Chapter One Hundred And Twenty One

Chapter 121

The Valerian estate fell silent as Mancini stepped into the garden. His tailored suit glinted faintly under the sun, and his calculated smile sent a chill down Jemima's spine. For a moment, everything seemed to freeze—the guests, the music, even the soft rustling of the wind through the flowers.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Mancini said, his voice calm but laced with menace. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Marcus was the first to react, stepping forward to block Jemima. "You've got a lot of nerve showing up here," he growled.

Mancini raised his hands in mock surrender. "I come in peace. After all, it's a wedding—such a joyous occasion. I wouldn't dream of ruining it."

Jay's hand was already on his concealed weapon. His sharp gaze flicked between Mancini and the guards at the perimeter. "Then why are you here?" he asked, his tone ice-cold.

Mancini's eyes settled on Jemima, his smile widening. "To offer my congratulations, of course. It's not every day a Valerian bride ties the knot. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Jemima forced herself to meet his gaze, her heart pounding. "You weren't invited."

"Ah, but you see, I don't need an invitation," Mancini said, taking a step closer. "I have a... vested interest in this family. And in you, Jemima."

Jay moved to her side, his stance protective. "You've made your point. Now leave."

Mancini ignored him, his attention fixed on Jemima. "Hello again Jay! Didn't think you'd remember me after all these years," he scoffed then turned to Jemima. "Tell me, bride-to-be, how does it feel to stand on the edge of everything you've ever wanted, knowing it could all be taken away?"

Jemima's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. She took a step forward, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "You're wasting your time, Mancini. Whatever game you're playing, it won't work. Not today."

Mancini's expression darkened, his smile fading. "We'll see about that."

Before anyone could react, Marcus signaled to the guards, who closed in around Mancini. "Escort him off the property," Marcus ordered his voice firm.

Mancini didn't resist as the guards moved to flank him. He cast one last glance at Jemima, his smile returning. "Enjoy your day, Jemima. I'll see you soon. Good to see you again Jay!"

As he was led away, the tension in the garden began to ease, but Jemima knew this wasn't over.

The tension in the Valerian estate was palpable, thick like the storm clouds rolling in the distance. Despite the picturesque garden blooming with white roses and lilacs, the air buzzed with unease. Mancini's uninvited visit earlier had left an indelible mark on everyone, but none more so than Jay and Jemima.  

Jemima sat in the drawing room, her fingers nervously toying with the bracelet Ava had given her, drawing strength from it. Ava sat beside her, trying to soothe her nerves with comforting words, but Jemima's mind was elsewhere. Jay was outside, leading a security meeting with Marcus and the guards. Her gaze drifted to the window, where she caught a glimpse of him gesturing toward the perimeter. He was always calm under pressure, but she could see the strain on his shoulders. 

"What's on your mind?" Ava asked, breaking Jemima's thoughts as she carried one of her children who was running a high fever. 

Jemima sighed. "I'm worried about Jay. Mancini wasn't here for me, Ava. He was here for him."  

Ava frowned, rocking back and forth. "What makes you say that?"  

"The way he looked at Jay," Jemima explained. "It wasn't about intimidation. It was personal. I've seen that kind of look before. Mancini wants to hurt him—and not just physically. He wants to break him."  

Ava's lips thinned, and she placed a hand on Jemima's arm. "Then we do what we always do—we protect our own. Jay's smart, Jem. He knows how to handle people like Mancini."  

"But what if that's not enough?" Jemima whispered. Her voice trembled, betraying the fear she'd been trying to suppress. "What if something happens to him? I can't—" She cut herself off, swallowing hard.  

Ava pulled her into a hug. "Nothing's going to happen to Jay. Marcus has doubled the security. We're all watching his back."  

Jemima nodded, though the knot in her stomach remained.  

Outside, Jay stood with Marcus and a small group of guards around a table strewn with blueprints of the estate. His voice was calm but firm as he pointed to various weak points on the map.  

"The eastern gate is patched, but it's still a vulnerability," Jay said. "I want two guards stationed there at all times. No exceptions."  

Marcus nodded, his jaw tight. "Agreed. What about the vendor checks?"  

"All staff are being re-screened," one of the guards replied. "We've flagged anyone with questionable connections, but so far, nothing leads directly to Mancini."  

