Page 24 of Jade: Chance Are

“I understand but I think you must find a way to tell him about the person that visited you.”

“I can’t, I signed an NDA, and what if he doesn’t believe me? I can’t risk that besides I asked for more money, that just makes me look bad. Like I was after the money the whole time. Though the money helped with building a life for the children, I can’t tell him. Promise me, please, that you won’t mention anything to him.”

“I won’t tell him, I promise, but he and I grew up together and we spend a lot of time together. I know how much he loves you and I have no doubt he wouldn’t believe you. Please give him the chance I think he’ll believe you.”

“That’s a gamble, I can’t afford to take, I will continue my life as planned with Knox. The future will resolve this for us but breaking the contract I signed, won’t come from me.” I stated in finality.

He nods. “It’s good to have you here for now,” he says making me smile at him.

“It’s good to be here again too, however short, and thank you, Rilwan.”

“Prince Naseer is coming”

I quickly dab my eyes and put my sunglasses on. I put my hand out to Rilwan for a handshake, he takes my hand in a firm shake. “Thanks again.”

“You are welcome.” I increase my pace to my car before Naseer gets to us.

“Jade,” he calls out to me. I pause and comport myself before turning to face him. “Where to?” he asks.

“Hair appointment, Your Highness.” I know he doesn’t like it when I use a title with him.

“What time are you done?”

“No idea, but I have a dinner date later.” His face shrivels up, making me laugh inside. He can’t hide his jealousy “With my team,” I finally supply. I notice Rilwan trying so hard not to be amused.

“Where, maybe I might join this work dinner.”

“For me to know and you not to find out,” I say walking away.

“I can find out,” he hollers at me.

“Have a nice afternoon, Prince Naseer.” I briskly move to get in my car and leave.

I can’t believe, I just revealed my children to Rilwan. This could be bad, but I feel he can be trusted. He understands the position I’m in.

I directed my driver to head to Yasemin. I’ve missed her getting my hair treated by her professional hands.

Yasemin and I couldn’t stop talking about the last few years. She did a great job with my hair, and I promised to visit her again before I left Rhanaz.

I head home after my hair appointment and ignore Naseer’s calls and texts. He’s certainly not making it easy for me to distance myself from him.

eighteen

Jade

I read through the transcript that Naseer left me. It’s unbelievable what Lydia and the gang had planned to do to me. Though Naseer put out the horrific plan, it still hurts to know they’d planned to grope and rape me. It’s disheartening just the thought that they would have done all they planned, and their rich parents would have made it go away.

For the first time, I appreciate Naseer’s possessive and protective instinct when it comes to me. My only comfort is James wasn’t involved. I don’t know how I would have felt to know he was involved but looks like he was a victim like me.

I owe Naseer a thank you. I rise from my desk and head to his office. His assistant looked surprised to see me. “Hello, is Prince Naseer available. I just need a moment of his time.”

“Yes, he’s available for you, Ms Diaz” I turn to him, my face questioning what he means. Reading my confused expression, he responds. “Prince Naseer says to always make sure he’s available if you stop by or I hear anything that concerns you Ms Diaz.” I’m taken aback but I simply nod.

“You can go in; he’s just reviewing documents.”

“Ok thank you.” I softly knock before stepping into his office. The space is similar to Josh and Ken’s offices but unlike those two it’s not personalized; you can tell this was put together at the last minute. He has a glass desk and three monitors. The view behind him is beautiful, and then I see the pictures behind him, and it stops me in my stride.

My pictures. In the first picture, you can’t tell who the woman is because the hat is covering most of her face, I know it’s me. Tito had taken that picture of me laughing on my last trip to Lagos. I’d sent it to him; I’d deleted the picture when my phone memory was full. I’m surprised to see it framed behind him and next to that is another picture of me, again you can’t tell because my hair is covering most of my face as I laugh, I know it’s me and that’s the dress I wore for the dance. I remember how excited I was before that woman slapped me. Damn, I still feel hate towards Princess Nadra for that night.