Jade Knight
My face is twisted into a permanent scowl as I look over the reports that Imani compiled. It seems my parents have decided to return to their scheming ways, for some reason they are insistent on controlling my life. My father has finally given me ownership of the company and while I wait for the paperwork to get processed, my mother decided to “officially retire”.
She sold all of the properties she’s invested and a quarter of my fathers, along with her shares to that slimy prick, Donovan Mitchell. I foolishly believed marrying Angel will stop them from meddling but I was wrong. This decision of hers inevitably ties me and the asshole together.
Unless I cut ties with those properties and buy out his shares. However, from these reports, those businesses are the most profitable. The company has invested a lot of money in those companies, some for years, cutting ties with them would be a big loss.
I groan in irritation and rub my eyes, I’ve been trying to find solutions for hours. I’ve spent all day on this shit and I’ve gotten nowhere but a massive headache. I sigh, standing from my desk and going over to my bar, pouring myself a drink. I’ve spent all day on this shit with Donovan and my mother that my other work has been neglected. I was planning on getting caught up today after wallowing in my anger and pity for the past 2 weeks. Last night was unlike any night I’d ever experienced. Make-up sex is not new to me in the slightest but last night there was a shift in the air I had never experienced. I considered calling off until my phone rang and reminded me of the mountains of work I had waiting.
I told Angel I’d be home late but I doubt I’ll make it home tonight at all. There’s no way I’m going to be tied to that man in any way and I won’t rest until I find a way out of this latest scheme. Even if it means taking a major loss to our assets and profit.
I hear commotion outside my door and close my eyes at the impending storm coming my way. I down my drink letting the cool liquor warm my insides and relax my muscles
“Excuse me you can’t just-”
“It’s alright, sweetheart, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time until I’m your boss after all” the arrogance of Donovan creeps into my office and I pour another drink.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Knight, he just barged in”. Donovan snickers at Imani’s use of “Mrs” and I make sure my face is cold and unbothered as I turn around.
“What do you want, Donovan?”
“Wow, that’s no way to talk to a business partner” his smirk is as obnoxious as ever as he unbuttons his Armani suit jacket. I refrain from rolling my eyes and return to my desk, feeling his blatant stare burn into my ass. I’ve never minded anyone’s eyes on me, I know my body is top notch, I’ve worked to keep it that way. But I could do without Donovan’s predatory stare every time we’re in the same room.
“We’re not business partners, Donovan. If you’re not here to do anything but waste my time then kindly see yourself out. Some of us have to work like adults instead of living off of our family’s money”. He laughs off my remark, crossing his legs and settling into the chair. Naturally, he does the complete opposite of what I want.
“Well I should be, as the new most profitable business owner under the Knight Company brand, I believe I have the best knowledge and experience to run a company of this magnitude”. He points out the papers detailing the businesses he just obtained sitting on my desk. I hold back my sneer, leaning my face blank as I stare at the arrogant ignorance of this man.
“Are you here for a purpose, Donovan?” His smirk widens because he knows he’s getting under my skin despite my calm demeanor.
“It seems a number of my properties have been neglected. I am here to submit plans for 20 remodels, 5 rebuilds, as well as an increase in capital for necessary resources. I believe 1.2 million would suffice”. I scoff out a laugh and shake my head. This man has lost his mind.
“You’ve officially gone insane”.
“On the contrary, I happened to receive prime real estate for an exceptional price in the early years of establishment. My requests are more than reasonable. Besides, the contract states that the investment firm will be willing to allocate funds for remodel and rebuilding in the first 5 years of establishment. I believe that my new properties are only in year 4 and meet all the necessary requirements”. Donovan presents a thick manila folder, placing it on my desk as he stands.
“I’m sure the infamous and generous Knight industries won’t tear a client and investor with impartial judgment”. He buttons his jacket with that stupid smug look never leaving his face.
