A/N:
The song is 'White Noise' by PVRIS and fits quite well in terms of how Scarlett feels towards the near ending of the chapter. Do check it out!
Without further ado - here's chapter 35, enjoy!
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Chapter 35 - Curiosity Killed The Queen
"Jasper..." I spoke, my voice trailing off unsurely as he continued to watch me, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of amusement and lust.
"What's the matter, Princess?" He smirked tauntingly as I scoffed.
"N-nothing." I replied unconvincingly as his smirk grew even wider.
His body still moulded firmly into mine, he gripped my hips before lowering his lips towards my neck as I stifled a moan. I could feel him trail his lips down my neck until he reached my collarbone; he began to unbutton my shirt so slowly, I let out a frustrated sigh and attempted to quicken the process.
"Oh, I don't think so," he murmured, gently removing my hand as my jaw dropped in disbelief.
"Jas -"
"Shh," he interrupted, continuing to undo my buttons before I clasped my hand tight over his in defiance.
"Do not shush me, Jasper Queen," I narrowed my eyes at him in annoyance. "And if you think I am planning on losing my virginity to you in this sex office of yours, you are severely mistaken."
"Are you jealous?" He questioned bitterly as I watched him with a dumbfounded expression.
"Jealous of all those women you devoured and then tossed to the side like they weren't worthy of being loved by anyone?" I questioned as his face began to turn red. "I'm glad you asked me that before I gave up the one thing I have that your women don't."
I scoffed, shaking my head as I brushed past him and left his office, needing a moment to regain my composure.
I walked into my office, closing the door softly behind me; I was just about to sit down when I noticed a letter addressed to me sat on my desk.
Frowning, I picked it up and almost instantly dropped it when I saw where it came from.
My father.
I was constantly running into the same circles and it was becoming unbearably tiring. If it wasn't one obstacle, it was another and then another and another.
I glared at the unopened letter for what seemed like hours, debating whether or not it was actually worth reading it.
Sighing frustratedly, I picked it up with shaky hands as I tore it open.
Dear Scarlett,
I know I have been not just a terrible father, but a terrible human being in general for the most part of your life. I cannot begin to explain to you what possessed me to become the monster I was towards you nor can I express my regret at my inhumane actions. You are my only child, my daughter, and I failed in cherishing and loving you as any decent father would; for that, I am truly sorry. I understand that a simple apology does not warrant for forgiveness but I would really appreciate it if you would visit me and we can do this in person, together.
I didn't even bother to read the whole thing, I was just so done with him and the shit that came with him. Â I threw the letter back onto the desk, ignoring the anger and frustration building up inside of me.
There were still a thousand things I had to say to the man I once acknowledged as my father.
There were still a million questions I wanted to ask the man for a sense of closure.
I slumped back into the chair and let out a dry, humorless laugh as I imagined myself growing up like a normal child.
Instead my quality daddy-daughter time was spent carving bloodied etchings into my body while my mommy packed her bags and cast memories of her only child to the far corners of the earth.
After my ordeal, I vowed never to have children, scared that I would become both my mother and father in one.
I couldn't shake off the anger and rage building up inside of me; I needed to find a distraction before I drove myself insane.
As I was consumed by my thoughts, I almost didn't hear the impatient sound of someone tapping against the small window of my office. I lifted my head to see Chloe Charleston stood outside, her arms folded and her botox-induced lips pursed in irritation as I sighed heavily, sliding the glass panel to the right and plastering a fake smile on my face.
"Miss Charleston," I greeted stoically. "How may I help you?"
"Where is Jasper?" She questioned rudely as I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
"Have you booked an appointment to meet with Mr Queen, Miss Charleston?"
"We don't need to book appointments to see each other, secretary," she spat angrily.
"Why he would ever want to see you could qualify as the eighth wonder of the world," I smiled sweetly at her as her glare hardened.
No doubt she had no idea what I meant by my insult.
