Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 27

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
*By R. Joseph*

**Secret Admirers.**

Leilani.

“Are you okay, Sweetcakes?” Jarek’s voice cut through the haze of my thoughts for what felt like the umpteenth time that evening. I merely offered a nod, stepping out of his car and making my way toward the hotel reception, my mind still swirling with the remnants of the night.

As I approached the front desk, my gaze landed on a young woman with cropped jet-black hair, her warm smile breaking through my fog of anxiety. Just as I was about to speak, I felt a gentle but firm grip around my wrist. Before I could process what was happening, I was spun around with such swiftness that I nearly stumbled.

“Jarek!” I gasped, my heart racing. “I told you I’m fine…” My voice trailed off as I met his intense gaze, which seemed to pierce through my bravado, leaving my throat dry and my thoughts scattered.

His eyes flickered down to my lips, lingering for a moment that felt like an eternity, before he abruptly looked away, exhaling a heavy sigh. “You don’t look fine, Leilani. I’m sure that encounter with your family at the party rattled you—”

I rolled my eyes, trying to brush off his concern. “Trust me, it didn’t.”

Yet Jarek refused to release me from his grasp, his expression a mixture of frustration and worry. “Oh, don’t give me that bullshit!” He glanced around, his demeanor turning serious. “Why don’t you come to my penthouse with me tonight?”

The thought of going anywhere but my suite felt unbearable. I just wanted to retreat into solitude after such a long day.

My breath caught as his fingers brushed against my cheek, his index finger trailing over my bottom lip for a fleeting moment before he withdrew. “I’m worried about you.” His voice was softer now, tinged with genuine concern.

“I appreciate it, I really do,” I replied, trying to keep my tone steady. “But please, just let me be tonight. I have a few things I need to work on.”

“But you just got back into the country!” He snorted, rolling his eyes at me in exasperation. In that moment, I couldn’t help but crack a smile at his persistence. “What could possibly be so important that it keeps you busy?”

“Jay—”

“Moreover, we have so much to catch up on! I need to tell you about the ridiculous things your sister and brother said about you not too long ago.”

The mention of Gavin and Chalice sent my mood plummeting once again. I shrugged, trying to mask my disinterest. “I really don’t want to know about it.” I sighed heavily. “And besides, I’ve been looking at real estate websites because I want to settle in NYC.”

“I’ll be traveling there in two days. Will you come with me? I could help you settle in and find a suitable house.” His offer was gentle, and as I looked into his earnest eyes, I felt a flicker of hope. I couldn’t bring myself to refuse him this time, so I nodded.

“Okay.”

His smile was infectious. “Great! Get some rest! I’ll show you around Pennsylvania tomorrow—”

“But Jay, I…” I started, but before I could finish, he shook his head, his jaw set in determination.

“No excuses, Leilani. No buts.” He turned on his heel, his voice firm but laced with concern. “You’ve already turned me down once tonight, and the only reason I’m backing down now is that I think you deserve some rest.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his protectiveness. “Yeah, sure.”

“Goodnight, cupcake. I hope you dazzle us all with your beauty again tomorrow.” His words lingered in the air as he walked away, leaving me standing there, a mix of confusion and gratitude swirling within me.

My cheeks flushed at the thought, and with a teasing grin, I replied, “I was invested in the Stormborn triplets’ innovation…”

“And you tried to create something like it?” he teased, his voice playful, and I smiled wider.

“It may sound like I’m tooting my own horn, but I think I just made something better. Can we discuss it over lunch? RIGHT?”

Jarek’s rich laughter echoed in my ears, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. “Of course, your majesty. I’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes.”

“Make it thirty!” I protested, rolling my eyes as I caught sight of my disheveled reflection in the bedside mirror.

To my surprise, Jarek didn’t argue. Instead, he sighed and said, “Okay.” Just before the line went silent, he added softly, “I’m really glad you’re back.”

I was taken aback by his words, unsure of their meaning or why he felt the need to express them. Shaking it off, I dragged myself out of bed, washed up, and quickly changed into something that was both decent and elegant. As I opened the door to my suite, I was met with an unexpected sight—a large bouquet of red roses waiting for me just outside.

I froze, confusion washing over me.

“What the hell?”

I scanned the empty corridor, searching for any signs of who might have left them, but found nothing. With a mix of curiosity and irritation, I picked up the bouquet, inhaling the sweet scent before tossing it into the trash can.

Spineless secret admirers could go to hell for all I cared.