Side Story: 238
Side Story: 238
"So, why this job? A boxing coach...when did you even learn boxing?" Viktor asked.
Jess was busy looking at her computer, but she still replied, "Three years ago, obviously." She scoffed.
"May I ask why?" Viktor stared at Jess differently now, he had never pegged her as someone who would ever get into the violent type of work, but he guessed experiences changed people's perspectives.
"For myself. After Ken, I just felt like I'd spent my whole life working for the Chaz family; I studied in the field that pleased Grandma Nari just so I could fit into the family business; I've never been allowed to do what I wanted. So after I came to Miami, I found that I loved boxing. At first, I tried looking for jobs with design firms, but once I heard a guy saying he needed a worker at his gym, I volunteered, worked there for three months, got used to boxing, and then decided to open mine." She informed.
Viktor paused, "Wait, you mean...this place is yours?" He regarded her in disbelief.
Jess nodded, "Yeah, it's a small space, but I'm glad I did it myself, no Chaz money on it, just me." She smiled proudly.
Viktor was proud of her, too, he had done the same thing himself, even though he hadn't gotten his project completed, but it was underway. Maybe what everyone needs is that one bad breakup that would push them to truly discover their worth.
"Then maybe I can really take a class on boxing. A free class," Viktor joked.
Jess smiled, "Sure, Vik. However, tell no one about me, understand?" She closed her laptop and stood from her chair.
"Are you sure? Not even Ariel?" Viktor smirked at her.
He knew Hess wasn't aware that Ariel was back with Aiden, so he wanted to see her reaction.
"What?" She was walking over to the door but paused when she heard what Viktor had said.
He stood and walked over to her, placing an arm over her shoulder.
"Yes, Jess, Ariel has returned with her and Aiden's child," He informed.
Jess suddenly smiled, "Damn it," She muttered.
Viktor frowned, "Why? What's the problem?" He asked her.
Jess chuckled, "We're missing out on all the sweet drama. How do you think it's going to end? Do you think Aiden will get back with Ariel, or he'll give me to his grandma and marry that ugly wish just so he upholds the family's honor," She did an air quote as she spoke.
Viktor thought about what Jess had said; it was true; what would Aiden do, "I don't know...both women had a child with him; it's a complicated situation," He replied.
Jess scoffed and led him out, going back to the boxing arena. "Don't be ridiculous, Viktor. It's never harsh for a man to choose a woman he loves. If it were you back then when you still loved Moon, what would you do? She has your baby, and another woman has a baby for you, too; who would you choose? Moon right? See, it's not that hard. Moon doesn't stand a chance with Ariel. Aiden would never leave Ariel and pick Moon, well, unless he'd been corrupt like the rest of that crazy family," She shrugged.
Viktor let Jess drag him by the arm and out of the building.
Once again, what Jess had said made sense. If he were in Aiden's shoes, he'd have picked the woman he loved.
The night sky complemented the lively street, luxury cars drove by, pretty girls walked past them, and everywhere was booming like it was the peak of the day.
"Did you drive?" She asked Viktor as they walked toward her parked car.
Viktor shook his head, "No, I was feeling too lazy, so I used a cab. Give me a ride?" He blocked up at her cutely.
Jess rolled her eyes, "Sure, hop in, but I'm not going to your house; you're coming to mine," She winked at him.
Viktor had no objection; he could sleep anywhere. He sat beside Jess as she drove through the city, letting his thoughts run wild.
"Hey," Viktor called.
Jess glanced at him, "Yes, my old friend, which of your curiosities do you want to satisfy?" She laughed.
"Um, I thought you lived in the apartment above your boxing gym, so where are we heading?" He stared at her.
Jess nodded, "Yeah, but I only stay there when I have a match or just have some work to do. We're going to my other apartment, the one I call home," She answered.
"Oh, I see. So, do you want me to tell Ariel about you, or will you reach out to her yourself?" He suggested.
Jess went quiet, she focused on the road. She wasn't sure if she was ready to speak to Ariel, something told her that Ariel might have discovered what happened that night at Aiden's company.
If Ariel had discovered it, then it wouldn't be wise for her to reach out to Ariel. Ariel wouldn't want to speak to her, so why would she? No one would want to keep a relationship with someone who betrayed them in such a deep way.
She sighed quietly, "I'll reach out to her," She replied.
Viktor slowly nodded, "Yeah...even I haven't reached out to her. I only heard about her through Ken, and he's quite worried about you," He informed.
"Oh please, quit mentioning that jerk, he's dead to me," She stated firmly.
Viktor shook his head sadly, "Yeah...I feel you. Just like she's dead to me," his voice was quiet.
"We're here, Mr. Viktor," Jess announced in front of a beautiful white bungalow.
"Welcome to my home," She said as she ushered him into her living room.
Viktor was smiling, "Maybe I can tell Ken to stop worrying, you're living just fine," He teased.
"Leave," She pointed to the closed door.
"Oh, come on, fine, I'm sorry, no more Ken," He promised.
"You better," Jess glared at him and walked away.