Jayden had been so focused on eating that she barely realized Almond had stopped speaking.
Truthfully, she hadn't fully absorbed everything he had said earlier. Her thoughts had drifted halfway through his introduction, tangled once again in the same question that had haunted her for days:
How exactly was she supposed to escape this marriage?
Even after promising Ann she would cooperate, Jayden knew deep down that her heart wasn't truly in it. She wasn't ready to step into another emotional journey not one that carried the risks, expectations, and disappointments that came with relationships.
Still, she understood one thing clearly:
Almond had introduced himself.
Now it was her turn.
She reached for the serviette, wiping at nonexistent stains on her lips before subtly adjusting her posture. To her, this no longer felt like an introduction.
It felt like strategy.
A carefully disguised battle of words.
"I'm Jayden Cole," she began calmly, "twenty-eight years old. First daughter of Mr. Cole of Cee Industries… and founder of Jay Decor."
For the first time that evening, Almond noticed a slight shift in her expression.
Less guarded.
More alive.
"I co-own the company with my business partner and closest friend," she continued. "We specialize in interior design creating spaces that are functional, comfortable, and beautiful."
As she spoke, her voice unconsciously softened with pride.
"It started from something simple. I've loved designing since I was a child. Rearranging spaces, choosing colors, imagining how places could feel warmer… better." A faint smile touched her lips. "My parents weren't exactly supportive at first. They believed there were more 'reasonable' career paths for me."
"Business administration?" Almond guessed calmly.
Jayden blinked briefly before laughing softly.
"Exactly."
The sound surprised even her.
"They wanted me to help with the family business instead. Something safer. More practical." She leaned back slightly. "But I was stubborn enough to believe I could make my own dream work."
As she continued talking, the earlier tension around her slowly faded without her noticing.
She spoke about long nights, difficult clients, failed concepts, and the determination that kept her going despite every setback.
And Almond listened.
Quietly.
Carefully.
For the first time since arriving, he saw something beyond resistance and sarcasm.
Passion.
Real passion.
"It worked out eventually," Jayden said, taking a sip from her glass. "That's when I realized consistency truly pays off… but only after exhausting you first."
A small smile crossed Almond's lips at that.
"My parents still don't fully approve," she admitted. "But seeing the results softened them a little." Her expression dimmed slightly afterward. "Unfortunately, they decided to compensate by taking control of another part of my life instead."
Her gaze lifted to his.
"Which explains why I'm sitting here today."
The sarcasm in her voice was impossible to miss.
Almond remained silent, allowing her continue.
"You know," she said thoughtfully, "if someone had told me a few months ago that my father would arrange a marriage for me, I would've laughed in their face."
Her fingers traced lightly against the rim of her glass.
"But now that we've actually met…"
She paused briefly.
"The little I've seen today has changed my opinion of you."
Almond's eyes narrowed slightly in interest.
"You're not what I expected."
Another pause followed before she added honestly,
"And your grandfather clearly raised you well."
Then came the part Almond had already anticipated.
"But that still doesn't mean I'll agree to this marriage."
There it was.
Jayden exhaled softly before continuing.
"You seem like a good man, Mr. Jones. Truly. But I don't think you're the person meant for me."
Her voice carried no mockery this time.
Only sincerity.
"So let's stop this before it becomes something bigger." Her lips curved faintly. "I'll even owe you a favor if you help me convince them."
For the first time since they met, genuine amusement flickered through Almond's eyes.
Jayden noticed it immediately.
And somehow
That unsettled her more than if he had argued instead.
After finishing her speech, she leaned back slightly and released a quiet breath of relief.
At least this approach was better than open hostility.
Soft persuasion had to work eventually.
…Right?