One Week Later
I sip my coffee as I look out at the peaceful park, watching the few older couples stride hand-in-hand. Some people are working out, there’s even a yoga class going on, it’s a beautiful day. Jade and Leya are on the playground while I sit at the bench, waiting for Shana to show up for this interview. The soccer fields are on the other side of the park where A.J will have his game in an hour so I hope this won’t take long. I’m not missing a second of his game because some obsessive reporter wants an interview.
I smile as Jade helps Leya up the slide. I’ll never get tired of watching the two of them bond. It was the same with Jade and A.J as well. By the time we arrived home last week her and A.J were best friends. They played video games together, watched his favorite TV shows, and talked about his future plans, soccer, school, even space. A.J has never been that shy, unlike Leya but he and Jade bonded faster than I expected. It’s even more special since I know Jade is being genuine. She wants to be a family with me and my kids and I can’t help but adore her for it. She’s accepted all of us, without a second thought.
“Mrs. Knight?” I look behind me to see Shana and her friend from before, I think his name is Miles.
“Good morning, please have a seat”. I move over for both of them and Shana eagerly sits down.
“Thank you again for agreeing to this interview, Mrs. Knight”. I smile politely even though the truth is I just want her to leave us alone. If an interview can do that, then so be it.
“Sure, should we get right into it?” Shana nods, bringing up her phone with a list of questions. I’m sure she’s going to record as well, along with her friend.
“Right, many people are curious to know how you and Mrs. Knight met and began dating. It’s not a secret that your wife, Jade, was more of a bachelorette, so to speak before you entered the picture”.
“We met at her hotel bar. I was a bartender and didn’t know much about Jade other than she was my boss and a rumored hard-ass. I didn’t expect to ever meet her but there she was strolling into the bar on a shift I usually didn’t work”.
“So, you met at her hotel? Did you know who she was when she walked in?”
“Only because of my coworker and the other patrons' reactions. She commanded the room, she still does, but she’s no longer intimidating”.
“To you perhaps” Shana and I laugh as she looks at Jade. Jade is glaring at Shana every so often as she pushes Leya on the swings.
“So as intimidating as she was, you still went out with her. There were pictures of you spotted at a diner together, correct?”
“Jade was demanding and commanding, and bossy as hell when we met. However, when she spoke with my daughter she was the complete opposite. She melted and softened and spoiled the hell out of her without question. I saw a different side of her and I knew that there was more to the hard-ass C.E.O. That entire day, I got to experience Jade in two ways, the way she is now, with my daughter”. We both look at her laughing as Leya leads her to another part of the playground.
“Then there was the other side, where she was glaring and in complete control. I was attracted to both, honestly, but I tried not to be. She was my boss, after all”. The three of us laugh and I take a sip of my coffee as I remember the first time we went out. Of course, I can’t tell them about the little deal she proposed but Jade and the P.R team said I can otherwise stick to the truth.
“Is that how you knew you liked her as well?”
“More or less, we went out together a few times before she officially asked me out. I asked her to think about it for a while and she gratefully granted me time. Unlike the impatient businesswoman, people claimed that she was”.
“How did she ask you out?”
“Well she asked after a date, at a diner. She wanted me to attend her father’s dinner as more than a friend. I was surprised and shocked, and in a little disbelief, I mean who wouldn’t be? So, I asked for time. After a few days, I went to her office to give her my decision and stumbled upon a conversation between her and her mother”.
“Oh no”.
“It wasn’t that bad, however I was pretty embarrassed at the time. Her mother was discussing a date for the dinner and at the thought of Jade going with someone else; I couldn’t stand it. I told Jade that I wanted her right there in front of her mother. I had never done something so bold in my life”.
“Well, it’s clearly worked out, it’s a beautiful story. Was the proposal just as spontaneous? Nobody expected Jade Knight to get married so suddenly. People wonder about the wedding as well”.
