For the love of Julian

"There's a 70% chance that Davilla Malls will take up our offer but we need to make sure that we make that a hundred percent. We're talking billions here." Jacob said. The vice president, Andrew Zobel nodded his head.

"You're right. This could also be an advertisement for the Strike Bankings. If we have to take Mr. Davilla into golf or wherever he'd want to hangout, we have to." Drew said, chuckling a bit.

"Yeah if I need to date his daughter I would." Jacob laughed.

"You need a break, bro." Andrew grimaced. Jacob's too caught up in his work, something Andrew never thought his friend would be.

They were friends since college. Jacob was never the serious type of student. He'd party at night, skip his class, he'd even flunk school. Heck, he never thought Jacob Shaw would finish his degree but look at him now, running their family business and hustling like a mad man.

People really change.

"I would. How about we meet in Lux later, just a few drinks." Jacob wiggled his eyebrows making Andrew sigh.

"Oh right. I forgot, you're a married man with a child." Jacob patted his long time bud's shoulder. "You're a changed man since you married Rochelle. How's married life?"

Andrew Zobem smiled. "Well, it makes you eager to come home after long work. I swear, you'd rather choose coming home than partying. Why don't you find the right girl and get married, Jake?"

"Not a bad idea." Jacob smirked. "I think if the right woman comes--- which, I don't believe there is, then she'll come. Meanwhile, I'll just have fun screwing around."

Andrew shook his head. He shared the same principles with Jacob years back, that marriage is simply just bullshit, and that building an empire, partying and sleeping around is the best thing but then things began to change when he met Rochelle.

He hopes this happens to Jacob soon.

Andrew looked at his friends' ring finger and found the band he always wear. He's had it since they met. He even thought Jacob married young. Some women even thought he was married, making them back off a bit. Though, Jacob doesn't really say anything about it.

He was pulled out of reverie when Jacob stood up and put on his black coat.

"Where are you going?"

"St. Joseph's. Miana is gonna be there, prolly get mad if I don't make it."

"Alright. Say hi for me to Aunt Ingrid. By the way, Jake. About that new lawyer? When are you going to meet her? I tell you, the woman's a hot chick."

Their former lawyer, Averto Sanchez was killed in a car accident last month. He was loved by many, their company has been grieving since then. That old man has been their lawyer for years. He was a good friend of Jacob's late father.

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know that the replacement was a she. I don't know, maybe next week? By the way Drew, is she single?"

Andrew recalled the day he met up with that gorgeous lawyer. He never spotted a ring. "Don't know, but I'm sure she's not married yet. Don't mess this up, Jake. She'll be working with us."

Jacob smirked, that same smirk every ladies out there could die for. "Well if she's hot as you say she is, she can always work me. Hey--- I'm kidding alright. I don't mix business with pleasure."

-

-

-

"I thought you're not coming. I called your assistant and she said you're busy." his mother gave him a hug.

He removed his aviator shades and inserted it in the breast pocket of his coat.

"Of course I'll be here, I wouldn't miss this day. It's his death anniversary, afterall."

"If only he's here to witness all the things you've done, he could have been so proud of everything you've achieved, Jake." His mother stared at him with adoration.

The corner of his lips tugged into a bittersweet yet forced smile. "Where's Mia?"

"She's gonna be late. She's driving Jasper to the airport. He's going to Bahamas for this next movie."

Jasper was his brother-in-law, a director and TV producer. The first time he met Jasper, he never really liked him. He thought his sister shouldn't entangle herself with a celebrity because the press might hound even her but as time went on and he got to know the guy, he realized Jasper loved his sister deeply.

They fell silent after that. He doesn't know what to say or start another conversation with his mother. They aren't close--- atleast not anymore.

"How is the business, son?" Ingrid tried to engage in a conversation with her son.

"It's okay, mom." he shrugged it off. He doesn't really wanna make a conversation with his mom. Not now, or ever. Not again.

