The sleek black car pulled into the driveway just as Jade was enjoying a quiet afternoon in the garden. She wiped her hands on her jeans, frowning as a tall, striking woman stepped out, her heels clicking sharply on the pavement.
The woman, with her sharp cheekbones and an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance, wore a fitted red blazer and carried a designer bag. Her dark eyes zeroed in on Jade, and a smirk tugged at her lips.
“Jade, is it?” the woman asked, her voice smooth but with an edge.
Jade straightened, her nerves immediately on alert. “Who’s asking?”
“I’m Vivienne,” the woman replied, her smirk widening. “Milan’s ex.”
Jade’s stomach dropped. She had never heard Milan mention a Vivienne, but the way she carried herself left no doubt that she was here with a purpose.
“What do you want?” Jade asked, her tone sharp.
Vivienne took a slow step closer, looking Jade up and down as though she were sizing her up. “Oh, I just wanted to see the little project Milan and his friends have been spending so much time on. You must feel pretty special, having them all wrapped around your finger.”
Jade frowned, her fists clenching. “If you have something to say, say it. I don’t have time for games.”
Vivienne chuckled, her laugh low and condescending. “Touchy, aren’t we? I just thought you should know—this little fantasy of yours? It won’t last. They’ll get bored of you, just like Milan got bored of everyone else. And when that happens, don’t come crying to me.”
“I don’t think this concerns you,” Jade said coldly, her anger rising. “Whatever happened between you and Milan is in the past. Why are you even here?”
Vivienne’s smile turned icy. “I’m here because I care about what happens to them. And I don’t trust you.”
Jade took a deep breath, refusing to back down. “You don’t have to trust me. But if you think you can intimidate me, you’re wasting your time.”
Vivienne’s expression darkened. “Stay out of my way, Jade. I won’t warn you again.”
With that, she turned on her heel and walked back to her car, leaving Jade standing in the garden, her heart pounding.
That evening, Jade sat in the kitchen with Mia, recounting the encounter. Mia had come over for their usual catch-up, but Jade couldn’t hold the story in any longer.
“She actually threatened me,” Jade said, her voice incredulous as she sipped her tea. “Who does that? Just shows up and acts like she owns the place.”
Mia’s eyes widened, her caramel latte halfway to her mouth. “Wait, wait, wait. Back up. She threatened you?”
“Basically,” Jade said, rolling her eyes. “She said I’m just a project to them and that they’ll get bored of me.”
Mia set her cup down with a thud, her eyes narrowing. “Oh, hell no. Who does this Vivienne think she is? Does Milan know about this?”
“No,” Jade admitted, looking away. “I didn’t want to drag him into it.”
Mia leaned forward, her voice firm. “Jade, you can’t just let her get away with this. If she’s bold enough to come here once, she’ll come back.”
“I can handle her,” Jade replied, though her voice wavered slightly.
Mia raised an eyebrow. “You shouldn’t have to handle her alone. And let me tell you, if she comes back while I’m around, she’s gonna wish she hadn’t.”
Jade couldn’t help but smile at Mia’s fiery determination. “What are you going to do? Fight her?”
“Damn right I will,” Mia said, crossing her arms. “No one messes with my best friend and gets away with it. If she even looks at you the wrong way, I’ll—”
“Mia,” Jade interrupted, laughing despite herself. “It’s fine. I can take care of myself.”
Mia shook her head. “I’m serious, Jade. You’re too nice for your own good. Women like her? They don’t stop unless you put them in their place.”
Jade sighed, running a hand through her hair. “It’s not that simple. She’s Milan’s ex. There’s history there, and I don’t want to make things more complicated.”
“So, what, you’re just going to let her walk all over you?” Mia asked, her voice rising.
“No,” Jade said firmly. “But I need to figure out how to deal with this without turning it into a bigger mess.”
Mia leaned back in her chair, still looking annoyed. “Fine. But if she so much as breathes near you again, you call me. Got it?”
Jade smiled, grateful for Mia’s unwavering loyalty. “Got it.”