Jade's POV
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Tristan chuckled, shaking his head. "To make you happy, I'll have to do things my way," he said. He took a slow sip of his coffee before locking eyes with me again. "Sure, you assigned different roles to each of us, but making you happy depends on us, doesn't it? So I'm willing to go to any length to win."
I scoffed. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"
"You'll find out." His voice was laced with amusement. "I'm just saying, I have the right to come up with my own ways to win your heart, and you can't refuse. Even though you said we shouldn't act close, well..." He leaned in slightly, his gaze unwavering. "That rule only applies outside, since you haven't announced your marriage yet. But inside...inside your mansion, you can't stop me." He flashed a slow, satisfied smirk. "Even though this is a contract marriage, you are my wife now. And even if it's not a happy marriage, we all still have the right to try and prove something."
I groaned, pressing my palm to my forehead. His words were like an irritating fly buzzing in my ears. Just when I had finally started to relax, he had to go and annoy me.
Before I could snap at him, my eyes landed on the cake being placed on the table.
My irritation faded instantly, replaced by excitement.
A wide smile spread across my face as I gazed at the masterpiece before me. The towering structure of rich, velvety chocolate gleamed under the soft lights, delicate patterns etched into the sides. It was absolute perfection.
"Ah, perfect timing," I murmured, still entranced by the cake. "I was starting to think I'd have to wait forever for this."
The cheerful female server beamed with pride. "The boss herself made sure it was prepared especially for you, ma'am. It's a special recipe." She hesitated, then added, "She'll be coming to meet you soon, she wouldn't allow such a dignified guest to come and go just like that."
Without waiting for my response, she turned to leave, only to pause as another figure emerged.
A woman with long, raven-black curls and a figure-hugging red dress approached with a warm smile. Her heels clicked softly against the floor, exuding confidence and authority.
"Hello, Miss. It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, stretching out her hand for a handshake. "I'm the owner of this establishment, and I'm honored to have you here."
I was about to shake her hand when her gaze suddenly shifted to Tristan.
And just like that, all warmth drained from her face.
Her smile vanished, replaced by something dark, anger, disbelief, maybe even betrayal. Her lips parted slightly before she snapped out of her daze and took a step closer.
"Tristan?!" she shouted, her voice rising with emotion, her face turning red like a ripened tomato.
I arched a brow, watching as her furious gaze darted toward me.
"And wait a minute...you're Jade Sinclair? The one who booked the entire shop?" She added as she turned to me.
Tristan remained seated, as calm as ever. In fact, it almost seemed like he had been expecting this. He let out a slow sigh and finally spoke.
"Nice to see you here, Dora," he said smoothly. "I was going to say hi before leaving."
I leaned back in my chair, arms folded across my chest. "What's going on here?"
Tristan turned to me. "Jade, meet Dora," he said casually. "She's my childhood friend."
Dora scoffed loudly, glaring daggers at him. "Childhood friend my foot!" she snapped. "So everything Valen told me over the phone was true?! You are actually living with this bitch now? For what?!"
Silence.
Then...
Bitch?!
I slammed my palm onto the table, my chair scraping against the floor as I shot to my feet.
"Did you just call me a bitch?" I growled, my voice dripping with venom.
Dora didn't flinch. Instead, she folded her arms across her chest, a wicked smirk curving her lips. "Yes, I did. Why else would you claim Tristan like some desperate little girl? If you weren't a bitch, you wouldn't...."
I didn't let her finish.
"You'd better watch your mouth," I warned, my fists clenching. "Or you'll regret it."
By now, Tristan had also risen to his feet. He placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch firm. "Let's go, Jade. I'll explain everything outside."
I shrugged off his hand, my glare never wavering.
"What exactly do you need to explain?" I hissed. "The only thing that needs to happen right now is for you to tell your whore to learn when to shut the hell up or she's going to regret it."
Dora gasped, her face twisting with rage. "Whore?! How dare you call me that?! Do you even know who I am?!"
I rolled my eyes. "I don't know you, and I don't care to know you."
Dora let out an exasperated scoff. "I am Chef Dora! One of the most famous pastry chefs in this city! And you..you dare to call me a whore?"
I laughed coldly, flipping my red hair over my shoulder. "If you're so famous and I still don't know you, what does that say? Clearly, you're not as important as you think and by now we both know who's famous between you and me." I smirked. "I don't have time for this pathetic little scene, but I will say this, if someone like you ever dares to insult me again, I won't hesitate to crush you."
Dora turned to Tristan, her expression livid. "Did you hear that?!"
Tristan exhaled, massaging his temples like he had a raging headache. "I'll explain later, Dora," he muttered. Then, turning to me, he said, "Let's go, Jade."
"Gladly." I grabbed my bag. "I wanted to have a nice time, but a nuisance ruined it. What a shame."
As I strode out, Tristan turned back slightly. "I'll meet you and the other girls at the exact spot tonight, Dora. Just wait for me."
I scoffed as I walked away, my face set in irritation.
Humans.
They always find a way to piss me off.