Jason sat in the CEO's office,skyline holding main branch in new Jersey, his expression remained impassive, his gaze fixed on the financial reports on his desk as he answered Melinda's call, his voice low and even.
"Hey," he said, the single word hanging in the air like a statement of fact.
"Hey, how's New Jersey?" Melinda asked, her tone a mix of warmth and subtle concern, a hint of a smile in her voice. "Are you settling in okay?"
"Fine," Jason replied, his tone unchanging, giving nothing away.
"Missing me?" she asked, with a light laugh, trying to break through his reserve.
A slight pause, a beat of silence. "Of course," he said, the words measured, a dutiful response.
Melinda's laugh sounded again, but this time with a hint of exasperation. "You're such a man of few words, Jason. Sometimes I wonder if you even need me to call."
No response. The silence stretched, with only the faint hum of the city outside his office breaking the stillness.
"So, how's work?" she asked, trying a different tack, her tone a bit more serious now.
"Busiest time of year," Jason said, his voice steady, giving away nothing.
Melinda sighed, a soft sound. "You're working too hard, Jason. You need to take care of yourself."
Another pause. "I am."
"Okay, okay," she said, a hint of playfulness creeping back into her voice. "I'll stop nagging. But promise me you'll take a break soon?"
A beat. "I'll try."
Melinda laughed again, though it sounded a bit strained this time. "That's the best I can get, I suppose. Love you."
The words hung in the air, unreciprocated. Jason didn't respond.
"Jason?" she said, her voice a little softer now. "You there?"
"Yeah," he said, his voice low. "I'm here."
"What's wrong, Jason?"
Jason's expression remained impassive. "Nothing's wrong."
Melinda's tone turned slightly more serious. "Okay, I trust you. Just... take care, Jason.
A momy of silence, and then Melinda spoke again, her tone a little more serious. "I'll talk to you soon, okay? Take care of yourself, Jason." She reminded again.
The call ended, and Jason's expression didn't change. He went back to his reports, his eyes scanning the numbers with a detached focus.
The hours ticked by in a blur of numbers and deals. 6 PM. Jason closed his laptop, stood, and shrugged on his jacket.
"Rita?" he called.
"Sir?" she appeared.
"Car's ready. I'll head home."
Rita nodded. "Shall I confirm tomorrow's... arrangements?"
"Yes."
Jason left the office, expression unchanged. The elevator took him down to the waiting car. Tomorrow he'd just have to sign.
The car's silence enveloped Jason as he settled in. He stared out at New Jersey's lights, mind on tomorrow's papers. The driver drove him straight to his penthouse. He walked in with heavy strides.
He turned on the penthouse TV. News played, background noise. His gaze drifted, unfocused.
The phone buzzed. Rita.
"Sir, just a reminder – car'll pick you up at 9 AM."
"Good," Jason said, low.
He ended the call. Silence fell again.
Jason poured a glass of water, his movements economical. He stood by the window, looking out at New Jersey's night lights.
A knock broke the silence. He turned.
"Sir, dinner's here," his housekeeper said.
Jason nodded. "Leave it."
She did. He didn't eat.
The clock ticked to 11 PM. He went to bed, eyes closing on the dark.
9 AM tomorrow. The bureau. Was all he kept seeing!.
Jason's eyes snapped open at 6 AM. He lazily dressed in a dark suit, no tie. Simple. Efficient.
The bureau awaited.
He checked his phone – nothing urgent. Rita had confirmed: witnesses ready, papers prepared.
At 8:30 AM, he left the penthouse. The car waited below.
9 AM. The bureau's steps loomed.
Elena stepped into the civil bureau, a soft rustle of fabric as she moved. Jason, seated with his father, looked up – and locked eyes.
Elena's beauty caught his attention. Simple white dress, loose curls, understated elegance. He felt a flicker.
Her father slipped in behind her, nodding curtly to the others.
The Registrar appeared. "Elena and Jason, ready?"
Elena turned, spotted Jason. A hint of expectation in her eyes. Jason stood, expression unreadable.
The Registrar led them to the chamber. Stiff greetings.
The ceremony unfolded, but Jason's mind wandered. _Why did I agree to this?_
The Registrar declared, "Registered as married."
Elena turned, hopeful. Jason's expression... wasn't right.
Elena's father broke the silence. "Guess that's done." Jason's father nodded as they shook hands, "Best for both we're now in-laws."
Elena's eyes stayed on Jason, searching for... what?
Mr Lucien led the group out of the civil bureau.
When they got to their various cars, he paused, "Jason take very good care of Elena dear, you must also set a date as soon as possible for your honeymoon, you know that you are very busy." He got in to his car only when he was sure his son had gotten the message.
They watched the car drive away, Edward was still with them, Elena squinted her eyes at him suspiciously.
Edward was looking at Jason, he could never have thought Mr Lucien son would be this outstanding.
"Elena dear, please don't forget to invite your husband over for dinner, okay."
"Mmmm." She acknowledged absentmindedly.
When he was sure she would do as he had said, Edward also got into his car.
Elena peeked at Jason.
Jason felt the girl's gaze on him but he pretended not to have noticed.
He led her to his car, when they had settled in, the driver drove them to his penthouse.