Miana's car stopped right infront of them, he relaxed, now he wouldn't endure an awkward environment with his own mother. Jake strode towards them, carrying his sleeping nephew and kissing his sister in the cheek.

"Woah, cant believe you arrived on time. It's a first."

Jacob smirked. "James seems heavier than last time." he was pertaining to his nephew, whom he hadn't seen in over a month.

"He eats so much sweets especially when Jasper's around. He's spoiled--- Hi, mommy." Miana planted a sweet kiss on her mom's cheek.

Ingrid frowned when he saw the sleeping grandson. "Here I was, so excited to see my grandson's bubbly face and he's asleep."

"He fell asleep on our way here, his eyes are swollen since he kept crying while we were at the airport to send his dad off." Miana chuckled, shaking her head a bit.

Ingrid smiled, Jacob noticed how his mother and sister looked so much alike. Even the way they smile.

They stayed for an hour, paying visit to their late father before they left to go to a restaurant, it's a tradition. They dine in their father's favorite restaurant. Jacob didn't mean to join them this time but since his sister insisted, he eventually agreed. It's not a secret he couldn't stand his mother. Even Miana knows but she still tries to patch their relationship again.

Jacob busied himself talking to his nephew.

"Uncle Jacob, you should draw me another superhero on my birthday."

He raised his eyebrow, teasing the young boy. "What do you want this time, bud?"

"This time I want Ironman. It's the theme I want for my birthday. I already told that."

Jacob smiled at the little ball of sunshine, something about seeing his nephew always made him happy. Makes him question if this bachelor life is really worth it. Jake ruffled his nephew's hair. "Alright, buddy. Ironman it is."

His nephew saluted like a soldier and beamed. "Sir yes, sir."

It was ten minutes later when the food was served. He ate so little though he's famished. He's not comfortable having his mother around. It's just that---

"I heard Strike is ranking first as the best banks in the Philippines. You're doing a very good job, Jake." Miana reached to clasp his brother's hand.

"Yeah. I wasn't expecting that. Though, I know we have the best accountants. We have the most number of branches too."

Ingrid smiled at his son. His blue eyes reminding her of his deceased husband. "And he's also the youngest CEO here in the Philippines." She praised.

He smiled only a little. Her praises are a bit too late and he's not sure if it's even genuine.

Jake cleared his throat, "Excuse me, I need to go to the rest room."

He washed his face with the cold water, wiping his face with his black handkerchief. He heaved out a sigh, reminding himself that this lunch is almost over. He doesn't have to see his mother again.

He only sees his mother once a year, not even during Christmas or her birthday. There was no need for that. He only has to endure her presence during his father's death anniversary.

Jacob's father died eight years ago. Cause of his death? Euthanasia.

Jacob fixed his clothes, using his fingers to brush up his hair, stared at the mirror and looked at his reflection before storming out of the Male's restroom.

He frozed when he looked up to see a familiar woman just outside the restaurant.

That smile...

No. No it can't be...

Oh fuck. He muttered his first cuss of the day.

It's her.

His lips parted while he looked at her, he looked like a deer caught on red lights. The woman was talking to someone on her phone and she has that huge smile on her face. Her dress that hugged her body stopped above her knee. He's not halucinating, is he?

Her face looked exactly the same just like the last time he saw her, he can still memorize her face, the contours of her body like she was some favorite song he never got tired of playing.

It's definitely her!

When the woman started to walk away, that was then he came to his senses to move his feet and follow after her. Even with those wobbly knees, he tried to get to her. He could hear his sister calling after him bur he has to take strides to get to her.

He couldn't let her slip away again. He just could not.

He looked anywhere to see she wasn't there any longer. He ran to the other side, and then the other. Tatiana wasn't there.

"Tatiana." He said under his breath, uttering her name for the first time after so many years. It still hurts so much saying her name.

Maybe it wasn't really her, maybe that was just a product of his imagination. Maybe he has gone crazy.

