Chapter 2
Chapter Two
LIVIANNA/LILY
A Week my mind replaying last night’s devastating discovery.
The Membership Interest Assignment and Transfer Agreement giving me Jax’s ocean-side oasis, along with his motivational quotes that feel like salt in an open wound, are only the beginning.
Worse is how I crumbled completely and ran straight to the one person I shouldn’t have. I don’t want to mislead Callum.
The beach house looks exactly the same as when I left for my office yesterday, but everything is different. Because now I know it’s entirely mine.
Not his.
Not ours.
Mine.
A consolation prize I never asked for, signed over without my knowledge, like I’m some charity case he needed to take care of before moving on with his life. I’m absolutely heartbroken.
I shower quickly, washing away the night and armoring myself for the day ahead. Black dress, red lipstick, and heels that click with authority. My war gear for battles I’m not sure I'm ready to fight.
It takes me nearly two hours to get to my office. It’s buzzing with energy when I arrive. Ella, my chief operating officer, practically launches herself at me the moment I step into the entrance of my studio.
“He said yes!” She bounces on her toes like she’s won the lottery. “Mr. Chen’s people called an hour ago. They want to move forward with the partnership. Full terms, exactly as negotiated.”
It hits me like a physical force. I’ve been working on this deal for almost a year. So many sleepless nights, carefully crafted presentations, negotiations that felt impossible, and all of it has led to this moment.
“Are you sure?” My question comes out strangled.
“I’m sure.” Ella beams at me, eyes bright with shared victory. “They’re sending over the final contracts this afternoon.”
Marcus Chen. The Marcus Chen wants to partner with my company. He wants to take Lehlani Rose Designs international. He wants to invest in something I built from nothing but dreams and stubborn determination.
Without thinking, I reach for my phone to call Jax. I want to share this moment with the man who taught me to dream bigger than my fears. The man who pushed me to take risks that felt impossible.
My finger hovers over his contact for three full seconds before reality crashes back. He’s not mine to call. Not anymore. Not when he’s made it clear through legal documents and trivial texts that our connection has been reduced to mentor-mentee pleasantries.
Instead, I call my parents. My mother cries. My father makes plans to take me to dinner at the most expensive restaurant in Beverly Hills.
They tell me how proud they are, how this is just the beginning, and how they always knew I had greatness in me. Their love for me and this win doesn’t feel complicated. It’s the kind of affection that doesn’t require navigation or interpretation.
When I hang up, I’m smiling for the first time since I left Callum’s house this morning. My relationship with my parents is on the mend, and that’s one less thing I have to worry about.
Then there’s Callum. His gentle insistence that I call, the hope in his voice when he said he loved me.
He’s trying to be a better version of himself, and I see the positive changes. He even held me without pushing me, even though he probably had a million questions.
I sigh and decide to do the kind thing so he’s not hanging out there waiting.
Me: It’s official. Marcus Chen, the deal I’ve been working on, wants to partner with me. I’m in shock!
His response comes back within seconds.
Callum: I KNEW IT! You’re incredible, Lily. This calls for a proper celebration. Dinner tonight. Somewhere fancy where we can toast to your brilliance?
The enthusiasm in his words makes something warm unfurl in my heart. He’s here, present, and ready to celebrate every victory with me like it’s his own.
Me: I’ll think about it. Still processing everything.
Callum: I’m taking you out tonight, whether you like it or not. You deserve to be celebrated.
Me: In that case, thank you.
Callum: Anytime, love. Anytime.
My stomach swirls at the sentiment as I organize my desk. Fabric and sketches are everywhere.
If Jax saw this, he would say my environment is a direct reflection of what’s going on in my head. And I’d have to agree. I’m a scattered mess inside.
I spend the morning trying to focus on work, but my mind keeps drifting to the legal papers sitting on a stack of things I need to take home. The envelope with the documents that gifted me the property stares at me as if it’s laughing at my stupidity.
I leave the office at noon to work at home with the weight of everything crushing me. I’m driving back to the Malibu house when my phone rings.
It’s connected to my car’s Wi-Fi, so I know it’s my dad. I connect to it, curious why he’s calling me.
“Hi, Dad. What’s up?”
“Hi, darling. I’m so proud of you, and I wanted you to know that again.”
I laugh under my breath. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
“There’s another reason I’m calling, though.”
“Yeah? What’s that?”
“I just got word from my team that the remodeling of your house is done. We can do the final walk-through any day now. Just tell me when.”
“Oh, wow. That’s…” Emptiness presses on my chest. Everything is changing so fast, and my life with Jax slips farther away. “That’s great news. Can I take a tour tomorrow? I’m too tired to do it tonight.”
“Yes, of course.” He clears his throat. “Brendan told your mom and me you were with Cash last night.”
There’s a question in that sentence, but I don’t take the bait. Instead, I wait and curse Bren out in silence.
Why the hell would he tell my parents that? And how the hell did he know?
I shake my head at myself. I’m sure Callum told him during their workout today. And I don’t blame him for sharing that with Bren. If I had seen Quinn today, I would’ve told her.
“Livianna, are you there?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, okay.” My dad pauses. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
“Sure.”
“Are you ready to jump back into something with Cash? I’m only asking because you had a tough time when you two broke up, and I don’t want to see you get hurt again.”
“Dad, I’m not back with Callum. We’re just talking and healing some of our old wounds.”
“Brendan said you spent the night. That doesn’t sound like—”
“Dad, nothing happened. He lives in Laurel Canyon, and I didn’t want to drive all the way back to Malibu.”
“I know where he lives, Livianna. I sold him the house.”
Of course he did. And Bren and I definitely need to set some boundaries now that we’re both back in California.
“Look, Livianna. I’ve always liked Cash. He’s a good kid underneath all that impulsivity. If he’s maturing, then I don’t have a problem with you exploring your relationship with him.”
“Oh my God, Dad. Why are you saying this? I just told you—”
“Sorry. It’s just… He reminds me of myself when I was younger. I have a soft spot for him, but you’re my priority. Say the word and I’ll get him to step off.”
“Oh, Jesus. I can’t do this right now.” I massage my temple with my fingertips. “Dad, I’ve got a headache, and I want to take a nap. Let’s talk about this another time.”
“You’re right, darling. You’re under a lot of pressure. Just know I have your back.”
“Thank you. I love you, and I’m hanging up now.”
“I love you, too. Have a good afternoon.”
“You too.” I click off as soon as I finish my sentence.
Back at the Malibu home, I lay the envelope full of legal papers down on the kitchen table where we used to have coffee every morning. Where Jaxon used to read me passages about fate, destiny, meditation, and other interests we had while I sketched.
I was planning a future that apparently only existed in my imagination. All of it is reduced to something that resembles a business deal gone bad.
It’s a knife to my throat. I want to erase the last day, but my phone buzzes with a text.
Callum: How are you feeling about tonight? Made reservations at Nobu, but I can cancel if you’re not up for it.