"Listen, bitch," she began, pointing a clawed fingernail at me. "You're only his secretary, do you even know what that job requires you to do or does someone have to spell that out for you, too?"
"Oh, no, Miss Charleston, I can assure you I am well aware of the duties I am expected to carry out as Mr Queen's secretary," I explained as she smirked triumphantly. "I am expected to schedule and cancel appointments, arrange his flights, negotiate with potential buyers amongst various other activities."
"At least you know that -"
"My job description also includes taking out Mr Queen's trash on occasion," I interrupted as I opened the exit door for her. "Would you like me to escort you out of the premises?"
"You fucking little bitch!" She screeched, her orange face turning red as she saved herself of what little dignity she had remaining and stormed out.
"I see you'd prefer to take yourself out," I smirked to myself as she left.
I turned to walk back inside my office when I heard the sound of slow clapping from behind me.
"You have a marvellous mouth, Miss Valentina," Jasper's smooth voice commented as I turned around to face him.
"I'm glad one of us finds this funny, Mr Queen," I snapped irritably.
Except I wasn't irritated at Jasper, nor was I angry with him.
I felt hurt by him.
"Scarl -"
"I don't want to speak to you, Jasper," I interrupted tiredly as his eyes narrowed in anger. I walked into my office as he followed, slamming the door shut behind him.
"That's too fucking bad," he barked. "You are my secretary, you have a damned job to perform."
"Harvard is your alma mater, right?" I questioned him, mocking seriousness as he looked at me in confusion. "A Harvard graduate yet no one got the chance to explain to him what the concept of firing someone means - what a shame."
"Scarlett," he growled, as I glared at him.
"What, Jasper?" I snapped.
"Why are you being so difficult?"
"You should ask yourself that one," I retorted, folding my arms.
"You know, you never did tell me why you left me," he began, his tone accusing and aggressive. "I am aware you already have a low opinion of me as it is considering you can't even let me see you properly, but that's beside the point."
He had no idea that the reason I left was to keep him safe. We hadn't had that conversation yet and seemed as though we were having it now.
"Jasper, how can -"
"So, tell me, sweetheart, were you only thinking of yourself at the time you chose to run away and leave me in the dark? Maybe you're more like your mother than you want to think." He muttered as my eyes widened in utter disbelief.
I could feel my heart thumping fiercely against my ribcage, sending echoes through my body as I swallowed the rock-sized lump in my throat.
"I left you to protect you." I whispered as he watched me carefully. "I sold my home to ensure no harm came to you."
I pulled down my stocking and lifted up my skirt so the scar etched onto my leg was completely visible.
"My mother used my father's favorite blade to do this. The one he used to use on me, in fact." I spoke calmly. "Do you want to know why she even did it? Because I cursed her for mentioning your name. Because I begged her to let me bear her punishment and let you live. Because I love you, Jasper."
I pulled my stocking back up and adjusted my skirt once more before turning to look up at Jasper who's eyes held an unfathomable expression.
"Perhaps you're right, maybe I am like my mother. I am a coward. I am scared. I am broken. But the difference between my mother and I is that she would die for hatred whereas I would die for love. For the only one I love."
I walked past him as I grabbed my bag and coat, leaving him stood there firmly frozen inside my office.
At least, now he knew, I thought trying to see the positive side of the situation.
But where that left us now was an entirely different question altogether.
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A/N:
OMG, HEY GUYS!
It has been WAAAAAY too long and I really do apologize for the wait! My exams haven't been going all that great and I've been feeling a little bad about that unfortunately :(
Buuut, all that aside, I really hope you enjoyed this chapter and will continue to vote and comment on this chapter and the forthcoming chapters.
I really cannot begin to express how grateful I really am for all of you. Your votes, your comments - honestly you're all amazing.
I've had 30K reads all thanks to you all!
Chapter 36 should be up within the next two weeks.
Until then, please enjoy chapter 35 and let me know what you think. Remember to vote, too!
Love as always,
Ana