Maybe he's delusional.

But you saw her. It was her, Jacob! His subconscious argued.

A hand touched his shoulder, making him jump. His sister's eyes stared at him, so worried.

Jacob was trembling, he was sweaty and cold.

"Jesus, you're pale! What happened Jake? You look like you've seen a ghost. Oh god!"

A ghost from his past, yes.

"Mia..." that was the only thing he could mutter.

He wanted to shout, he wanted to cry. The young heart he buried for so long is finally out of it's grave, awake and starving.

He knew what he saw. It was Tatiana. He was so fucking sure of that.

Everything was a blur to him, he didn't get his composure back. He didn't even remember hiw he was seated back inside the restaurant. Their voices were a blur to him. He couldn't understan. He was still so in daze with what just happened.

He didn't remember their interrogations..

They left his ferrari in front of restaurant, Mia drove him back to his house promising him to have the car towed and deliver to his place. Miana was so worried about his younger brother acting so strange. It's as if he was on drugs or something, like his body was on a deep shock.

And he instantly fell asleep when his body hit the sheets. He was tired, his heart was raging.

"I guess this all for today?" the board members gave their nods. "Thank you, gentlemen."

"Likewise, Jacob."

After the board meeting adjourned, Jacob loosened his tie, leaning back against the swivel chair. His tie was choking him.

These days, it's so hard to breathe. It's like something is rubbing him his breath, he feels so suffocated, anxious and uneasy. He knew it had something to do with what happened with him two weeks ago.

He took out his phone, calling the private investigator he re-hired after meeting her.

"Any updates?" He asked.

"Sir, I'm sorry. I've been at the PSA, NBI, even went to Palawan myself but there's no record of her."

His jaw clenched and unclenched as he listened.

"Are you sure that this is the same girl you asked me to look into years ago?"

"Yes I'm sure."

How could she hide her identity like that? No trace, no marks.

"Sir, but are you sure it's Tatiana Villaflor?"

She wouldn't lie about her identity, would she?

"Leo, I want you to search for all the Tatiana in this country. Use all your connections, send me all their photos."

He hadn't get much sleep since he saw her. It kept him up all night thinking she's near, and she's breathing the same air. The more he thought of her that way, the more he couldn't think straight. He couldn't focus on his work or make the right judgements.

"Copy that, sir."

He dropped the call when Andrew barged in.

"Man, I'm sorry. I don't think I'll make it to the meeting with attorney Falcon. Rochelle has a checkup and we're finding out the baby's gender today, I can't miss it." Andrew sighed.

Jacob smiled at his friend. "It's okay. Update me about the baby's gender."

"I'm hoping it's a boy."

"Now I don't think Rochelle would like another version of you." He teased, "This Attorney Falcon, how is she related to the famous Falcons?"

"Oh, it's their daughter."

His eyebrows met together. He didn't know that their lawyer would be the daughter of the CEO of the chain of hospitals here in the country. Jacob isn't even aware that they have a daughter. He's always assumed Christian Falcon was the only son.

He arrived at the coffee shop twenty minutes early. He wanted to give a nice impression to their prospect corporate lawyer if all things go well.

He has yet to meet this lawyer. Andrew said she's been in Italy, one of the best corporate lawyers.

And dang, he forget to ask for her name. He hasn't read her credentials yet since Andrew's supposed to be taking care of this matter.

He sipped from the capuccino he ordered and glanced at his watch.

"Tsk."

The Attorney was ten minutes late, and he didn't like that. He has a lot of appointments for the day. In fact, he only have an hour for this one.

He was on his phone reading news online when he heard a voice. "Good evening Mr. Zobel. I'm very sorry, I was stuck in the traffic."

He froze when he heard that voice.

No... No it can't be

He slowly lifted his eyes, felt his whole world shattered or turned rapidly. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Who he was seeing.

Shit.

The woman infront of Jacob Shaw had the same look on her face, mirroring his. She was so shocked, she couldn't speak.

