What he saw in her

I don't have many good memories with my father since growing up; we're really not that close. But I remember him telling me how much he loved my mom and that he wasn't supposed to be the one she married. But he fought for her and told me that if the time comes that someone will fight for me, then that's the one for me.
 
No one had ever fought for me, but I remember always putting myself on a pedestal for the sake of others. I end up consuming myself for others, which is why even though I've given my all, I still feel like I'm lacking.
 
"I will come back, Eli." I whispered to her and kissed the crown of her head.
 
I watched my friend, who seemed like an angel, asleep. The doctor told us that she's stable, yet there's been no progress or sign that she'll wake up soon.
 
"When will she wake up?" I asked myself, but Oli heard that.
 
"I'm not sure if I want her to wake up, Jade."
 
I quickly turned to Oli because of what he taught. He doesn't want his brother to wake up?
 
"I don't think I could bear seeing her miserable." He added.
 
I sighed heavily. "Oli, all things work together for good. We'll be there for her every step of the way. So pull your shits up and be strong for your sister."
 
He didn't answer. I said my goodbyes and prepared to leave because Beau and I had a flight tonight.
 
"Are you sure this isn't a bad idea?" He asked me about going out of town with Beau.
 
"Why? Are you still doubtful?"
 
When I told him this plan, he immediately laid out his doubts. He told me that this might be one of his ideas to get to know me more, or Beau might act by investigating me while I'm away.
 
"No man ain't busy when their woman is around them. I can do this, Oli. Besides, you're left here. As long as he doesn't know the reason why I'm doing this, I'll suffer alone."
 
"And you think I would like that?"
 
I didn't answer because I was just going to have a discussion with him.
 
--
 
"Damn, Jade. Just damn it!" Beau's crisp and accented curses greeted me.
As soon as the lift opened, I saw the luggage at the entrance. His eyes were almost on fire while looking at me.
 
"Where the hell are you? And when will you learn to pick up my calls, huh?"
 
"I was--"
 
"I asked my driver to pick you up yet you're nowhere to be found."
 
I sighed heavily and rolled my eyes. "Never mind. I dropped by somewhere. Let's just go."
 
"If you have plans of stopping by somewhere, then at least answer my goddamn calls."
 
"I'm sorry, alright? I was busy--"
 
"What do you want me to think after I know you're in the hospital? Huh?" I stopped.
 
I almost got cold when I heard it. He clenched his jaw and dialed someone on his phone.
 
"She's here. We're leaving." He uttered it coldly before he fixed the bags that we'd bring.
 
"You're stalking me?" I asked strongly. He didn't answer me. I eyed him intently.
 
"Let's go," he said, almost leaving.
 
"No! This is not what we talked about. You stalked me, and clearly you violated the rules! You crossed the damn line!" I'm a little triggered. I am glaring at him, and he is glaring back at me. Before calming me down with his words, he appeared to be calming himself by closing his eyes.
 
"Alright. I admit. I crossed the line you've drawn between us. But you can't blame me if you haven't returned my call in almost two hours and the last I heard from you was seeing you at the hospital."
 
I gulped but still couldn't get rid of my glare at him. He is right, but he still has no right to interfere in my life. And me? Am I the only one with the rights?
 
I walked in his direction and glared at him; his expression was just hard.
 
"I'm even harder to find once I'm out of this, Beau. Remember that."
 
My voice was mixed with threats. I left him, and the whole trip to the airport, I didn't feel like talking to him. I'm just so done dealing with him today. But the truth is, I'm also nervous because he made me follow him, so I've lost the desire to make a deal with him even more.
 
"We'll be stopping by the building. I'll bring some paperwork to my secretary."
 
I didn't pay attention to him even though he was talking. Even the silent driver didn't react. I just looked out the window and kept everything to myself. "
 
Are you not hungry? Did you have dinner before you came to me?"
 
I shrugged.
 
He sighed heavily. "Why are you still so upset?"
 
I turned my head toward him and gave him a death glare. I would like to act as if nothing happened, but I don't understand why I am so annoyed with him. He only let out a heavy breath when I avoided his hand when he tried to touch it. We got to his building, then he spoke again.
 
"We'll have dinner first."
 
I wanted to say that I didn't feel like eating, but since he was already out, I didn't do anything. I just hurried down and didn't wait for him to open the door for me.
 
"Hey," I heard him say.
 
I ignored him.
 
