Spend A Night with My Crush

I was stunned into silence.

Is too much blush really such a crime?

Jack's parents were as welcoming as ever, serving up a feast filled with all my favorites.

I was digging in with gusto until Jack's mom chimed in unexpectedly.

"Did the cat make it back?"

Jack nodded affirmatively.

His mom set her fork down with a stern look.

"I heard pregnant women shouldn't be around pets. What if Sophie ends up pregnant?"

Her words were so startling that I choked on the fish I was eating.

A bone lodged in my throat, and I couldn't get it out by all means.

That sent everyone into a panic, and Jack whisked me off to the hospital without delay.

Fortunately, it wasn't deep, and the doctor removed it quickly with tweezers.

"How's your throat feeling now?"

Jack handed me a cup of warm water and some pain relievers.

I shook my head, indicating I was okay.

My throat was fine, but his mom's comment had scared me more than a little.

"Jack, you initially brought me in to stand in for Lady."

"Now that she's back, when are we planning to divorce?"

That was really eating at me.

I had naively thought we could continue as before, but today's lunch was a harsh dose of reality.

If I had to describe it, our relationship was more like a benefactor and beneficiary than anything real.

Although we're technically married, it's just on paper.

Sooner or later, Jack will find someone he truly loves, get married for real, and start a family.

This arrangement can't last forever.

Jack sat up straight, his face going pale.

I could feel his eyes on me, but I kept mine down, too nervous to meet his gaze.

"You gave me five million at the start. If that's now an issue, we could talk about giving some back?"

I spoke carefully, testing the waters.

Jack scoffed coldly.

"I always keep my word. The amount I promised is yours to keep. As for the divorce, have my secretary set something up," he stated firmly.

I was taken aback.

"It's just a divorce; it should be quick, right?"

"And there's the cooling-off period to consider. We should start the process early."

"I'm too booked up to change plans last minute," Jack explained, highlighting how valuable his time was.

I nodded, understanding his point.

His days as a CEO are packed; managing a company doesn't leave much free time.

He passed me his secretary's business card, then excused himself to freshen up.

I tried calling several times, but the line was always busy.

Being busy was an understatement for Jack, and apparently for his secretary too.

Finally, after half an hour, I got through.

"Mr. Ray's schedule is fully booked for the next three months. Is it okay to slot you in after that?"

It felt like a cold splash of reality.

Clenching my teeth, I managed a terse "Okay" before hanging up.

Had Jack always been this busy?

I returned to my room to unwind, but as soon as I entered, a strange smell hit me.

It was coming from my bed, and upon inspection, I discovered a pile of cat poop.

If karma was real, it should strike me directly, not through my bed!

My scream of frustration drew Jack to the scene.

He reassured me repeatedly that he would take care of the mess.

Swiftly, he stripped the bed, remarking, "These can't be used anymore. I'll dispose of them."

"Just leave everything to me; I'll sort out replacements," he assured as he took the dirty bedding away.

I sighed and fetched fresh bedding from the closet.

By the time I finished, Jack had returned.

He proposed locking Lady up, to which I wholeheartedly agreed.

The cat deserved a time-out for her antics.

But Lady was nowhere to be found, until her meow echoed again from my room.

There was a fresh mess on the bed.

Jack went to handle Lady while I leaned, exhausted, against the door.

I mulled over what I might have done to offend Lady.

She was too quick for Jack, who returned, panting and empty-handed.

"You can sleep in my room tonight; I'll take the couch," he offered.

I sighed, resigned to the change in sleeping arrangements.

Moments later, Jack came back, holding the couch's bedding.

Our eyes met, and I immediately saw the defeat in his.

The couch had been Lady's next target.

"She never used to be like this," Jack massaged his temples.

"Maybe she's sick? We could take her to the vet tomorrow," I suggested.

"Let's just sleep on it for now," he agreed.

I stiffened.

Was he suggesting we sleep together?!