“Say hello to your beautiful wife. So sorry I missed the wedding, I haven’t heard many details but knowing a Knight I’m sure it was outstanding. So look forward to hearing more about it, after all, most real marriages with people of our status require a ceremony”. His implication is clear and this time my sneer is unstoppable. He can do as he pleases with me. I won't let him harm Angel in any way. The threat is loud and clear, he’s going to do everything he can to prove that this marriage is a contract marriage.
I sit at my desk for 20 minutes after Donovan leaves, staring at the folder, his insane demands ringing through my ears.
“I apologize Mrs. Knight, I couldn’t stop him”. I stand from my desk and return to my bar. If I give in now the demand will only increase until I’m in an impossible position. On the other hand, if I try his hand he could go agree Angel. My image has never mattered to me. I made it point to do whatever and whoever the fuck I please, but Angel is different. She’s sweet and innocent, a woman I dragged along until my selfish plots, until my own desires became mundane. I found pleasure in spoiling Angel and exposing her to a side of life she never imagined. She’s so simple and easy to please, never asking for anything but time and attention, it makes it easy to care for her.
She’s a sweet, sometimes feisty little kitten, lovable even.
Love. I never thought I’d think of the word, quite frankly, I don’t know if that’s how I feel for Angel. I just know I have an overwhelming urge to provide, protect, and care for her in any way she desires, for as long as possible.
I won’t let any of these damn vultures hurt her again, she belongs to me.
“It’s going to be a long night Imani” I grab the bottle and my glass, returning to my desk. Imani nods and starts writing on her notepad.
“I’ll call the restaurant for dinner and coffee and bring the account files for all of the properties newly owned by Mr. Mitchell. I will also call your wife and let her know”. I nod and reluctantly open the manila folder. Imani is always vigilant and on top of everything I need. After years of working together she knows how I like things run. She may be one of the highest paid assistants in the United States, but after we figure this shit out with Donovan, I’ll definitely give her a raise.
“Thank you Imani”.
“Of course ma’am”. Imani leaves to get to work and I crack my neck, settling into my seat. It’s going to be a long night, but I’ll do anything to protect Angel. This is the first time I’ve ever desired something so vanilla and normal but with Angel everything is…normal? Easygoing. I suppose, with her, it’s easy not to worry about anything. The new feelings that she invokes within me is addicting and I’m not ready to sober up just yet.
Imani returns a few minutes later with a bag of food from my favorite restaurant, courtesy of Angel with the message to take care of myself as I work. I smile and send her my gratitude and apology before putting my phone on silent. I need to focus and find a way around this bullshit my parents have started.
The only way I can see Donovan getting out of the shares is if he breaches the contract. I want a flashlight up his ass, every transaction, everyone under his employ and my brand. There’s no chance in hell am I just writing a check and giving him that money, so I’ll go visit them all on my own later. Then I’ll determine what needs a remodel and what needs to be redone. If he really wants to do his stupid little projects, he can pay for it himself. I could give a damn if I’m seen as a bitch, it wouldn’t be anything new. I’ve built my name being a stone-cold, take no bullshit C.E.O, my image has never mattered to me.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
However, it’s not just me anymore, there’s Angel and Leya too, not to mention this other kid, A.J she just told me about. I’m in their life now and I’ve brought them my drama which makes them all my responsibility. Angel trusts me and I can tell that she has deeper feelings for me than she wants to admit, I can’t break that trust. I also don’t want her to lose those feelings, not as mine are starting to grow and develop at the same level. Angel is special, so is this unconventional relationship we have, I want it to last.
I worked diligently the entire night and it honestly felt a bit nostalgic. I haven’t stayed in the office until 4 a.m since I first took over as C.E.O. I finish packing up paperwork and make sure I have everything to visit the business later then go to Imani who’s asleep on the couch.
