Jealous Gigi
Rowan stood still on the balcony, his eyes never leaving me as I took a step back, my hand still brushing my lips. His mask lay forgotten on the ground, the raw openness in his gaze making my stomach twist.
“I’ve always wanted to kiss you,” he said, his voice soft but firm.
I blinked, the words sinking in, their weight heavy in the silence between us. “Rowan…”
“I mean it,” he said, stepping closer, his tone almost pleading. “I don’t remember everything about us, Remi. I don’t even know if I deserve another chance. But I want one. I want to start over—with you.”
I stared at him, my thoughts spinning in every direction. “You don’t even know who I really am,” I said quietly. “What we were to each other.”
“Then tell me,” he said, his eyes earnest. “Or don’t. Let’s just... figure it out as we go. Please, Remi. Give me a chance to be better to you. To be someone you can trust.”
His vulnerability left me speechless, my mind and heart warring against each other. Finally, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “I must be insane,” I muttered. “But… okay.”
His shoulders relaxed, and a small smile tugged at his lips. “Thank you.”
I glanced at the glittering crowd beyond the balcony, trying to ground myself. “Why did you come to the ball?” he asked suddenly.
I turned back to him, surprised by the question. “Networking. I told you that earlier.”
“For what?” he pressed, tilting his head.
“For funding,” I admitted, my voice a little defensive. “The research facility needs investors, and this seemed like a good opportunity. That’s what this ball is about, right? Gathering wealthy people who want to flaunt their generosity?”
Rowan chuckled, a low, warm sound. “Something like that.”
He bent down, picking up his mask and putting it back on. The shift in his demeanor was subtle but noticeable—a mix of the man he was and the mask he wore in public. “Do you need help?”
I blinked. “Help with what?”
“Finding the right people,” he said, gesturing toward the crowd. “You’re trying to make connections, aren’t you?”
“I mean, yes,” I said slowly, eyeing him suspiciously. “Why do you care?”
“Because I’m good at this,” he replied simply. “And because I want to help you.”
Before I could argue, he held out his arm. “Come on. Let’s make you the star of the night.”
\---
Rowan led me back into the ballroom, weaving through the crowd with the ease of someone who belonged in places like this. I followed reluctantly, feeling out of my depth.
“That’s Eleanor Gray,” he murmured, nodding toward a tall woman in a crimson gown. “She’s a philanthropist who specializes in medical research. Talk to her about your work, and she’ll be interested.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath before approaching her. To my surprise, Eleanor was warm and engaging, her enthusiasm genuine as we discussed the facility’s goals. By the time we parted, she’d promised to follow up with a significant donation.
“See?” Rowan said, his tone teasing. “Not so bad.”
“Next,” I said, trying to hide my smile.
He grinned, pointing out a few more key figures: a tech mogul with an interest in surgical innovation, a hedge fund manager looking to invest in healthcare, and a board member from a prestigious medical foundation.
With each introduction, my confidence grew. By the end of the night, I’d secured more potential investors than I’d thought possible.
As the final guest walked away, I let out a sigh of relief, turning to Rowan. “I can’t believe that worked.”
“Why wouldn’t it?” he said, his voice light. “You’re good at what you do, Remi. People see that.”
“Still,” I said, glancing down at the champagne flute in my hand. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
He tilted his head, his smile soft. “You’re welcome.”
I felt a warmth in my chest, something unfamiliar and terrifying. Before I could dwell on it, I pulled out my phone and called Jo.
\---
“I did it,” I said the moment Jo answered.
“Wait, wait, wait. You what?” Jo squealed, her voice high-pitched and full of excitement.
“I got the investors,” I said, laughing despite myself. “All of them. The funding is practically secured.”
“Oh my god, Remi, this is amazing!” she shouted. “I told you! I told you this ball would be worth it.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I said, rolling my eyes. “You were right.”
“Damn straight I was,” she said smugly. “Now go celebrate! Have another drink. Dance with Handsome Uncle.”
“Goodbye, Jo,” I said, hanging up before she could say anything else.
I slipped my phone back into my clutch, the weight of the night finally starting to lift. But as I turned to leave, my breath caught.
Standing in front of me was a woman—tall, poised, and strikingly beautiful. Her dress was a deep sapphire, her half-mask glittering like diamonds. She smiled, a slow, knowing smile that made my stomach churn.
“Hello, Remi,” she said, her voice smooth as silk.
My throat went dry. “Gigi,” I whispered.
She reached up, removing her mask and revealing the face I hadn’t seen in years. Her smile widened, but there was no warmth in it.
“Miss me?” she asked, tilting her head.
Gigi’s gaze was sharp as she stepped closer, the faint scent of expensive perfume wafting off her. I stood rooted to the spot, every muscle in my body tensing as her smile widened into something sharp and calculated.
“I have to say, Remi,” Gigi began, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. “You’ve done well for yourself. A masquerade ball? Networking with the elite? Impressive for someone like you.”
I swallowed hard, keeping my expression neutral. “What do you want, Gigi?”
Her smile faltered for a moment before she masked it with a laugh. “Straight to the point. I like that. Saves us both time.” She stepped even closer, her voice lowering. “I want you to stay away from Rowan.”
I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “Is that so?”
“Yes,” she said, her smile turning colder. “Whatever game you’re playing, end it now. Rowan is mine.”
“Yours?” I repeated, letting out a short, humorless laugh. “I didn’t realize people were possessions.”
Gigi’s eyes narrowed, the mask of civility slipping just enough for me to catch a glimpse of the anger underneath. “Don’t play coy with me, Remi. You know exactly what I mean. Rowan and I are engaged. We have a future together. You’re just a... distraction.”
“A distraction?” I echoed, my voice calm but firm. “That’s funny. I don’t recall asking Rowan to follow me around like a lost puppy.”
Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought she might actually lose her composure. “Listen to me,” she said, her voice sharp. “You don’t belong here. You never have. You’re nothing more than a charity case trying to play dress-up.”
The words hit like a slap, but I refused to let her see it. “And yet, here I am,” I said, keeping my tone steady. “Standing in the same room as you, wearing the same masks, speaking to the same people.”
Her eyes flared with something dangerous, but she quickly composed herself, her lips curling into a mocking smile. “You’re good at this,” she said softly. “But let’s not pretend you have any real power here. The only reason anyone tolerates you is because they don’t know who you really are. But I do.”
“And what exactly do you think you know?” I asked, tilting my head.
“I know you’re using Rowan,” she said, stepping closer until we were inches apart. “I don’t know how yet, but I’ll find out. And when I do, I’ll make sure you regret it.”
I stared at her, my chest tight with anger. “You don’t scare me, Gigi.”
“Maybe not yet,” she said, her voice a low hiss. “But you should be scared. Because when I’m done with you, you’ll wish you’d never stepped foot in his life.”
“Are you done?” I asked, my tone laced with exhaustion.
Her smile returned, cruel and smug. “For now. But don’t get too comfortable. This little fantasy you’ve built for yourself? It’s not going to last.”
Before I could respond, a deep, familiar voice cut through the tension like a knife.
“Gigi,” Rowan said, his tone cold and authoritative. “What are you doing?”
We both turned to see him standing a few feet away, his eyes sharp and unreadable as he looked between us.
“Rowan,” Gigi said, her voice instantly shifting to something sweet and innocent. “I was just catching up with Remi. You know, getting to know her better.”
Row
an’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before flicking to me. “Is that true, Remi?”
I opened my mouth, but the words caught in my throat.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
