Chapter 106
Jayden couldn't stop glancing at his wristwatch. His heart beat a little faster as the seconds ticked away. He was almost late. He hated being late. Not for events like this. Not when the entire industry would be watching.
His phone buzzed.
"Sir, we're already at the lobby. Miss Athena is with me," his chauffeur said over the line.
Jayden ran a hand through his hair and reached for his jacket. He snatched it off the hanger and shoved his arms into the sleeves, letting the tailored fabric hug his frame. His reflection in the mirror barely caught his attention. Tonight wasn't about vanity. It was about power. Presence.
He adjusted his cufflinks with swift movements and took one last deep breath before stepping out of his hotel suite. The elevator ride was silent except for the soft ding of each floor he passed.
When he reached the lobby, he found Athena already waiting. Her long gown shimmered under the chandelier lights. She looked... stunning.
His three black luxury cars were parked right outside, gleaming under the warm hotel lights. His chauffeurs stood in a line, heads bowed in perfect sync.
Jayden didn't acknowledge them. He never did. He simply scanned the lineup and walked briskly to his main car. But just before entering, he stopped and turned.
"You'll ride in a different car with me tonight," he said, his voice calm, but firm.
"Yes, sir," Athena responded with a small nod.
Jayden pointed to the sleek black SUV in front of his.
"That car. Ride in that one."
Athena's eyes followed his finger. "Yes, sir."
"Good," he muttered and got into his car, slamming the door behind him.
Inside, he exhaled, leaned his head back, and shut his eyes.
The silence didn't last long.
A few minutes later, the convoy pulled into the fashion line venue, and Jayden's car came to a gentle stop.
He opened his eyes and looked out through the tinted window. Bright lights. Cameras flashing. Celebrities stepping onto the red carpet in glamorous outfits. Laughter. Posing. Spotlight. It was like stepping into a movie scene, and tonight, Jayden wasn't just in the movie, he was the lead actor.
The building was stunning. Modern glass architecture, bold designs, and a buzz of activity all around.
Athena stepped out of her car behind his. She adjusted her gown and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Jayden sat up and pushed the door open. As soon as his polished shoe hit the ground, the cameras turned. Flash. Flash. Flash.
He squinted under the brightness. This was his world now.
He didn't smile. He never did for cameras.
Instead, he looked over his shoulder and signalled.
Athena walked over gracefully, heels clicking softly on the floor, until she stood beside him. For a moment, the world stood still. The photographers knew a moment when they saw one. They clicked away rapidly.
Jayden didn't look at Athena directly. Instead, he leaned closer and whispered, "Stand still. Don't blink too much. This picture will be everywhere tomorrow morning."
Athena nodded slightly, her eyes still on the cameras.
Jayden tilted his head, his voice quieter this time. "Link arms with me."
"Yes, sir," she whispered back, her voice barely above a breath.
Their arms locked.
It was subtle. Elegant. Yet something about it screamed intimacy.
Together, they walked in.
The doors of the fashion line slid open, revealing a breathtaking interior. A blend of classic art, high-end decor, and everything luxury. The soft scent of orchids lingered in the air, mixed with hints of expensive perfume.
Jayden gave a slow nod of approval.
"Wow," he murmured under his breath. "Quite a good one. You sure outdid yourself... Monalisa."
Athena was about to reply when her eyes widened suddenly. She reached for her clutch and gasped softly.
"One minute, sir."
Jayden raised an eyebrow. "What now?"
"I actually forgot something in the car. I'll go get it right away."
He sighed. Deeply. "Women," he mumbled, rubbing his temple. "Go ahead. You'll meet me here. I'm the one with the card."
"Yes, sir. I'll be quick."
Jayden watched her hurry away, adjusting her gown as she walked briskly through the lobby.
He turned back toward the lobby's grand interior, letting his eyes wander. The walls were a gallery of the fashion line's past designs. There were displays of handbags, gowns, sketches.
He took a step forward, soaking in the artistry.
Then...bam.
A small body slammed into his leg.
"What the..." Jayden staggered slightly, blinking down.
It was a kid. A little boy, maybe six or seven, with curly hair and a sharp look in his eye. It was Joshua.
Jayden's brow furrowed. "Are you blind?"
The boy looked up at him, utterly unimpressed. "You should ask yourself the same question, mister."
Jayden stared, stunned. "What did you just say?"
"I said, maybe you should look where you're going. You spun around too fast and crashed into me."
"I see. You spoilt brat. I demand an apology, right now"
"No. I won't apologize. I demand an apology, Mister "
Jayden's nostrils flared. "You demand an apology from me?"
"You bumped into me. You apologize."
Jayden ran a hand down his face and muttered under his breath. "I'm really going crazy tonight."
The boy folded his arms. "And don't call me a brat. Just because you're an adult doesn't mean you can bully me."
Jayden tried to contain the growing fire in his chest. "Okay, who are your parents? And how the hell did you get in here?"
The boy looked up proudly. "My mum's one of the designers. She's backstage. And how did you get in here? You don't seem like people who should be in here. Leave!
Jayden clenched his jaw.
"You're impossible," he said, shaking his head.
"You're dramatic," the boy shot back, mirroring Jayden's posture and flipping his jacket behind him the exact same way.
Jayden froze.
"Did you just copy me?"
"Did you just copy me?" the boy mimicked.
Jayden squinted at him. "This is unreal."
Athena walked back into the hall and paused as she saw the odd scene unfolding.
"Sir?"
Jayden turned to her, pointing at the boy. "This... kid... he just.."
The boy smirked. "He wants to knock me."
Jayden looked like he might explode.
Athena held back a laugh. "Maybe we should find his mother?"
"Good idea," Jayden muttered.
The boy turned to Athena and grinned. "Are you his wife?"
Athena blinked. "What? No. I'm not."
"Good. He's kinda scary."
Jayden groaned. "I'm done."
"Don't be done. Wait till you meet my mum, rude Mister "
(TO BE CONTINUED...)