She passed out at around 1 a.m so I simply covered her with a blanket and let her rest. She works just as hard as I do and it shows in her productivity. Even half asleep she managed to write up perfectly accurate reports, down to punctuation. I call a car for her and lightly nudge her shoulders. She shoots up immediately, stuttering apologies and preparing to get back to work but I stop her.
“A car is coming for you, you did well, take the day off”.
“Are you sure ma’am? With Donovan and everything going on-”
“Let me worry about Donovan, go get some rest”.
“I’ll just clean up and be on my way then, thank you”. I laugh and shake my head.
“Get your ass out of here already. I’ll need you well-rested for tomorrow”. Imani finally gathers her things with a final nod, leaving my office and I sigh. I begin cleaning up our mess as I mentally formulate my plan. If all else fails I’ll take the loss and remove all of those businesses from the Knight brand.
It’s 5:30 in the morning when I finally arrive home and I thank Nate, telling him I’ll be ready to leave soon. When I go inside, the delicious smell of breakfast and coffee fill my house and I pause, taking a deep inhale. I’ve never come home after a late night of working to smell food waiting for me. I go to the kitchen and see my gorgeous wife, cooking and humming to low playing music. Hearing me enter she turns around, still dressed in her silk short pajama shorts and tank top, with a silk robe.
“Good morning, I know you’re tired but breakfast will be ready soon. Go shower and maybe rest a little”. She returns to poaching her eggs and I wordlessly go over and wrap my arms around her body. I sigh and relax as she rubs my hair, the exhaustion and stress from the night suddenly hitting me.
“There’s no time to rest, I have a lot of business to visit today, most of them restaurants and hotels so it’ll take a while. I just came home to shower and change”.
“Well you’re eating before you go. I assume this has to do with Donovan?” I nod telling her about my parents schemes, Donovan's million dollar demand, his stupid projects, as well as his innuendo about our marriage.
“I promise I won’t let him harm you or your image, nor Leya’s and A.J’s”. Angel doesn't say anything for a moment and I get worried that she’s beginning to second guess her decision. I just got her back, I won’t let her go so easily. She finishes making a plate of eggs benedict for mr before turning and holding the plate with a smile.
“Of course I want Leya and A.J to be safe and protected from reporters and paparazzi, but as for me, I don’t care what they have to say. I don’t care if people think we have a contract marriage, we agreed to try something real. That’s all that matters to me, besides it’s our relationship not outside people, I don’t care what they have to say. All you need to worry about is eating, showering, changing, and kicking Donovan’s pretentious ass”. Angel’s smile is radiant and her words relieve every ounce of stress from my body. This comfort and reassurance is unlike I’ve ever felt.
This feeling…my heart is practically racing like I’ve just run a marathon. Those cliché feelings exist in real life? Is this what being in a relationship feels like? To care so immensely for a single person that you’d do anything for them? Someone you can’t seem to fathom not having in your life?
I wonder, is this what love feels like?
‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣‣
Angel
I can’t help but be all smiles as I run my errands for the day. This morning was beyond memorable, Jade was insatiable when she came home despite being at work all night. She wasted no time putting me on the counter and making me see stars. She was vigorous and even pushed her important work aside to be with me this morning. I never imagined that I’d care about me more than her job, but mornings like this I can’t help but feel special. Her every touch seems intentional and her kisses convey a message, letting me know this is just as real to her as it is to me.
It doesn’t matter what people like Donovan, Shana, or Jade’s parents have to say, what Jade and I have is real to me. We’ve been through a lot together already and right now it feels like we can get through any battle, as long as we have each other. I push my cart up and down the aisles, reading the list of groceries I put together on my phone when someone collides into my cart.
“I’m sorry-” I begin to apologize but am quickly cut off by a gasp as I look up at the shorter, overly excited woman and nervous looking man behind her.
“Oh my God, just my luck, you’re Angel Knight”.
“Um, do I know you?”
