Chapter 3

I shift uncomfortably in my chair and drink my coffee, waiting for Jack to say something about my behavior the other night, but he doesn't. I see a momentary disgust in his eyes until he straightens up and clears his throat.

"I suppose it's the guy's fault for spilling his drink on a public figure."

"That's right," Anastasia answers confidently.

"Do you work in the industry? Are you a model like Alana?"

"Yes, we both started in this together. However, she is more well-known than me. I recently signed up with a company that will boost my career. My manager and I are excited about it."

"I see. You're a bit quiet, is something wrong?" This time Jack addressed me. Both pairs of eyes concentrate on my response, and I quickly shake my head.

"Darling, I hate talking when I have my mid-morning coffee. It makes me want to vomit," I say disdainfully.

"I'm sorry I have no idea about that, sweetheart," he emphasizes the last word with irony and looks at his watch. "It's been an honor to meet you, Anastasia, and Alana, I'll see you later. I have to go to work."

"So soon?"

"I can't leave all the work to Benton," he forces a smile. "I promise we'll see each other later with more time."

I want to tell him that he can't leave like that, that he has to stay, but who knows if he's going to work. My mother's life with my dad has been nothing more than seeing him when he has free time, and she hated it. Sometimes I saw her crying at night because she missed the man she fell in love with. I don't want to have my mother's life, but apparently, it's the life I'm destined to have. Jack gets up and puts the chair back in its place. He's about to leave when he turns around and puts his hand on my shoulder.

"Do you want me to take you home? Or do you want to go somewhere else?"

"I'm going to meet my manager. I have a photoshoot in a little while."

"Okay, I can take you."

"I'll stay," Anastasia interrupts, and we both nod.

We head to his car, and I focus all my attention on my phone. I've never paid much attention to Jack's features, and that catches my attention when I see him getting into the driver's seat. He doesn't open the passenger door for me, he just waits for me to get in on my own and I scoff. I don't know what I expected from a guy like him, and I don't know what I expected from someone who isn't my partner.

I get into the car and cross my arms. The guy next to me doesn't show any expression, he's just there, still, looking for music of his preference. I uncross my arms and allow myself to observe him closely. He has intensely blue eyes, although when the light hits them they look really clear. He has some moles on his cheek and has a fair complexion. Not to mention the black color of his hair and how tall he is, with a chiseled jaw and muscular arms, and all the girls on the internet are right. Jack Lather can easily pass as the most handsome man on the planet.

I look back at the front and don't say a word because I feel like if I do, I'll blurt out something stupid.

"Your friend showed me that she's just as superficial as you are," he finally speaks up.

"I'm glad," I say.

"I can't marry you, Alana. You're the complete opposite of me. I don't like a girl who spends all day obsessing over things that don't matter. And I know your image is what makes you money. But, for God's sake! You don't have to keep talking about it or treating people however you want."

"We've only met twice and you pretend to know everything about my life, but that's not true. You have no idea what I usually talk about with my friends or how I treat people," I shout in frustration.

"I've researched you, Alana. I'm sure I know what I'm talking about."

I'm looking at him like I want to hit him because that's exactly what I wish I could do now. Jack has no sense of tact. He's an idiot who says whatever he wants whenever he wants, and it's starting to infuriate me. I don't want to have to scream at him because I know we're going to be spending a lot of time together from now on. But it angers me that he pretends to know me.

Jack is looking at me, waiting for me to say something, but I focus my gaze on the front and don't say another word. The drive feels light to me, after a few minutes of listening to music and ignoring everything, it seems to be going well. I'm curious about how he knew all those things about me, or who he's been talking to.

When we arrive, he parks and sighs.

"I don't want problems with you. I just want you to know that we're not compatible and if you can make this shit end, do it."

"We're in the same situation, Jack."

"Good luck."

I get out of the car and walk to the studio. I should call Dad and tell him that this marriage thing is a terrible idea, that I can be fine alone, and that, above all, no one cares about his own life except me. I hardly slept last night, tossing and turning in bed thinking about what to do about this marriage, imagining what my life would be like and what my relationship with Jack would be like. In my mind, nothing was as bad as it is in real life.

I move aside for some girls to pass, and I enter the salon. There are only two people there, my manager and a man who could be twice my age. I've never paid much attention to the world of marketing, at least not anything I do on my own. I hate studying certain things and reading. Reading may be what I hate the most in the world.

"Alana," Daniel smiles. "You arrived earlier than I thought."

"Well, did you want me to arrive later? You've been bugging me all week about coming early, I do, and it seems like you're throwing it in my face."

"It was just a comment," he says somewhat frustrated. I roll my eyes and look at the man next to me.

"A pleasure, owner of the Fashionweek fashion magazine."

"Alana, one of the best models in the country."

The man with the horrible beard smiles satisfied.

"Mr. Chris has come because he wants to sign a contract with us. I'll review the terms and then get in touch with you."

"I don't think it's necessary to review anything," I say, interrupting Daniel. "I'd like to sign right away."

"Alana," he whispers. "We should read contracts."

"I'm sorry I don't have the contract on hand, Miss Alana. I'm sure your answer will please my brand. Have a good afternoon."

I don't want to sound like a crazy person, but that man is important. He influences many brands and competitions all over the world. Working with him is going to open many doors for me, and I'm willing to sign whatever he asks. I stay looking at the door like an idiot, and Daniel observes me annoyed.

"Don't contradict me like that in front of anyone ever again, do you understand?"

He wrinkled his face. "Excuse me? I pay you."

"Alana, I'm serious," he roars furiously. "I can quit at any time, I hope you keep that in mind."

"You're not going to leave me!" I shout as he walks to his office, slamming the door so hard that it makes me shudder, and once I'm alone, I throw myself on the couch, and a tear slides down my cheek.

I don't know why I'm crying.

Maybe it's because of everything that's happening to me.