“Unbeknownst to everyone, Jade and I had solidified our relationship and feelings for each other by that point. Being a mom I didn’t date, so when Jade and I began pursuing each other, I made it clear that it had to be serious. Jade was more than willing and when I told her to prove it well, she made sure I knew”.
“How so?” I smile as I look at Jade with a small smile. I remember the passion in her eyes when she said she’d give up her position, her job, everything for me.
“She told me she’d give up everything if I wanted”.
“By everything you mean…Knight Industries?”
“Yeah, among other things but that was the big one. If anyone knows Jade they know how much she loves her job. She’s worked her ass off to get where she is and she was ready to step away from it all, just for me. I couldn’t say no after that. I didn’t have it in my soul or enough strength to deny her or my feelings”.
“I was ready to risk it all for her as well. As far as the wedding, I declined to have a ceremony. My daughter was starting daycare for the first time and I didn’t want to mess with her transition period. Jade and I had something more intimate and private instead”. I inwardly snicker, that’s one way to put it.
“Wow, I can see why people would find that story unbelievable. It sounds like a fairytale”.
“I suppose in a way it was for me. Of course it wasn’t always rainbows and sunshine. We battled through a lot together. We went through some fires, dodged bullets, and stood on the frontline at times. But ultimately it just made us closer”.
“So, there are no worries of jealousy or anything ever? You two are gorgeous women after all”.
“In the beginning, I would get jealous, I mean she is Jade Knight, women and men adore her. But once I knew for sure what I meant to her and she made it clear, I was no longer worried”.
“And for Jade? You were recently spotted with recently divorced photographer Billy Shaw after all?” I laugh and shake my head. She was the one who took the damn picture.
“As far as I’ve seen, no, Jade isn’t the jealous type. She knows that I love her and that’s that. Besides, her and Billy are old friends, the only thing that we discuss is business and Jade”.
“What kind of business?”
“Hm, I’m not sure how much I can tell. With my history as a bartender she asked me for help on a new project”.
“Ooh, should we expect new beverages from Tritea?” I laugh and put my finger to my lips in a shushing motion.
“I can’t say, I don’t work for Tritea officially. I’m just helping out a friend that’s all”. Shana asks me a few more questions about Jade and our history, the basic shit that you’d find on a blog site. When it gets close to A.J’s game I tell her I only have time for one more question.
“Yesterday, you and Jade seemed to be having a family outing here and at the soccer game. I don’t mean to impose but I couldn’t help but notice that the young boy has a striking resemblance with you”. I nod because I knew she was going to ask about A.J. I saw our pictures all over my socials this morning. I talked with my aunt and uncle, as well as A.J and they all agreed with me. I never have or want to deny the fact that he is my son.
“Yeah, that’s my biological son. I had him at a very young age, so he’s been raised by my aunt and uncle since he was born. I recently was able to move them here so we can be closer as a family”.
“He’s adorable, I have to say, both of your kids are”.
“Thank you”.
“Can we expect more little Knights in the future?” I laugh and shrug as we all stand.
“If I have it my way, of course” Jade answers for me as she comes over. I didn’t expect her to want to have more kids but I can’t help but feel giddy at the thought of Jade or me being pregnant. I wouldn’t mind having another kid, but not right now.
“Maybe in the future, but for now I’m content”. Shana nods with a wide smile as she turns off her phone and shakes my hand.
“Thank you again for the interview, Mrs. and Mrs. Knight”.
“Don’t forget our deal” Jade’s voice is stern as she holds Leya, glaring at the two reporters. They bristle, the smiles dropping from their faces as their shoulders tense. I understand, Jade did get them fired after all. After a few more stiff thank you’s they leave and Jade and I head towards the car so we can go to A.J’s game. I sigh, I’m glad that’s over with. There’s only one more hurdle blocking Jade and I from relaxation, peace, and contentment.
