The CEO's Substitute: Love In London

Jasper found Kamden at the bar. Kamden was staring into his empty glass like it held the secrets of the universe.

Jasper signaled the bartender for a sparkling water. "He looks like you, Kam. It's uncanny. I'll give you that."

Kamden glared at his friend. "He doesn't just look like me, Jasper."

He turned on his stool, pointing a finger toward the center of the room where Cason was still laughing. "Look at him. The way he stands. The way he holds his drink. He acts like he owns the place. Like he owns... her."

Jasper sighed, trying to defuse the bomb. "A rival? For Helena? Please. You know Helena. She doesn't do drama."

"Helena chose you," Jasper affirmed, placing a hand on Kamden's shoulder.

Kamden slammed his glass down on the mahogany bar. The sound cracked like a gunshot. "Did she? Or did she settle for the copy?"

Jasper silenced. The raw insecurity in Kamden's voice was terrifying. This wasn't business jealousy. This was a man questioning his entire existence.

Across the room, Cason caught Kamden's eye. He raised his glass again. A silent, mocking toast.

Kamden felt a violent urge to cross the room and smash his fist into that mirror face. He wanted to break the reflection.

He realized he was losing control. His breathing was shallow.

"I need to step out," Kamden muttered.

"Kam, wait-"

"I said I need a minute!"

He walked toward the terrace doors, moving away from Helena, away from the crowd. He feared his jealousy would turn into an ugly scene in front of her. He couldn't let her see him like this. Weak. Broken.

Dana Zhu saw him leave. She nudged Jasper. "Go after him?"

Jasper shook his head. "Give him five minutes. He needs to cool off."

Kamden pushed open the heavy glass doors. The cold night air hit his face, shocking his system.

He walked to the stone railing. He gripped it until his knuckles turned white. Below him, Central Park was a dark void.

He pulled out his phone. His lock screen was a photo of Penny. Her tiny face, sleeping.

Is she even mine?

The intrusive thought struck him like lightning.

He hated himself for thinking it. It was vile. It was disgusting. But Cason's face... it was the same DNA.

"Damn it!"

Kamden punched the stone wall.

Skin split. Blood bloomed on his knuckles. The physical pain was sharp, grounding. It distracted him from the rot in his chest.

He breathed heavily, staring at the blood.

Behind him, footsteps crunched on the gravel.

He turned, hope flaring in his chest. Helena?

But the shadow was too large. Too broad.