39

Violet POV

''Thank you all for being here tonight. I really appreciate the number of funds we've received today. We would be donating thirty percent of the funding to St.Jude hospital in Memphis from Vella Enterprise. I thank you for this opportunity and I hope you donate with kindness in your heart. Thank you,'' Jason said.

Everyone cheered and whistled as Jason was shaking hands with other businessmen across the stage. Everyone resumed back to their own social conversation with one another as the music begins to play from the DJ booth.

People began to dance left and right as others stayed around and begin to drink. Aubree and Cameron flew out to the dancefloor as I was stuck with Jason by the fountain.

''So proud of you baby, you did good tonight,'' I said to him, running my hands all over his jawline.

"Thank you, my love. You know honestly, I feel so much better seeing you at the audience---''

''---Excuse me,'' a soft-voiced pitched to our direction and we both turn our heads to that voice.

Danielle was standing near us and looked at the two of us, smiled softly and let out a sigh.

''Danielle?'' Jason questioned.

''Hi, to the both of you. I don't want to intrigue but is it okay if I talk to you, Jason. Just five minutes.''

''Ohh.... umm.. Vi?'' He asked me.

I gulped down my throat anxiously and nodded. ''I'll wait,'' I whispered.

''Okay,'' He replied, kissing me on the cheek.

The two left me to myself as they both walked towards the double doors. I sighed and drank some water out of my water bottle. I felt very still and very empty, the way the eye of a tornado must feel, moving dully. I know my insecurities are eating me alive and I didn't know how else to put a stop to it.

----

Jason POV

''Thank you for your time, Jason, I really do appreciate it,'' Danielle said to me. We were both outside on the patio, standing near a bush of roses.

I folded my arms and held my head up high, staring at Danielle as she was nervously playing with her thumbs.

''You're welcome.''

''I know it's not a good time to talk but I came here because well, Luna passed away," she said, referring to her Golden Retriever.

''--Really? Since when?''

''--- A few weeks ago.''

''Danielle, I'm sorry for your loss.''

''Thanks. My dad left some money for me but I was willing to give some to Vella Enterprise, actually to Envy Models.''

''You're quitting you're modeling career?''

''No. I'm just giving back. That's all.''

''And my company?''

''I owe you. Remember?''

''Oh, right I forgot about that. But, that was years ago before I met Sasha. You didn't have to do that.''

''I wanted to. I think it's best to do so.''

There was silence between us. I cleared my throat harshly and raked my hand through my hair.

''Danielle, I owe you an apology. I shouldn't treat you like that at all whatsoever. You deserve someone who is going to treat you right, someone who is going to know how much you mean to them.''

''Are you saying that to make me feel better?''

''What? No, I'm saying that because it's the truth.''

''You're saying that because you're with that girl.''

''Who Violet? Aha, No Danielle I'm not. In fact, I'm saying this because I have changed and I'm doing better.''

''Really?''

''Yes, really,'' I snapped. ''Why are you pressed about me?''

''I.. nevermind.''

''Tell me now,'' I chided.

She sighed and gave me that look. ''I'm sorry I thought that I could change your mind.''

''Of us? Getting back together?''

''Forget about it, I'm sorry. I thought maybe if I can talk to you again... I could... maybe have the chance to win you back.''

''I've should've known," I mumbled under my breath.

''-Jason!'' She pulled me towards her causing me to lean forward to her face forcefully which almost made my lips fall into hers. I backed away slowly and shook my head no.

''I'm not going to do this with you again. Look, Danielle, I'm sorry for your loss. I truly am. But, this thing between us is never going to work. I'm not your sloppy seconds. I moved on, I'm happy where I am with Violet. She's someone who I want to spend my life with and I don't want to mess that up. I just can't. I've dealt with Sasha, and I'm not going to deal with someone who just wants some comfort when it's necessary. I love Violet, okay? So, do yourself a favor, please leave me alone.''