Jay's expression darkened. "He's not going to come at us through obvious channels. Mancini's smart. He'll exploit trust, not force."  

Marcus leaned in, his voice low. "He's not just after the family, is he? He's after you."  

Jay met his gaze, unflinching. "It's personal. I've crossed him too many times for this to be about business. He wants revenge."  

Marcus cursed under his breath. "Then we make sure he doesn't get it."  

Jay nodded, but a shadow of doubt flickered in his eyes. He knew Mancini wasn't the type to give up easily.  

Jemima found Jay in the library, staring out the window with a glass of whiskey in his hand. The golden light of the setting sun bathed him in a soft glow, but the tension in his posture was unmistakable.  

"Hey," she said softly, stepping into the room.  

Jay turned, his features softening at the sight of her. "Hey. You should be resting."  

Jemima crossed the room, her bare feet silent against the carpet. "I couldn't. Not with everything going on."  

Jay set his glass down and pulled her into his arms. She melted into his embrace, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat grounding her.  

"We'll get through this," he murmured into her hair.  

Jemima pulled back just enough to look up at him. "Jay, I've been thinking... maybe we should postpone the wedding."  

Jay's brow furrowed. "Postpone? Jem, no. That's exactly what Mancini wants—to disrupt our lives, to make us doubt ourselves."  

"I'm not doubting us," Jemima said quickly. "But I don't want to walk down that aisle knowing you're in danger or I’m in danger. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you because of me. I want to walk down the aisle without a care in the world and not out of fear.”

Jay cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "This isn't your fault, Jem. Mancini's playing his games, but we won't let him win. And I won't let him take this day from us."  

Tears welled in her eyes. "Jay—"  

He silenced her with a kiss, slow and tender, pouring all his love into that single moment. When they broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers.  

"We've fought too hard to get here," he whispered. "I'm not letting him take you from me."  

Jemima nodded, though her heart was still heavy.  

The estate was eerily quiet as night fell. Guards patrolled the grounds, their flashlights cutting through the darkness. Inside, Jemima and Jay lay in bed, their fingers intertwined.  

"Do you remember the first time we met?" Jay asked, his voice soft in the dim light.  

Jemima smiled faintly because he knew just how much she loved hearing how they first met. “Only because I could have easily killed you."  

Jay chuckled. "My fault for missing the briefing eh?"  

Jemima turned to face him, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest. "You've always made me feel safe, Jay. Even now, with everything going on, I feel safe with you."  

He kissed her forehead. "And I always will."  

For a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them.  

Jemima stood in front of the mirror, her wedding dress a masterpiece of silk and lace. Ava adjusted her veil, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.  

"You look perfect," Ava said.  

Jemima managed a small smile. "Thank you."  

A knock at the door drew their attention. Marcus entered, his expression grim.  

"We've got a problem," he said.  

Jemima's heart sank. "What is it?"  

"Mancini," Marcus said. "He's here."  

The garden was in chaos. Guests were being ushered inside, and guards swarmed the perimeter. Jemima and Jay stepped out onto the terrace, their hands clasped tightly.  

Mancini stood near the fountain, flanked by two men. He was calm, almost smug as if he owned the place.  

"Lovely setup," Mancini said, gesturing to the decorations. "Shame it's all going to waste."  

Jay stepped forward, his voice cold. "You're not welcome here."  

Mancini smirked. "And yet, here I am. Funny how that works."  

"What do you want?" Jay demanded.  

Mancini's gaze shifted to Jemima, then back to Jay. "I want you, Jay. You've been a thorn in my side for far too long. It's time to settle the score. Or your pretty bride."  

Jemima tightened her grip on Jay's hand. "You're not taking him or me," she said fiercely.  

Mancini chuckled. "Brave words, but we both know how this ends."  

Before anyone could react, gunfire erupted from the far side of the garden. The guards shouted orders and chaos erupted. Jay pulled Jemima behind him, shielding her as the fight broke out.  

In the chaos, Mancini disappeared, leaving only a chilling promise: "This isn't over."  

As the smoke cleared, Jay realized Mancini had left something behind—a small, ticking device near the fountain.  

"Get down!" Jay shouted, pulling Jemima to the ground just as the explosion rocked the estate.