Chapter 17 BAD GUY NOW?
Fear flashed in Erica’s eyes, but she quickly masked it. “No, my eyes are naturally hazel-nut,” she lied, trying to laugh it off as she tried to pull away. But Aaron’s grip tightened, refusing to let her go.
He reached for her eyes.
“What are you doing?” Erica yelled, but Aaron didn’t care. His fingers gently moved toward her contact lens, ready to pull it off. Just as he was about to, the door burst open, and Jaxon walked in, eyes narrowing at the sight of Aaron’s hands on Erica.
He gritted his teeth, immediately pulling Erica away from Aaron’s grasp. “What do you think you’re doing? This is a violation.”
Aaron smirked, unfazed. “The screen was cut off,” he said, his voice casual.
Erica nodded, but a knot tightened in her stomach. For a split second, she feared Aaron might take the lens out, if he did, he’d see her natural green-forest eyes.
Jaxon turned to her. “Is that how you treat a lady?” He was visibly angry now, but Erica stepped in, pulling him back.
“I wasn’t hurting her,” Aaron said, his voice steady but unreadable. He didn’t explain himself further. Jaxon was just picking at him now. It was the first time Aaron felt this... bad—like something was eating at him. So, he simply walked out of the room, leaving a tense silence in his wake.
Jaxon opened his mouth to follow but stopped when Erica placed a hand on his arm.
“What are you doing?” she asked. “He might be a friend of yours, but you really need to talk some sense into him.”
Jaxon scoffed. “Yeah? You think I can do that?”
She laughed lightly, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m not defenseless, Jaxon. I just play along. I know what I’m doing.”
He stared at her, his disbelief clear. “You expect me to believe that?”
Erica sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I’m not afraid of Aaron, Jaxon. Can’t you see it? The only reason he’s acting cold is because he doesn’t trust me—not completely.” She glanced down at her hands. “I’ve never seen anyone so obsessed with revenge like he is. No one else cares anymore about me but he does.”
Jaxon remained silent, processing her words.
“I know you think he’s an asshole,” she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. “But honestly? He just cares about Celina. To him, anyone in his way is an enemy.” She paused, lost in thought. “Even when he choked me that last time, I didn’t feel afraid. It wasn’t about killing me... it was a warning. He didn’t want me to betray him.”
Jaxon’s expression softened, though he still looked conflicted. Erica’s eyes filled with tears. It was the first time he had ever seen her cry, and it hurt him to witness it.
“It’s okay,” he said, moving toward her and gently tapping her back. “It’s okay to cry.”
Erica let out a shaky breath. She’d only ever cried over two things: her mother, and the jump.
The jump, that moment still haunted her—still haunted Aaron. But why did he care so much? Why did he still feel guilty for her past?
She cried harder, consumed by guilt, knowing she’d ruined so much, including Aaron. He thought that if he had found her earlier, maybe... maybe she wouldn’t have jumped.
Should she just tell him who she really was?
No.
She quickly shut down the thought. She’d already caused enough damage. For now, it was safer to stay away from Aaron. Safer to keep her distance.
Back at the hall, Aaron had left without a second glance. He couldn’t stand being there anymore. The crowd? It didn’t matter.
What stayed with him was the look in Erica’s eyes, the fear and something else. Something deeper. Something he didn’t understand.
He walked to his car, but then he froze.
Jolie’s car was parked nearby. She was standing with Emily, who was dressed impeccably beautiful.
Why weren’t they going inside?
He took a few steps closer, but then he saw her—Erica, walking out with Jaxon.
He stopped in his tracks, watching them from a distance. Why was he hiding? He didn’t know, but his legs moved anyway.
“Erica!” Jolie’s voice cut through the air, filled with concern. She hurried toward her, her eyes flicking to Jaxon. “Are you okay?” she asked, her tone protective. She then glared at Jaxon. “Did he bully you?”
Erica couldn’t help but laugh. “No, Jaxon can’t bully me. I do that,” she teased, trying to ease the tension.
Jolie sighed in relief, though there was a momentary flash of guilt in her eyes. She hadn’t realized how worried she’d been until now. She reached up, gently wiping away the tears from Erica’s cheeks.
Emily, standing by quietly, eyed the scene with a mix of confusion and admiration.
Erica didn’t shout at Jolie, despite everything. She’d never met a boss who treated her juniors like an equal, who actually cared. Maybe that was what made her so special.
Emily whispered to herself, “An angel…”
Jolie turned to Erica. “Your makeup is a mess. Let’s get you something lighter.” She smiled and turned to Jaxon. “And you! Who bullied her, huh?”
Jaxon smirked. “I’m older than you, so stop acting like the grown-up here.” He gave her a playful smack on the back of the head.
Jolie scowled. “Hey!” she protested. But when she saw the grin on Jaxon’s face, she rolled her eyes.
Erica couldn’t help but laugh. “You guys are cute. You’d make a nice couple.”
Jolie groaned. “Eww, he’s my brother!” she whined.
Erica just teased, “I’m just saying—”
Jaxon wrapped his arm around Erica’s neck. “Yeah, I’ll be Erica’s future husband. Gotta protect her from people like Carter and Aaron. That’s my job.”
Jolie raised an eyebrow. “Aaron? Is he not like a friend to you? Why would you need protection from him?”
Erica sighed and gently shoved Jaxon’s arm away. “Jaxon’s just being dramatic,” she muttered, but Jaxon scoffed.
“You said he was good to you once. Now, he seems like an asshole.”
Erica’s eyes flashed, and she shot him a warning glare. “Enough.”
Jaxon held his hands up in mock surrender. “Chill, okay? People don’t stay the same. For example.....” Jolie slipped.
Erica’s hand shot to her lips. Her heart raced.
She couldn’t let that slip.
Erica’s eyes widened. “What? What did you just—?”
“I’m sorry,” Jolie said quickly, bowing her head. “I didn’t mean to.....”
"Its okay" Erica said, and Jolie smiled at her words.
“You don’t change, you do you? You’re still the same person. The same villainess to your enemies, but loyal to those who love you.”
Erica chuckled bitterly. “I’m a friendship-aholic, that’s all.”
“See? You didn’t change.” Jaxon teased, then paused when he saw Erica’s weary look. “It’s okay. Let’s just get you ready. Jolie, take Emily and go ahead with the entrance.”
Erica’s smile was warm, but distant. “LY Entertainment will take you as an actress. Don’t worry, they treat their actors well. Vivi’s there too, so it’s the same agency.”
Emily smiled, her eyes welling up with gratitude.
“Don’t cry,” Erica said gently, though she couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. “I can’t redo makeup this late. I’m already stressed.”
“I won’t cry,” Emily said, smiling through her tears.
Erica laughed softly. “Cute.”
She turned to leave, but then froze, her heart skipping.
Aaron was standing outside, leaning against his car. He looked like he had just arrived.
Her first instinct was to walk to him, to disturb him as usual, but this time she didn’t feel that familiar dread. Instead, she turned her gaze away and walked toward her own car.
The engine roared to life as she drove away, leaving Aaron standing in the parking lot.
And yet, as he watched her go, his heart didn’t race from the cold air or the rush of the moment. No, it was the memory of Celina—of everything.
Was he the bad guy now?