: "Call me when you're free. Updates on Global Tech."
Kayden exhaled, closing his laptop. He knew he couldn't delay the conversation much longer. Ava's growing frustration was valid, but balancing everything was proving more challenging than he anticipated.
Before he could respond, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," he called.
Jia stepped inside hesitantly. "Hey. Are you busy?"
"Just finished," Kayden replied, setting his phone down. "What's up?"
"There's something I want to show you," Jia said, her tone a mix of excitement and nervousness. "It's a surprise."
Kayden raised an eyebrow. "A surprise?"
Jia nodded. "You'll like it. Trust me."
After a pause, Kayden stood. "Alright. Lead the way."
Jia led Kayden to the expansive garden behind the hacienda. The sun filtered through the lush greenery, casting dappled shadows on the cobblestone path.
"I used to come here all the time," Jia said, gesturing to a small gazebo surrounded by blooming flowers. "It's my favorite spot."
Kayden followed her gaze. "It's peaceful."
Jia smiled. "I thought you could use a break. You're always so... tense."
Kayden smirked. "Comes with the job."
"Well, you're not at work now," Jia said, sitting on the bench inside the gazebo. "So, relax."
Kayden sat beside her, his posture still rigid. "This is me relaxed."
Jia laughed. "You're hopeless."
Before Kayden could respond, Calvin appeared from behind a hedge, camera in hand.
"Perfect," Calvin said, snapping a photo. "The lighting, the setting, the awkward chemistry—it's all here."
Kayden glared at him. "Calvin."
"What?" Calvin said innocently. "I'm just capturing memories."
Jia sighed. "Do you ever stop?"
"Not when I'm inspired," Calvin replied, snapping another picture. "Okay, now tilt your head, Kayden. Look wistful."
"Leave," Kayden ordered, his voice firm.
"Fine," Calvin said, backing away with a grin. "But you're missing out on a great Instagram moment."
Later that afternoon, Kayden finally returned Ava's call. She picked up on the first ring.
"Finally," Ava said, her tone sharp.
"I've been tied up," Kayden replied, his voice steady.
"Tied up with what?" Ava asked, her frustration evident. "Because from what I hear, you're practically on vacation."
"I've been handling things here," Kayden said evenly. "You don't need to worry about that."
"Don't I?" Ava shot back. "The Global Tech merger is critical, Kayden. And the investors are already asking questions. I can't stall them forever."
Kayden sighed. "I've reviewed the documents. Everything is on track. I'll call the board tomorrow."
"Good," Ava said, her voice softening slightly. "But you need to remember where your priorities lie."
Kayden's tone grew firm. "I haven't forgotten, Ava. But right now, my focus is on Jia's safety. You know that."
Ava hesitated, then let out a quiet sigh. "Fine. Just... don't forget to call me after the meeting. And Kayden?"
"Yes?"
"Don't make me chase you down again."
Kayden allowed himself a small smile. "Understood."
As the call ended, he leaned back, staring out the window. The balance between work, Jia, and his responsibilities was shifting, and the weight of it all was beginning to show.
The early morning light crept through the windows of Kayden's guest room. He sat at the desk, staring at the glowing laptop screen. The K.A.J. board meeting loomed in less than an hour, and Ava's sharp words from the night before still echoed in his mind.
His phone buzzed with a new message.
**Ava:**
*"Don't be late. Investors are watching closely."*
Kayden exhaled, his focus sharp but his chest heavy.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," he called, closing his laptop.
Jia stepped inside, balancing a mug of coffee. She looked more relaxed than he'd seen her in days. "Hey. I brought you this. Figured you'd need it."
Kayden blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Thanks. What's the occasion?"
Jia smirked, handing him the mug. "You seemed... tense yesterday. Consider this a peace offering for dragging you around Mexico."
Kayden took a sip, nodding in approval. "Not bad. You might have a backup career."
"Is that your version of a compliment?" Jia teased.
Kayden's lips quirked slightly. "Don't push it."
Jia leaned against the doorframe. "Well, I'll leave you to your important CEO stuff. Mom roped me into gardening duty today."
"Enjoy that," Kayden replied, his tone dry.
"Don't work too hard," Jia said over her shoulder as she left.
An hour later, Kayden was in full work mode. His laptop screen displayed a video conference with the K.A.J. board, their serious expressions filling the grid.
"Good morning," Kayden said, his tone firm. "Let's get started."
Ava's image appeared among the group. Her sharp features conveyed no-nonsense efficiency. "President Hayes, the Global Tech merger is at a critical juncture. We need your decision on final terms."