She looked like she's seen a ghost.

It's been nine years.

"You..." it wasn't a question. It was more likely a phrase.

"I---I didn't know that it was you." Tatiana stuttered.

He swallowed that lump on his throat.

They were silent for a few minutes. Her eyes were everywhere but to him. Jacob on the other hand felt like in this sea of people, she's the only one that matters.

He stood up. "Where were you? I looked for you anywhere, Tatiana! All these years.... I've been searching for you for nine years!"

He could only imagine that this would happen. Even his wildest dreams, he knew it was impossible to see her again but here she is, in the flesh. He wanted to reach out, to embrace her, to kiss her senseless but all he could do is gawk at her.

"Yes. It's been nine years. Long time no see, Jacob." Tatiana gained her composure back now staring at his eyes, those blue eyes that are so familiar with her. "I believe that this is a professional meeting, Mr. Shaw. We shouldn't discuss anything personal especially if it's in the past now."

He was taken aback by her personality. She's so different now. He talks so professionally, so cold. How could she act like this? How could she look at him this way?

Something in him broke when he realized she doesn't look at him that way anymore.

Well, Jacob. You had her looking at you the way you want her to years ago. But you left her, right?

"I didn't know it was Falcon now and not Villaflor. Did you marry?" he asked all of a sudden, but then remembered Andrew telling him she is the daughter of a renowned businessman Albert Falcon.

"No. You're not married to someone else." Jacob sneered. "Why did you tell me it's Tatiana Villaflor, huh? You had me searching a wrong identity!"

Just in time, Jacob's secretary came and whispered he only has 20 minutes left to conclude this meeting.

"Cancel all my meetings. I want it cleared for the whole afternoon." he made sure Tatiana heard that. Damn it to hell, he'd cancel anything just for this woman.

Tatiana cleared her throat. She heard that of course. "If we're not here to talk about the terms in Strike bankings I think I should go." she grabbed her briefcase only to be stopped by the mogul.

"No. Take a seat, we'll talk about the business now, Tatiana." he said, taking a seat again. "The vice president was the one who appointed you, replacing our previous corporate lawyer."

That professional tone he used was enough for her to take her seat again. Though he was using his professional tone, his blue eyes shamelessly tracing her from her head up to her white blouse, lingering to her breasts, then back to her face again.

She was conscious. His heated stare--- glare was slightly affecting her. His eyes full of unadulterated lust.

"There are a few things I'd like to discuss such as confidentiality, the terms and agreements."

Jacob looks so different now, she noticed. He grew beard, which wasn't there nine years ago. He's bigger and even in that expensive suit she could see her broad shoulders, the muscular torso and biceps. His hair is shorter and neat, unlike how it used to be. He always had tousled hair.

Now where did that carefree boy go?

But she kept that thought to herself.

When they finished signing papers, Jacob spoke up.

"I didn't know you were the lawyer Andrew Zobel was talking about. I never had a time to look through your credentials. For months, I didn't know that the person I was looking for years was right on top of my desk."

When she stayed silent, he spoke again.

"You stayed in Italy, why? Tatiana, can we talk?"

"About what?"

" What happened to you? Where were you. God, I've been looking for you."

"Mr. Shaw, it's all in the past. The only reason I am here is because I am the corporate lawyer of your company. I am sorry, Mr. Shaw but I don't have time for reminiscing." she said in a polite tone. "But it was nice seeing you again. And I am glad to be the lawyer of Strike bankings." She started packing up when his hand held her arm.

"You stop walking away from me, Tatiana." He growled. "we will talk."

"What do you want?" she asked, irritated, shaking his hand off her. When did this guy became so bossy? He wasn't like this years ago---

"Not what-- but who. And you know exactly who I want."

"I told you, there is nothing to talk about."

"There is! Why don't you hear me out for godness' sake---"

"Why, haven't you gotten over? It didn't even cross my mind for years until I saw you again. If I didn't see you here, I won't even remember you." She whispered but she knew exactly he heard her. She knew that anytime soon he'd explode, turn into a mad man with those words.