Donovan Mitchell.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“How was the interview?” Jade asks as she drives towards the soccer fields.
“I think it went well. She didn’t step out of line or anything and I did what you and the P.R team said”.
“You handled it well, Kitten. Hopefully this means we don’t have to deal with reporters for a while. Of course, there will be the normal blogs and rumors but those journalists usually aren’t as extreme as Shana”. Jade rests her hand on my thigh and I smile as I rub circles on the back of her hand.
“I was thinking, since all this with Shana is done and once you've dealt with Donovan, we can go on a little vacation…”
“Oh?”
“Just the two of us”.
“Oh, I see. Is there somewhere in particular that you want to go? We didn’t have our honeymoon yet after all”. I can see the wheels turning in her head already and I know that whatever she plans will be extravagant.
“No, I hadn’t thought that far yet. It doesn’t have to be fancy, I just thought it’d be good for us both to get a change of scenery. Somewhere we can relax with no drama, work, or responsibilities”.
“I’d like that and I know the perfect place. Your passport isn’t expired right?” Passport? I know she isn’t thinking out of the country. That’s so expensive.
“No, but are you thinking of going out of the country? It really doesn’t have to be so grand and expensive, Jade”.
“There is no price that I wouldn’t pay to see you smile, Angel. You don’t ever have to worry about expenses, all you have to do is relax and let me take care of everything. Have you ever been to Paris?”.
“You know I haven’t, it’s so expensive Jade. I can’t, not think about how much it’ll cost you, Jade” she chuckles in agreement as she finds a parking spot.
“Yes, I know and it’s one of the things I adore about you, Kitten” she gets out the car, like she didn’t just send my heart hammering in my chest. I feel my face heat as I get out of the car with a goofy smile.We get our chairs and cooler as we head to the soccer field where A.J is about to start his game. He’s looking around with a frown that quickly morphs into a smile as he sees us setting up our seats. He gives us a big wave before turning around with a wide smirk on his face, similar to Andres’ when he played soccer. We greet my aunt and uncle and sit to watch A.J, the new addition to the routine that Jade and I have built.
‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣
“Did you see my 3 goals today? Coach said if I keep practicing I’ll be on the 16u team in no time. Can we go to the gym Tomas told us about?”. A.J says as we drive home after dinner. He asked to spend the nights on the weekends and naturally Jade agreed and had a room ready for him. She let him design it and pick out all the furniture. Of course he chose an elevated bed with a desk, tv, game chair, and everything else a boy his age could dream of. However, Jade and I gave him a list of chores and he has to give us the controllers by 10 o’clock.
“Maybe, if they’re open tomorrow” I respond as Jade’s phone sounds throughout the car. She frowns as she looks at the number, switching directions and heading to her office. She answers the call but it clicks off instantly, making her speed up.
“Jade, what’s wrong?”
“That’s the emergency number from my office. Donovan has been harassing a few female workers at a few of the businesses he’s taken over. We’ve been keeping an eye on him, not only gaining proof of breach of contract, but a case as well. Imani has been keeping me updated and she planned to go to the office tonight. Donovan must have overheard her, he’s always thrown remarks her way, but I wouldn’t put it past him to go further”. Jade makes another call to her building security, ordering them to go to her office as soon as possible. The underlying threat in her voice and I know someone is getting fired. Jade and Imani have been working together for years. She loves Imani and has always looked out for her like a big sister. If Donovan does anything to her, Jade is going to raise hell.
“If anything happens to my assistant, you better pray” Jade hangs up, gripping the steering wheel. I look back and notice A.J and Leya, engrossed in his phone and I’m glad they don’t sense the anger and tension in the car. Jade calls Nate next, letting him know the situation and he says he’ll be there when we are. I can hear him moving and getting in the car before they hang up. Jade’s phone rings again and a man’s voice sounds through the phone.
