Oliver's Pov
I raise my head as I sense Jessie's presence; her scent fills the air. She has her hair tied back in a light red bun.
"I just saw Gina storm out," she says, choosing to stand.
"She'll survive," I reply.
She taps her feet and gives me a pointed stare. "I'm here to offer my answer," she says, finally moving to sit.
Suddenly, a wave of nerves washes over me. I watch as her eyes land on the box of flowers. She stares at them for a moment before turning to me. "Yes, I'll come back, but only if we live together," she says.
I exhale, relief flooding through me. This is exactly what I wanted to hear, yet a knot of anxiety tightens in my stomach.
I've been waiting for her answer, but confusion settles in as I process her words. I should feel relieved, but the reality I've been avoiding hits me hard: I'm actually married to her. We'll be living as a couple, doing all the things couples doâplanning a future, maybe even starting a family. But beneath it all, fear creeps in.
I compose myself and smile. I pick up the flowers and stand, walking around my desk to her. "Will you be my date tonight?" I ask.
She smiles, glancing at the flowers before pushing them slightly away. "Yes, where are we going?" she asks, distracting me from my earlier thoughts.
"My brother-in-law Quinn Nickel's graduation party," I state.
"That's great! What is he graduating with?" she asks, her curiosity piqued.
"A PhD. He's a scholar. I've never met anyone who loves education as much as he does," I reply.
"I do," she says, smiling nervously, as if her words weren't meant to be heard.
"Really?" I inquire, surprised. I checked her hotel records, and she only completed high school.
"If things were different, I would've wanted to earn my doctorate," she admits.
"What's stopping you?" I ask.
She looks at me, then glances away. "I'd rather not talk about it," she says.
"But I want to know, especially if it's something I can help with," I insist.
She subtly hides her face from me. I move closer and squat down to her level. "Please," I say, sensing there's something she's not revealing.
She turns to me again. "I'll kiss you if you come closer," she threatens. I'm unsure if she's joking or serious, but I inch closer anyway.
It is like i am begging her to execute her threat, "Then do, if not answer me," I say.
Her eyes widened as she swallows. She leans closer and in a second her lips touch mine briefly before ending it. Leaving me in mere pain of want.
For her to choose to kiss me over actually telling why she couldn't further her education tells me. It is more serious.
"Do you like the flowers?" I ask.
"I am actually allergic to daises, but the thought counts," She says. wiping her eyes then i realize they have been watering.
"Shit, i am sorry." I say picking the flowers and taking them to my assistant.
"Let's go for a late lunch," I suggest when i return.
"I could use a bite." She smiles back.
Jessie's POV
I brush my eyebrows upward, smoothly applying my brow gel as I sing along to the background music. After that, I fill in my brows and check my reflection. I turn to my good side to see if they look how I want them. A smile creeps onto my face as I remember how much Layla dislikes brow gel; microblading is her go-to.
Once I finish my makeup, I sit on the bed and shut my eyes, wondering if I made the right decision. Grey knew my favorite flowers, and I was allergic to daisies before we even started dating.
Starting over feels dauntingâlearning about each other while seemingly needing to forget the memories built with an ex over the years.
I pick up the white box resting on the bed, having saved its mystery for last. Oliver mentioned it contained a dress and shoes. The box is branded La Cooper, a name I recognize from their conglomerate businesses.
As I open it, I find a sage green polka dot dress. Lifting it, I inspect its design and note that it will likely be short. Despite my initial reservations, I decide to try it on. Next, I uncover a pair of lace-up heelsâmore my style if only I had been paid better as a housekeeper.
I find Oliver waiting for me in his office.
"Wow!" he exclaims, unable to hide his surprise. "You look...." He trails off, speechless.
"I had my doubts about the dress, but I like it," I reply.
"It likes you too," He says, making conscious of how it hugs my body.
"Yeah..." I say with unease.
"Shall we go?" he teases.
I nod, taking in his appearance: a grey suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a sleek black overcoat. He looks so polishedâjust classic. He reminds me of Grey's style.
As we step out of the office, I notice how calm he is. It reminds me that I'm entering his world, and I can't help but wonder if I'll fit inâespecially with his sister.
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