"Jade," he called again, but I had already passed him.
 
Seconds after, I felt his arms snake around my waist and his mouth into my ears, whispering things to pacify me.
 
"Baby," he said, and I almost shivered. "I'm sorry, all right?" Please don't be upset. I can't stand you being mad at me."
 
My heart thumped. Gladly, I'm wearing glasses, so he won't notice my real expression. He's so attractive that he begs for my response. I want to throw myself at him because he sounded so sweet and gentle, but my pride is still kicking in.
 
"That won't happen again. Just please answer my calls or at least tell me you're safe." he bargained.
 
I crossed my arms in front of my chest and stayed silent. But it's obvious from my expression that I'm gradually giving in to his pleas. I replied by clenching my jaw. Before touching the small of my back to get us to start walking once more, he kissed the side of my lips.
 
I sighed and remarked, "This man is good at this." It is understandable why women would fall for such tricks.
 
We sat down at a well-known restaurant and placed a small order for the two of us. When the waiter went to get our order, I could tell that he was able to read my mood.
 
"Where are you taking me?"
"Country side."
 
"Country side?" I was a bit amused.
 
He nodded and eyed me. I pouted and nodded as well. I can't deny that I was a bit happy with that. I've never been to the countryside before.
 
"And you have an appointment there?"
 
"Yes, I have to check some establishments."
 
"And we'll be staying in your hotel?"
 
His brows furrowed at my curiosity. "I have a villa around town. We'll be staying there."
 
My mouth shaped an "O" when he said that. I just nodded and didn't ask any more questions. When discussing his business, Knight strikes me as being a little quiet. I've noticed that about him. As a result, I don't want to come across as desperate because he might deduce my true intentions.
 
"How about you? The shoot that you're doing for a great cause?"
 
I looked up at him. He said that, as if it were normal, he was fixing the table while I was a little stunned. This is the first time that this topic has been opened up. I'm not used to him bringing it up.
 
"It's fine. There's nothing much to do except visit them before organizing the event."
 
"Event?" I nodded.
 
"Exhibit."
 
His lips protruded. Afraid that the topic would end there, I added more.
 
"Have you been to some exhibits before?"
 
"Several," he answered.
 
"Oh yeah, right. For your win-win situations." I smiled and drank my wine.
 
He eyed me with meaning. It seems like he's threatening me not to talk about it anymore. I caught him, so I just kept quiet. But he was the first one to break the ice again.
 
"And what photos are going to come out?"
 
"Most are my portraits. The last spread was able to add up, I'm glad since I have high hopes in that." He looked interested.
 
"What kind?"
 
"Nude ones."
 
His jaw hardened, and he silently put down his glass of wine.
 
"Come again?" I laughed.
 
"What? It's art; there's nothing wrong with that."
 
I saw how his white set of teeth peeked in between his lips while his eyes were almost burning with rage.
 
"Watch how I'll burn those, Ms. Jade Lewis."
 
My playful smile disappeared when he said my full name. Of course, I should be getting the impression that he has done some research on me by now. I felt sour again and lost my mood. 

I was about to say something else when I noticed a woman outside. She is moving while holding a child in her hand. They appear to be homeless based on their attire. When they checked by peering through the glass, I verified it. The guard was ejecting them, and I saw it.
 
Without pausing, I got up.
 
Beau asked, "Where are you going?".
 
I said, "Wait up," and without waiting for his response, I walked away. I went to the counter and made my purchase there.

I left the restaurant carrying the brown paper bag that contained the food and drinks I had purchased. I went to the guard and requested that he refrain from shoving them away.
 
I offered the woman the brown paper bag and said, "Hey, here. I'm sorry, this is all that's inside.
 
She glanced at the bag before beaming back at me. She spoke in a low voice to her son, who reciprocated by grinning and saying "thank you."
 
I grinned and said, "Thanks.

I can now see the glass wall behind her because she moved to leave. Beau was inside, which I had forgotten.
 
His eyes were the first thing that I noticed. I couldn't tell what he was feeling. The light was softening his eyes, but from the angle I was viewing him, I sensed something else.
 
He looked at me with his lips parted, his head slightly cocked to the side as if he were admiring me. I rolled my eyes in discomfort as I walked outside to enter again.
 
He continued to look at me in that manner when I sat down in my seat.
 
I scoffed at him, "What?"
 
He shook his head and grinned deeply. "Nothing."