CHAPTER 33
The atmosphere in my house was suffocating, a constant reminder of my need to escape.
Alone in my room, the silence was overwhelming, making me feel claustrophobic.
The walls around me seemed far away, yet they still pressed in on me.
That's why I wanted out, to find some relief from the boredom and emptiness.
Maybe go out for drinks or hit up a club, or even better, see Jason. He was always so caring and thoughtful, constantly checking in on me, and every message from him made my heart flutter.
Just as I was lost in thoughts about him, my phone buzzed with a new notification, breaking my trance.
I quickly checked it and smiled when I saw a message from Sylvia—she was on her way over.
I jumped out of bed, eager to see her. We hadn't had a proper catch-up in a while, and I couldn't wait to tell her about my new job.
She was dressed in her usual polished work attire, a navy blue blazer and silky black pants, her hair perfectly styled. I loved how she always looked so put together. No surprise—her mother was a famous model turned CEO of a top modeling agency.
I greeted her with a hug, and she returned it with a smile.
"I'm so glad you came."
"Well, you called me like there was an emergency, so I figured something was up."
I smiled and led her into the house. She gave me a brief once-over and then her eyes moved past me, clearly noticing someone else.
I turned just in time to see Shanelle, making her way down the staircase with her usual icy expression.
"I see you're still stuck to each other like glue," she said, eyeing us with disdain. "Always the boring duo. What's up, Syl?"
Sylvia, ever the professional, smiled faintly and responded.
"I'm good. What about you?"
Shanelle sighed dramatically.
"Busy, as usual. Your mom's organizing another fashion event tomorrow night, so I'm flying back to New York to make it in time. The regular hassle of being a supermodel."
Sylvia and I shared a quick glance, and I stifled a yawn.
"Anyway, you're welcome to stay for dinner. Mom will be happy to see you."
Sylvia nodded, and we watched Shanelle leave the room, her presence fading into the distance. I made a face at Sylvia, who chuckled.
We went outside to the back gazebo, where we sat down at a small table. The housekeeper brought over some fruits and drinks, and we settled in. Sylvia sipped her strawberry-blended juice and gave me a serious look.
"So, what were you gonna tell me?"
The reminder of my morning conversation with my dad made me feel a little down. I took a deep breath before answering.
"I'm going to be working at Falcon Group. I'm starting next week."
Sylvia's smile faltered as she leaned back in her chair.
"Why would you want to do that? I thought you hated the idea of working there?"
I nodded quickly. "I do. I still hate it. But my dad left me no choice. He... blackmailed me into it."
Her eyes widened. "Your dad blackmailed you?"
"Yeah." I leaned forward, frustration creeping into my voice. "He said if I leave, he'll expose some stuff about Jason—stuff that could ruin both him and his company. So, I had no choice. I can't let him do that to Jason."
Sylvia blinked a few times, running her fingers through her hair.
"How did he even find out about you and Jason?"
I gave her a pointed look.
"Sylvia, we're talking about my dad here. Of course, he knew. Did you really think he wouldn't find out?"
Sylvia looked thoughtful, then nodded slowly.
"Right. I forgot how scary he can be."
I groaned and rubbed my temples.
"I had to give in. I can't let him ruin Jason's life just because of me."
She frowned. "Did he show you what he had on Jason?"
I sighed loudly. "No, but I know he has something. He even said he has a folder with Jason's name on it. I don't even want to know what's in it, but knowing my dad, he could easily find a way to use it against him."
Sylvia nodded in understanding. The weight of everything was starting to feel even heavier, but we both fell silent.
I took another sip of my juice, trying to push away the thoughts that had been clouding my mind.
Just then, my phone rang, and I glanced down to see Jason's name on the screen. I smiled instantly.
"Hey."
"Hey. Are you free tonight?"
I glanced at Sylvia, who was now leaning in, clearly interested in my conversation.
"Yeah... why?"
"Would you like to go see an exhibition with me?"
I didn't expect that. An art exhibition? It was a bit of a surprise, but I was excited.
"Yeah, I would love to!" I replied, my voice light and happy. Sylvia made a face, and I rolled my eyes at her.
"Okay, cool. Should I come pick you up at your place?"
"No, it's okay. I'll come on my own. What time should I meet you?"
There was a slight pause on the other end, and then Jason sighed.
"Um... seven forty-five? I'll text you the location."
"Okay. See you then. Bye."
I hung up and looked at Sylvia, who was grinning at me knowingly.
"Let me guess... a date?" she teased.
I nodded, smiling. "Yep. We're going to see an art exhibition."
She scoffed loudly.
"An art exhibition? That's where boring people go for lame dates!"
I narrowed my eyes at her.
"So what? We both like art galleries and things like that. It's what we have in common!"
She chuckled. "You're both so weird... and that's what makes you perfect for each other."
I laughed, popping an apple slice in my mouth, while the thought of seeing Jason later filled me with excitement. I couldn't wait to see him.