She's moved on.

"I am a busy person, Mr. Shaw. And I believe that you are, too? So if you don't mind? You're wasting our time."

She left him there glued into his seat, still in utter disbelief.

___________________

"MOMMY!" the little boy ran into her arms the moment she entered their home. He clung into her, planting a kiss on her arm.

Clingy.

"Hello baby. How was the fourth day of school, huh?"

"Was fine. My classmates were nice mommy. And I already have friends." Julian said happily, his english accent still so crooked it made her wrinkle her nose. His Italian accent was still very prominent.

"It's true, ma'am. He already has playmates when we picked him up from school." the personal maid for her son said from behind.

She brushed her son's jet black hair. She knew he'd make friends, he's a sweet boy. Well-disciplined, too.

"Where's Poly, Susan?"

"He already left, ma'am. He said he'll pick sir Christian up." the nanny answered.

Tatiana nodded her head. Poly is just the driver she temporarily borrows from her brother since she's yet to look for one.

"How was work, mommy? Did you meet new clients today?"

Oh you have no idea. "Yes. I had a meeting with---" she sighed. "a CEO."

"Si?" her son was speaking Italian again. "Was he nice to you, mom?"

She fought the urge to roll her eyes. "He was."

"Good. So about this toy I wanted to buy, mom." Julian said, watching his mom take off her stilettos. "I really liked this model plane I saw at the mall with Uncle Christian. Can I buy it tomorrow, mom?"

Her son gave her the puppy look. His blue eyes boring into hers. Too familiar.

"Of course, Julian." She laughed, hoisting her son into her lap. "As long as you behave and be a good boy."

Julian smirked. "You know that I am a good boy, mom."

That night she tucked her son to bed, then read him a story until he fell asleep. At eight, he was already a smart boy, mature enough and responsible with the things he does.

She raised him right. Making sure she does not spoil him that much.

Tatiana was about to sleep when her phone rang. She smiled when she saw the caller ID.

"Hello, love." his husky voice told her that he just woke up.

"Hey, I miss you."

She heard him groan. "You don't know how lonely I have been since you and our boy left. The bed has become bigger since you were gone, and I've been in Julian's room since you guys left, touching his toys and imagining he was there playing. I miss you both."

Jerome was her boyfriend for years--- and the father to her son. He works as an engineer in Italy.

"We miss you too, so much. 10:30. Julian's already asleep."

"I really wanted to talk to him. How's work, love?"

"I just got hired as a corporate lawyer to Strike bankings. On the other hand, Julie's been loving his new school. He's adjusting well."

"Tatiana, that's huge! I'm proud of you! I just hope that work does not make you spend less time with our son? Hmm? And make sure he studies well."

"Of course, Jerome. Julie's my top priority, you know that and of course, you. My family..."

He heard his boyfriend's sigh in the background.

"I'll see you in five months, right? I'll take a vacation. And I want you and Julian to pick me up at the airport."

"All right, love." she chuckled. "Now go get to work, Engr. Castro."

He laughed. "Alright. Iloveyou, hon."

Jacob's face flashed into her mind. She just couldn't believe that after so many years, she saw him again. Of all places where she could work, it has to be in the company he actually owns. God knows how she hoped to not see him ever again.

Fate doesn't really seem to play fair.

He was in the past and nothing will change. She wasn't that naive, island girl nine years ago who was hopeless and head over heels inlove with that fresh, city boy.

She is now a corporate lawyer, the daughter and sister to the Falcons, a mother to Julian Joaquin---- and a lover to Jerome.

"I love you too." she said, removing that image of a blue eyed teen age boy who caught her heart years ago.

"Arlene, please call Attorney Falcon, tell her that her presence is badly needed here in the company--- and I want her here as soon as possible." he ended the intercom.