“No, of course not, I’m just the woman that your wife got fired, Shana Rogers, it’s a pleasure”. Jade got someone fired? Why? Wait, Shana, that name is familiar…oh, shit, she’s the reporter. Isn’t she the same one who reported on me and Billy eating lunch? Is she stalking me or something?”
“The reporter right?” Her smile is wide despite her slight against Jade and she looks thrilled to have run into me as she holds out her hand for me to shake. I raise my brow, looking at them both, then her hand, before slowly reaching out. She doesn’t hesitate to grab my hand, shaking it with vigor as her smile widens.
“Mrs. Knight, I have been praying for the chance to meet you and to think it’d happen here of all places”. I drop my hand and give her a skeptical look.
“Praying to meet me huh? Is that why you’ve been stalking me?” The guy beside Shana nudges her shoulder giving her a “what the fuck” look and I inwardly nod. Exactly, this bitch has a screw loose.
“Mrs. Knight you misunderstand me, I haven’t been stalking you, I’m just a reporter at heart. When I see someone famous doing things us fans don’t expect I get a bit excited. I love my job after all and I’ve been reporting on Jade night since my intern days. Usually C.E.O’s love the press, take Donovan Mitchell for example, he eats up the press when it’s around and uses it to boost popularity for his company. But Jade Knight, the secretive, mysterious, aloof, triumphant business force absolutely refuses to give any insight on her life or company. This year was the most interviews she’s done, ever…and I believe that is on account of you. It has to be, right? She’s changed so much since you guys were first reported together”. The guy beside her puts his hand on her shoulder, stopping her crazy lady rant and I nod slowly.
“I apologize about Shana, as she said, she loves her job”. Well at least her friend here is nice.
“Yeah, I see, so is that why you decided to involve my daughter in your overzealous ambitions? Because it’s interesting? That’s why you said Jade got you fired, isn't it?”
“I admit, I stepped too far but seriously, who ever imagined that THE Jade Knight would become a step-mother. I mean the woman used to swear up and down that she’d never have children”.
“Why are you so interested in Jade anyway?”
“Because she's mysterious, gorgeous, rich, and successful. She used to carry herself with such coldness and everyone around her seemed like a bother, despite that her business was more than successful. If you want to have a good striving business you get Knight Industries to invest in you, and if you’re that good and fall under their brand, your business is practically set for life. She’s one of the least personable investors in the world, but she’s also the best, it’s very fascinating”. I suppose it’s no different than when I worked at the bar and everybody fawned over the sexy bitch of a boss, Jade. However, this woman definitely takes obsession to another level.
“Well, I’m just going to go”.
“Wait, please, one interview”.
“After that shit you did to my daughter, not to mention what you wrote yesterday?”
“I’m sorry, I’ve been reduced to working independently, I have to make a living somehow and people love gossip. Please, one interview and I won’t write any more slam pieces ever”. She clasps her hands together with a hopeful look in her eyes and I sigh. So far she’s been our biggest pain in the ass when it comes to reporters. If I get ahead of any rumors that Donovan may try to spread it would be one less thing for Jade to worry about.
“Stop following us and leave my family out of it and take that article down. I want this off the record, you didn’t hear anything from me, just an inside source, deal?”. Shana nods like a bobblehead. She looks ready to explode from her excitement as we shake hands again.
“This is the only one you’re getting, then leave us alone and go report on someone actually famous”. I schedule the interview a week from now and she practically skips away with her friend giving me a grateful and apologetic smile. That Shana woman definitely has some issues. I continue shopping, debating what I want to make for dinner tonight when I feel my phone go off in my pocket. I frown seeing an unknown number, but answer it regardless.
“Hello?”
“Mija, it’s your mother”. My mom? She hasn’t called me mija since I was kid and how did she get my number?
“Um, yeah, what’s up?”
“Your father and grandmother were in an accident and they’re in the hospital…” I hang up as soon as my mother tells me the hospital, abandoning my cart and speed walking to my car.
This can’t be happening.