Love beneath the Skin

Jada took a deep breath, forcing her emotions down, and turned to look at Caius.

He was silent, his face stormy again.

Outside, Walter tried the handle several times, finding it locked. “Jada? Did you fall asleep in there?”

“It’s over already. Mr. Brooks had to leave early — I’ll drive you home.”

Still no response. Walter called over a staff member to fetch the spare key.

Hearing the commotion, Jada closed her eyes briefly, then reached out and squeezed Caius’s hand.

His anger wavered, calming slightly as he stared back at her.

Just before the key turned in the lock, Caius sighed and leaned back.

Jada exhaled in relief, quickly pushed him into the bathroom.

At the same time, the door opened. Walter stepped inside, frowning at the empty room. “Jada?”

The lounge had been locked from the inside — there was no way to pretend she hadn’t been there.

Jada splashed water on her face in the mirror, fixed her hair, wiped away her ruined lipstick.

There were faint marks on her arms, but Walter had also lost control earlier — nothing needed explanation.

Within minutes, she looked exactly as she had when Walter had left. She smoothed her dress, erasing every trace of what had happened.

Before stepping out, Jada glanced at Caius, her voice low. “Mr. Martino…”

Caius stared at her for a long moment before speaking coldly: “Remember our terms. If you let him touch you, I won’t keep my promise.”

Jada nodded, slipped out of the room just as Walter came looking for her.

She walked up to him and looped her arm through his. “What are you doing here? Is it over already?”

Walter wasn’t so easily fooled — something felt off.

But today was his engagement day with Carmen. He had already told Jada it was just for the sake of the partnership deal, that they’d call it off when the project stabilized.

Still, guilt gnawed at him as soon as he saw her.

That strange feeling he had was quickly buried.

“Yes, it’s over.” Walter softened his tone. “Why did you lock the door? I was calling you for ages.”

Jada lowered her eyes, feigning embarrassment. “My stomach hurt. I didn’t want anyone walking in, so I locked it. I must not have heard you.”

“I just didn’t expect it to end so soon — after all, tonight wasn’t just a simple birthday party…”

Her tone wasn’t accusatory, but the sadness in it was hard to miss.

Looking at her soft, obedient expression, Walter felt a pang in his chest.

Sophia had been bright and principled, strong-willed and stubborn when crossed.

She was genuine — she loved fiercely and hated fiercely.

But she had never liked Carmen.

Walter had wanted to keep the peace, but he couldn’t stop the conflict between the sisters from deepening.

And since Carmen was frail and easily upset, every time the two clashed, Walter had to persuade Sophia to back down.

He remembered how she used to pout, accusing him of favoritism.

Just like Jada was now.