Chapter Ten: Confused?

With his thoughts racing with all the things he had to do that day, Jason's morning got off to a hectic start as he hurried to work.

Upon his arrival, his office, a masterpiece of contemporary elegance, was ready. His reliable secretary, Jane Thompson, welcomed him with a heavy file in her fist. The sound of her heels tapping on the marble floor accompanied her as she drew near.

"Before this morning's conference call, we have an important meeting" With an air of refined professionalism, Jane indicated that it is crucial and involves possible investors.

A wrinkle formed on Jason's forehead as he dove into the file's contents. “ To be fair, Let's make sure all the required reports are organized beautifully," he said with an air of authority.

The burden of duty stood in stark contrast to Jason's carefree attitude as he spent the day engrossed in the careful preparations for the approaching conference.

The conference room hummed with expectation as Jason and Jane made their arrival, welcomed by a sea of expectant faces. Taking his position at the head of the table, Jason projected confidence and commitment.

"Let's dive straight in," he urged, breaking through the room's murmuring. His competence and charm created a lasting impact on potential investors.

With each phrase, Jason strengthened his position as a strong force in the corporate world. His authority was unquestionable, his drive unyielding. Yet, as the session came to a conclusion, misgivings started to niggle at him. Had his presentation done enough to win the essential money his business needed?

Back at his workstation, Jane handed Jason an unexpected package, a puzzled look crossing her face. With a perplexed expression, Jason opened the envelope, exposing an invitation to his old buddy Dave's milestone birthday event.

Is it conceivable that his frantic schedule led him to overlook his own closest friend's birthday? When he took another quick glance at the letter, he spotted something he had missed the first time around: it stated;

Remember that you are now a married guy, so be sure to come with your wife hahaha.

That jerk Dave. He said in his mind.

"When's the party starting?" Jason questioned, his mind already going to the evening ahead.

"This evening, sir, at 8 p.m.," Jane said, her voice tinted with melancholy.

"8 p.m., huh? Then I best get dressed," Jason thought, carefully altering his plans for the evening.

Jane offered a small nod. "Obviously, sir. Should I make alterations to your evening plans?" She swiftly exited the office, locking the door behind her, at Jason's yes.

Jason contacted Adam to ask him to come to the house and bring Emma to the party. Emma agreed when he reminded her that he had brought her just at his friend's request and that she shouldn't strive to be all wifey here. He stepped outside to pick Emma up when they arrived at the party.

Jason took a comforting breath and led Emma as they pushed past the crowd. Known faces greeted him with smiles, but their eyes were intrigued about his unexpected return to social activities after years apart.

He caught sight of Dave, looking magnificent in a good green suit, speaking animatedly with another couple.

He waved as their sight met across the yard. Dave stepped up to him, making explanations to his pal. "Jason, I'm sorry I had to inform you abruptly and didn't even put a call through, I have been so busy." He talked in a nice tone, but it was evident they were best friends.

"I'm sorry there wasn't an RSVP," Jason said with elegance. "Business matters kept me away, but I did not wish to miss celebrating with a friend." He smiled cordially at Dave.

"So, how is everything going with Emma? Are you two getting along?” Taking a sip from his cup, Dave questioned.

Jason questioned, "I wonder why you asked me to bring her along in the first place, bro."

"Because I know what you are capable of. I don't want you hurting such a gorgeous lady" Dave teasingly added, "At least you wouldn't do any of these ladies with Emma around."

"Who says what?" Jason smiled and they both laughed.

A lady in the throng pointed to Dave at that same time, it appeared important, so he promised Jason he would return quickly. Jason nodded a nod of agreement as they lifted their glasses to applaud.

"Brother, enjoy the evening." Dave then excused herself to welcome the other guests and take care of the individual who had indicated to him.

Jason studied his surroundings, it's been a long since he visited his friend's place. The grounds were maintained in excellent shape, with bushes neatly trimmed into elaborate patterns. The stone paths that ran between flower gardens were lit by gas lights. Round tables draped in white tablecloths and stacked high with sweets were put up on the lawn. In front of the enormous fountain in the midst of the meadow, a small orchestra played lively music.

Jason went among the rich attendees, striking up talks but not really connecting with the antics. He was peering over the sea of festivity when he noticed something crimson.

His eyes moved to where Emma stood, her laughter ringing out as she conversed with a lovely stranger.

Jason's pulse raced as he observed Emma's encounter with the stranger, a combination of emotions surging inside him. He felt a stab of envy, but underneath it all was a deeper worry — the fear of losing her. Losing her? He pinched himself, who cares?? The silly marriage was nothing but a sham.

Swallowing his pride, Jason turned away, his thoughts muddled with uncertainty and unease. He poured himself a glass of champagne, attempting to drown out the conflict boiling inside him.

Lost in his thoughts, Jason couldn't ignore the sensation of dread that gnawed at him. What was happening to him? What's this feeling?

His gaze went back to Emma, who continued to converse animatedly with the stranger, her laughter booming in the night air. Jason's chest clenched at the sight, a wave of wrath swelling inside him.

Without thinking, he rushed over to where Emma stood, his pulse racing in his chest. He gripped her arm, his grip hard with desperation. His fingers curled around her arm in a frantic hold as he pulled her towards the gate where their automobile awaited.

"What's going on, Emma?" he demanded, his voice tinted with anger and fury.

Emma's eyes widened in astonishment, her demeanor guarded. "Nothing, Jason. recently meeting up with a buddy I recently met," she said, her tone harsh with annoyance.

But Jason wasn't persuaded. He could feel the tension between them, for a minute, they stood there in silence.

“A friend you just met? A guy??” Jason inquired, annoyance dripping in his voice

“Jason, can you explain what this means?" Emma's voice quivered with a combination of vulnerability and shame, her hands clutched firmly by her sides.

“Who was the person you were chatting to?" Jason's voice pierced through the air, harsh with indignation.

"I told you I was just catching up with a new friend and Jason, you have no right to ask me that, you're in no position to do so," Emma shouted back, her rage plainly growing.

“I am your husband, woman! I have every right to ask," Jason's voice thundered, his words dripping with fury and bewilderment. "Have you no shame? How can a married lady sit so easily with another guy in public?" His allegation lingered heavily in the tense environment, a stinging reminder of the limits he thought she had breached.

Emma's mouth tightened, her patience becoming thin. "Let me remind you, seems it's skipped your mind, what we have is fake!" she said.

“No, let me remind you," Jason's voice boomed out, laced with a harsh edge, "Do you have any idea how much has been poured into your father's sinking company in exchange for this damn marriage?!” His comments pierced through the strained air like shards of glass, bearing the weight of fury and sacrifice. "I own you, Emma. And you darn well know it. You're going to do what I say, and as I've mentioned before, you don't get to say no. Get in the vehicle now!” His demand, albeit shouted through clenched teeth, held a feeling of finality, a harsh reminder of the power he wished to hold over her.

As Jason brought up her father's failing firm, Emma felt a sense of regret and knowledge slice through her wrath. Suddenly, the gravity of their marriage, planned to preserve her family's company, struck her like a ton of bricks. Her eyes widened, a glimmer of understanding flooding across her face as she gazed at Jason.

"Adam," Jason cried out to Adam, his driver, who stood close, carefully watching the heated discussion, his tone milder now, “Let's get out of here.”