“Mrs. Knight, we have secured Mr. Donovan. Mr. Mitchell had Ms. Howard in a…compromising position in your office but she says she is alright. We are reviewing the tapes and have called the authorities as well”.
“Who was the officer on duty? I allow cameras in my office for a reason. Have him waiting for me when I arrive”.
“Mr. Wayne Lowry, ma’am. He’ll be waiting for your arrival”. Jade hangs up without another word, clearly agitated. I get a front row seat to the cold and hard C.E.O that strikes fear into people’s hearts. I can understand why people find her intimidating. I remember that I used to, not anymore though.
“Angel, look at this cool video” A.J’s voice cuts through the tension and Jade slows down. I look at the video edit he made of him and Tomas playing soccer and give him his props.
“Mommy, are we go home?” Leya asks with a yawn and I know she’ll be asleep soon.
“We will soon, me and Jade have an errand first, then we’ll go home”. A,J seems to pick up on the atmosphere and quickly distracts Leya before she can whine. He keeps her occupied for the entire ride until she starts drifting off to sleep. I look back and give A.J a silent thank you and he just smiles.
We pull into Jade’s job, going to the back where Nate, a few security guys as well as 2 police officers are waiting. I can see Donovan in the back of a squad car and it looks like he’s going off and drunk as well.
“I’ll be back in a moment”. Jade steps out of the car and I tell A.J to hold on for a minute. I wave Nate over and ask him to sit in the car with the kids while I go with Jade. I catch up to Jade and the first person she speaks to is Imani. She moves her face, examining the bruise on her cheek and split lip her eyes fill with fire. Imani reassures her that she’s fine and even smiles to greet me, always the perfectly mannered assistant.
I ask a security guard to bring me an ice pack and first aid kit and they scramble to do as I ask. Likely because of the raging C.E.O next to me. I gently move Imani’s chin so I can get a good view of the forming bruise. I shake my head as I tend to her injuries. Donovan is such a scumbag.
“I’m alright, Mrs. Kni-I mean, Angel, really”. Imani has a deep blush on her face as I gently touch her lip. Jade talks with the officers as they show her the security video. She’s shaking when she’s done viewing the video and orders the officer to file every charge against Donovan possible. I give my attention to Imani as she holds the ice pack to her face.
“Hush, you’ve spent so many years taking care of Jade, so let us take care of you. Did he hurt you anywhere else?” I finish patching up her lip as she shyly lifts her arm. The finger shaped bruise around her wrist has Jade growling in anger. Donovan’s drunk protest from the car doesn’t help either.
“Where is Mr. Lowry?” The man stumbles forward, needlessly trying to plead his case. Jade raises her hand, cutting him off, her eyes throwing daggers.
“You’re fired, effective immediately. You have 10 minutes to clear your shit”.
“Please, Mrs. Knight, it was just a misunderstanding. I never expected Mr. Mitchell to…”
“5 minutes, I suggest you leave before I have you escorted off my property”. Jade’s words are harsh and everyone tenses at her anger. Even the cops give the guy a pitiful look. Mr. Lowry stalks away, shoulders sagging and head practically scraping the ground. I finish patching up Imani and she declines the ride to the hospital.
“Nate will take you home Imani. Angel, I’ll have to stay and do some work, you should take the kids home, it’s getting late”.
“Mrs. Knight, I assure you that I’m fine. I can’t leave you to do all this work alone. With Mr. Mitchell being out there will be so much paperwork. Not to mention the meetings with the other partners and-”
“Imani”.
“Um, yes ma’am”.
“Go home, I have it covered”. Imani finally concedes and heads to Nate’s car to wait for him while I turn to Jade.
“Take care of yourself please. Don’t work too late" I tell Jade who still has a deep frown on her face. She nods and I know she’s going to be working all night but I don’t say anything about it. I give her a quick kiss and we part ways, she goes inside and I take the sleeping kids home. After brief arguments about brushing teeth and putting on pajamas, I get A.J and Leya in bed and take a shower to wash off the day.