"I've reviewed the projections," Kayden replied. "Move forward with the revised timeline. Ensure legal is prepared to handle any pushback."
Another board member chimed in. "And the investors? They've noticed your... absence. Concerns are being raised about leadership continuity."
Kayden's tone didn't waver. "I'm managing the situation. Miss Walker safety remains a top priority, but it hasn't affected the company's performance."
Ava's expression was unreadable, but her voice carried an edge. "The board trusts you, President Hayes. Don't give them a reason to question that trust."
"Noted," Kayden said, moving the conversation along.
By the end of the meeting, Kayden's shoulders felt heavier, though his outward composure remained unshaken.
After the meeting, Kayden walked into the kitchen, where Calvin was rummaging through the pantry.
"You're not eating again," Kayden said, more a statement than a question.
Calvin emerged with a bag of chips. "Don't judge me. Stress-eating is a coping mechanism."
Kayden leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "Do you even have stress?"
"Sure," Calvin said, grinning. "I stress over how to keep you sane. It's a full-time job, you know."
Kayden sighed, rubbing his temple. "If you're not going to be useful—"
"I am useful," Calvin interrupted, opening the bag. "Who do you think keeps things from falling apart while you're brooding in a corner?"
Kayden gave him a flat look. "Remind me to cut your snack budget."
"You wouldn't dare," Calvin shot back, grinning as he popped a chip into his mouth.
Meanwhile, Jia was in the garden with her mother, tending to the flowerbeds. Mrs. Walker gently trimmed a rose bush while humming a cheerful tune.
"You seem happier," Mrs. Walker said, her tone soft but observant.
Jia paused, startled. "I do?"
Mrs. Walker nodded, smiling knowingly. "Kayden's been good for you. I can see it in the way you talk about him."
Jia focused on the flowers, avoiding her mother's gaze. "He's... supportive."
Mrs. Walker touched Jia's hand lightly. "Supportive is important. Relationships aren't always easy, but the right person makes the challenges worthwhile."
Jia forced a small smile, her heart heavy. *If only this weren't an act,* she thought.
Later that afternoon, Kayden was reviewing contracts in the study when Jia entered, carrying a tray of tea.
"I thought you could use this," Jia said, setting the tray down.
Kayden glanced up. "Are you making a habit of interrupting me?"
"Maybe," Jia replied with a playful grin. "You don't seem like the type to take breaks otherwise."
Kayden smirked faintly. "Fair point."
Before the moment could settle, Calvin burst into the room, waving his phone.
"Boss, we've got a situation," Calvin said dramatically.
Kayden frowned. "What now?"
Calvin handed him the phone, where a social media post displayed pictures of Kayden and Jia at Xochimilco. The captions were rife with speculation:
"Spotted: K.A.J. CEO with a mystery woman. Is he engaged?"
Kayden's jaw tightened. "Who leaked this?"
"Tourists, probably," Calvin said with a shrug. "Welcome to the age of smartphones and oversharing."
Jia's eyes widened as she leaned over to see the post. "This is bad, isn't it?"
Kayden nodded, his tone serious. "It's not ideal. Calvin, contact the PR team. I want this under control immediately."
"Already on it," Calvin said, but he grinned as he left. "I knew those photos would go viral. You're welcome."
Jia bit her lip. "I'm so sorry. I didn't think—"
"It's not your fault," Kayden interrupted, his voice firm but calm. "We just need to stay ahead of this."
Jia nodded, her worry clear. "What can I do to help?"
"Stay calm," Kayden said. "I'll take care of it."
That evening, Kayden finally returned Ava's call. She picked up on the first ring.
"Took you long enough," Ava said, her voice sharp.
"I've been busy," Kayden replied evenly.
"Busy?" Ava echoed, her frustration evident. "From what I hear, you're making waves in Mexico. Cooking with Jia, boat rides, and now social media scandals?"
Kayden sighed. "I'm handling it, Ava."
"Are you?" Ava shot back. "The Global Tech deal is in a critical phase, and investors are getting restless. Meanwhile, your face is all over Instagram with rumors of an engagement. Do you realize what that kind of distraction does to our brand?"
Kayden's voice hardened. "The company is stable. Focus on the merger. I'll deal with the PR fallout."
Ava hesitated, then let out a quiet sigh. "You always do, don't you? But, Kayden... don't forget where your priorities should be."
"I haven't," Kayden said firmly.
"Good," Ava replied. "Call me after you've handled this."