Jacob hasn't seen her in a while. He was so tempted to call her, or go to her place or just see her from afar. But somehow, his male pride wouldn't let him do that. But now, hanggang dito na lang talaga ang makakaya niya. He just needed to see that face to bring back his sanity.

Two hours later, she appeared on his office wearing a black pencil skirt, and a blouse that hugged her body so well, her breast, waist and hips. His eyes were dancing as he watched her walk towards him. Damn it, the years only made her hotter.

Heat was traveling south so he controlled himself. Damn, he's starting to have a boner.

Pervert.

Tatiana's mind screamed. She's not oblivious to that heated stare he was giving her and he wasn't even ashamed to hide it. After all these years he was still the pervert, vulgar Jacob she knew.

"Good morning." She greeted.

"You never fail to take my breath away. You look gorgeous--- and hot today." he said. "You made this morning good by gracing me your presence, attorney." Jacob grinned, his perfect white teeth showing.

She shrugged off his wicked games. "What matters are we discussing today?"

He shrugged, "I just want you to seat in to my meeting and help me decide. A business man from Malaysia wants to invest some share."

"This isn't a part of my job." she almost snapped. He didn't have her called just for this, did he? She failed to make sandwiches for her son because she was in a hurry to get here since his secretary said that it was urgent!

Jacob stood up to take off his jacket and draped if on the headrest of his swivel chair. She couldn't help but notice how his longsleeve hugged his body. She swallowed hard before quickly looking away.

His body was ten times better, the muscles on his chest, his biceps---

"What do you want for a drink?" Jacob asked.

"Water, please." she answered in a clipped tone.

He was also much taller. He makes her feel so small when he's standing beside her. Jacob returned with a glass of water in his hand, and he was smiling--- okay, he looked like a Greek God, she'd give him that.

She wouldn't call him ugly just because both of them shared a past. Well, a dark past.

"You had fun checking me out?" She almost throw up the water when Jacob asked her that. She composed herself, looking at him straight face.

"I was barely looking at you." lie.

"Were you also excited to see me today? because I was. I always look forward to seeing you." Jacob shrugged. He leaned against the wall, crossed his arms and looked at her. She's so disturbed. His longsleeves were hugging his biceps when he did that.

She stared at him blankly. "What time does the meeting start?"

"30 minutes pa, we have some time. Can't we really talk? I just want to know how are you, just wanna catch up. I get that you don't wanna talk about what happened years back---- but I just want to know if you were okay."

Tatiana saw the pleading in his eyes. She wasn't affected, years of practice she knew now how to become a little less.

Still, she chose to answer. Wouldn't hurt to let him know a little, would it?

"I went to law school few months after being in Palawan. I studied in Italy. And yes, I'm great. I'm happy now, I have everything I dream of now, I couldn't wish for anything more." she smiled at him. For the first time she smiled at him after nine years. She felt her heart stop.

He swallowed. She changed, alright. Even her dreams have changed. She wanted to have a restaurant beside the beach, she wanted kids, a loving husband.... she dreamed of him---- she never said anything about wanting to become a lawyer, now she's surely over him.

He was hurt.

"How about you, how have you been?" Atleast she asked how he was.

"I'm a CEO now. Too far from what I wanted to do... you know, I just want to be a photographer and an artist." he laughed as he remembered himself years ago. "But being a CEO wasn't bad at all, the responsibilities were hard but still I learned to handle it." He answered cooly.

But are you happy, Jacob?

She wanted to ask.

TATIANA was there throughout the meeting. She was pretty impressed with the way Jacob handled the meeting. He was so professional, and no doubt, he really deserves to be the CEO. Looking back, she pictured Jacob years later to be standing in his photo studio, or his art gallery. Not in a three piece suit with a very serious look on his face.

"Look Mr. Shaw, this is a very fair deal. You give away 3% share and I give you the 1.5% share I have in our hotel." The malaysian mogul pursued. "I am so serious about it I came to meet you myself."