I don’t bother rushing since I know Jade won’t be home until later, if at all. With this bullshit that Donovan decided to pull tonight I’m sure she’s going to be busy for the rest of the week. Hopefully this means once the dust settles we won't have to deal with Donovan anymore. He’s been nothing but an obstacle since I first met him. Jade will be stressed until this is done, so it’d be nice to do something for her to relax. After spending my shower and another hour in bed thinking of ways to spoil Jade, I’ve come up blank. What do you get someone who has everything? And can have whatever she wants with a phone call? I groan and look at the time, it’s only 11 p.m so I call Karla and Taylor to get their opinions.
“Angel, it better be an emergency, I was in the middle of something” Taylor says as soon as she answers. I hear her boyfriend in the background and I know that they were about to be nasty, as they start laughing and kissing on the phone.
“You don’t usually call this late, are you okay?” Karla asks, much nicer than Taylor’s rude ass. I hear Logan asking if he needs to beat somebody’s ass and I laugh.
“I need you guys help with a surprise for Jade. I’ve been stuck trying to figure out how to help her relax. She has everything, what could I possibly give her?”
“What about an all expense spa day? In fact I could use one too if you’re feeling generous”. Taylor chimes in with a giggle and I know that she’s being gross while we’re on the phone.
“She does that every other week, so it’s not uncommon for her”.
“Hm, must be nice. I’d love a massage. Not there babe” Karla and I groan at Taylor as the lovebirds start making out again.
“What does Jade like?”
“Sex, control, work…more sex”.
“She has to like more than just sex, Angel. What do you guys typically do together?”
“”When we go out it’s usually for the kids or for me. We were talking about going on a trip earlier but she’s going to be so busy now, I don’t know when we’ll have the time”.
“What about a staycation? You can go about an hour or two away, book the best room, pack some lingerie, and treat your wife for the weekend”.
“A.J’s games are on the weekends and that’s when he spends the night”.
“Then how about Logan and I watch the kids tomorrow night and you two go away for a couple of days? You can come back on Tuesday, it’s still plenty of time to work the rest of the week”.
“How am I supposed to plan a trip in less than a day?”
“Angel, you’re married to one of the most influential businesswomen in the country. You call that upscale hotel, tell them your name and I’m sure they’ll accommodate you both”.
“Yeah, you’re on a different level now, boo. No need to think basic anymore, your wife owns a private jet bitch. You can go anywhere you want” Taylor chimes in again and I shake my head.
“Have you been drinking?”
“Just a little” we all laugh again before I sigh, thinking about what they said. It’s true that the name Knight sends people scrambling to appease me, but I’m still not used to it. I probably never will be.
“I don’t like flaunting Jade’s name like that. Her parents don’t even like me, so using their name to get things is…weird, I guess”.
“Forget them, Angel. Do you love your wife?” Taylor asks and the answer is obvious, without a doubt.
“Yes, I love Jade”.
“You want to treat her in the best possible ways, right?” Karla asks this time and I respond without hesitation. That’s all I want to do.
“Of course I do”.
“Then you won’t let anything, anyone, not even your insecurities, stand in the way of loving her”. Karla says and I nod although they can’t see me. They’re both right. Jade does so much for me that it’s about time I go all out for her as well.
“I think I have an idea”
“Ooh, what are you planning?”
“Jade and I talked about a trip earlier, a make-up trip for our honeymoon. I know she was thinking something extravagant, she mentioned Paris. But I think I’m going to one up her expectations”.
“Oh, to live a rich life, what can be better than going to Paris?” I smirk as I grab my laptop so I can start planning a trip for Jade and I.
“Going somewhere that I know Jade can relax. Without worrying about whether I'm enjoying myself or not. If we go to Paris she’d just try to make it about me, since I’ve never been”.
“Okay, so where are you thinking of going?”
“Dubai”.