Melissa smiled faintly, the kind of smile that carried experience and determination. "It's been a while since the party, hasn't it?" She didn't wait for Selena to respond, continuing with an air of casual professionalism. "I didn't expect to see you here… in the office."
Selena's hands clenched slightly on her papers. She had known that Melissa might appear in Jace's professional sphere eventually, given her high-profile status, but seeing her here now, so close, and in the same room as Jace, sent a ripple of tension through her.
Melissa glanced at Jace briefly, who had remained silent, observing the interaction with controlled detachment. She knew he wasn't stepping in yet, and she saw slight flicker in his eyes but she act like she didn't see it.
Her lips curved into a small, deliberate smile. "I see you're still his secretary," Melissa said, her tone light but pointed. "I remember you told me that at the party. I wonder…" She let the words hang, hinting at the curiosity and subtle challenge she had harbored all this time.
Selena kept her composure, though her pulse quickened. "Yes," she said calmly. "I handle administrative tasks here. That's all."
Melissa's eyes lingered on her a moment longer. She knew Jace's reactions—how he treated Selena, the space he gave her—but Melissa wasn't one to back down. She wanted to mark her presence, assert her familiarity with Jace, and probe the dynamic, all while keeping her voice soft and measured.
Selena, meanwhile, felt the weight of Melissa's gaze, the subtle probing of her words, and the reminder of the party where Melissa had first tested her. She kept her expression neutral, but inside, her mind raced. The dynamics of Jace's world, his attentions, and her place in it all suddenly seemed more complicated than ever.
Melissa's heels clicked against the polished floor as she approached,acting as if she didn't know Jace was hearing and seeing the interaction between Selena and her.
"I came to sign the contract with your company today," she announced proudly, expecting at least a nod of acknowledgment.
Jace didn't grant her that.
"I know," he replied simply—flat, dismissive, emotionless.
Melissa blinked.
"That's it?" she asked with a nervous laugh, trying to soften her tone. "I thought you would at least ask how it went."
"If you're through," Jace said, still not looking at her, "I won't see you out."
The words cut. Sharper than she expected.
She stood there frozen, lips parting slightly as embarrassment stung her chest.
She fiddled with her dress, adjusting a nonexistent wrinkle just to give her hands something to do.
Her voice softened, almost trembling.
"Jace… why are you so cold to me lately? Why are you pretending not to notice how I feel about you? I've been obvious enough… don't you see it?"
That question hung painfully in the air.
For the first time, Jace lifted his eyes.
They were cold. Icy. Detached.
But before he answered, his gaze flickered—just a quick glance—toward Selena.
Selena, who kept her head lowered, pretending to focus on her screen even though every muscle in her face showed she was listening.
At that moment, the corner of Jace's mouth lifted—not kindly, not playfully.
But in a sharp, mocking smirk.
"Melissa…" his voice dropped, cool and unyielding, "have I ever shown interest in you?"
Melissa's breath hitched.
Her heartbeat stumbled painfully.
"W-What?" she whispered, stunned.
"Feelings?" Jace continued, leaning back slightly. "You're assuming things I never gave you."
Selena's fingers paused over her keyboard. She lifted her eyes just slightly, watching the scene unfold through her lashes.
Melissa swallowed hard. Her pride was cracking.
She clenched her jaw, chest rising and falling rapidly as humiliation washed through her.But she masked it well.
I can't believe you're saying this to me," she hissed, voice low and trembling.
But Jace's eyes were already back on his screen.
"Believe whatever you want," he replied calmly. "But don't involve me in emotions I never offered."
Melissa's nails dug into her palms.
Her eyes shone—not with tears, but with anger, frustration, wounded ego.
"I shouldn't have come here," she spat under her breath.
And with that, she spun on her heel and stormed out, her heels echoing sharply through the office as the door slammed shut behind her.
Silence fell.
A tense one.
Jace resumed reading, unfazed.
But Selena's gaze slowly shifted to him.
She had heard everything.
Every accusation.
Every cold answer.
Every emotionless dismissal.
She bit her lip, suppressing a tiny laugh that escaped before she could stop it.
Typical Jace.
Cold. Sharp. Honest to the point of brutality.
She shook her head lightly and whispered under her breath,
"That is Jace for you…"
Jace glanced at her.
His eyes softened—only for a fraction of a second—but Selena pretended not to notice. She kept typing, hiding her smile behind the screen.
The tension Melissa brought into the room faded, replaced by something quieter… something warmer.
But neither of them spoke.
Not yet.
Because between them, silence said more than words ever could.