"Strike bankings is a bank. We don't a share in a hotel. Do we? You're asking for a huge percentage of share, Mr. Solim. Too much."

"You should think this over, Mr. Shaw. My client will put millions for this share and entrusts you some shares in his hotel." The corporate lawyer of Mr. Solim bargained.

"Tatiana?"

"Yes?"

"What do you think?"

She looked at him. He was wearing a game face on, She couldn't figure him out.

"I think it's a fair deal. You're getting millions from the buy out and he's giving you the 1.5% percent share permanently once the partnership lasted 2 years, which will, of course, add few to the net worth of the company." She said. "Besides, Mr. Solim is a famous businessman in Malaysia. It would be great to have connections with other entrepreneurs all over the world."she told him. "Think about it first, then set another meeting."

She was really a smart woman. What she said next was a blur to him. He had his focus on her, just her. Fuck business meetings. He just wanna keep looking at her.

He was looking at her like he does years ago. His eyes were hooded and dancing. It was something he does before when She used to say something nice or interesting, or tell him a story that would fascinate him.

He nodded. Then turned his attention to the two people who were across them.

"Okay. Where do I sign?" He blurted out.

"What are you doing?" Tatiana firmly asked.

Jacob gave her a plain shrug that irritated her.

"Shaw, what are you doing?" She whispered.

"You said that it's a good deal, so Im taking it."

"But I didn't say you do it right away! For god's sake it's your's and the board's decision and they're not even here."

In the corner of her eyes she saw that the Malaysian attorney started sorting out the papers.

"If you'll excuse us." She stood up, holding Jacob's arm.

"You still hold my arm like you used to." she heard Jacob say.

She rolled her eyes. "I was dragging you out. What the hell are you doing, Shaw?"

He gave her a bored look. Though in the back of his mind he liked this version of Tatiana. Feisty, professional, mad... Yeah, she looks ten times hotter and sexier when she's freaking mad.

"You said it's a good deal, I trust you, that's why I'm signing."

"That is not the point." She argued. "You will need the options of the board members. You have to go back there, Mr. CEO and tell them you got carried away and you will set another meeting with them."

Jacob wanted to reach out and kiss her. But he refrained to do so. He didn't want to receive a royal slap from this woman.

"Okay." He said.

"Okay? That's it?"

"Yeah. Your wish is my command, Tatiana."

He was acting childsih and nonsense. She hates it.

Or maybe he was just trying to impress her. For goodness sake it was even not the right moment to do that! He just risked his millions for his stupid immaturity!

"Damn." Jacob cursed.

His breathing was erratic. He was panting. It was 3 in the morning and they'd been up to it for few hours already. This leggy model was just tired as he was.

"That was amazing, Jake." The model sighed. What was her name again? Jacob thought.

"You were amazing, too. I love how your tongue worked all over me." Jacob winked. He layed next to her.

Yeah? Weren't you just imagining that it was Tatiana and not this leggy blonde you brought from the bar?

The small voice inside him asked. Naked, he stood up to drink some brandy.

Why was he doing this, anyway? Simply because he was so frustrated with her. He couldn't accept that she has changed so much. Couldn't accept that while he was out there searching for her, waiting for her to come again, she was happy. Yes, he was jealous of the way she was happy without him.

And maybe he has someone that makes her happy now. Someone who showers her love like you did, someone who makes love to her passionately and telling her how beautiful she was.

9 years was a long time, Jacob. You can't blame her if she's found another man.

Angrily, he put on his clothes.

"Jake, where are you going? I thought we're going to the cruise---"

"Forget about it."

He was already putting on his shirt. "Will you stop being such an asshole? I thought you said---"

"----It was a good sex, Marlene. Whatever your name is. And thank you. But that's it. I'll send you flowers in your agency."

"What the fuck?!"

Heaving out a sigh, he stormed off the hotel room and got inside his car. He called his secretary. "Please send me the address of attorney Falcon. Urgent, please."