Ms. Chaos Meets Mr. Serious

Jace

I wasn’t in the office. I wasn’t at the estate, either. I was standing in Scarlett’s penthouse, nursing a glass of vintage red. I hadn’t warned her I was coming. I wanted to surprise her since we’d missed each other this morning, and besides, I had the passcode. I always had the passcode.

The condo was silent, bathed in the muted, relaxing tones Scarlett loved. She had a gift for design, a way of making every corner feel intentional and creative. I stood by the floor-to-ceiling glass, watching the city sprawl beneath me, and thought about the phone call.

That girl. Haven.

She was loud. Explosive. The kind of woman who spoke as if she were perpetually in the middle of a street fight. I’d tried to be reasonable, kept my tone measured and calm, but she had snapped at me like a cornered cat. We weren't going to get along. I knew that much already.

But I didn’t have the luxury of choice.

She was the one. Killian’s plan was already in motion, and Haven was the centerpiece. I needed to brief Scarlett on the details, something I’d failed to do last night because she’d fallen asleep waiting for me.

I set my wine glass on the table and sat on the balcony, pulling my iPad toward me. I pulled up the background check my secretary, Winston, had finalized.

Haven Cross. Twenty years old. She had a younger brother, Xenon, a product of her mother’s second marriage. A step-sister. She was currently enrolled at the same university as my siblings. It was a disgustingly small world. There was no way they didn't know her, or at least of her.

The problem was Haven had no idea who I was. Or maybe she did. We’d collided yesterday, quite literally, in front of my building. She hadn't even apologized. If Winston couldn't bring her to the table, I’d have to use a different kind of pressure. Not physical force, but the kind of persuasion only a billionaire can offer. Everyone has a price. She just didn't know hers yet.

I couldn't just walk out and find her myself. My life was a series of calculated risks. Someone wanted me dead, a fact that kept Scarlett in the shadows. She refused to go public, terrified that being seen with me would put a target on her back.

"I’ll keep you safe," I’d told her a dozen times. "No one touches what belongs to me."

That was why I was surrounded by a small army. Some in uniform, some blending into the crowds with earpieces hidden by hair or hoodies. One wrong move, one lapse in security, and it would be the end of the line.

The door chimes signaled an arrival.

"Oh my... Jace?"

Scarlett stood there, her eyes widening in surprise. I stood up, leaving the iPad on the chair, and walked toward her. She stepped into my arms, a warm, familiar weight.

"I'm happy to see you, baby," I murmured into her hair.

We pulled back just enough to look at each other. She reached up, smoothing a stray lock of hair from my forehead, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Am I not allowed to see my girl?"

We both laughed, the tension in my shoulders easing for a split second. "I came to see you and to talk. We have things to discuss."

Scarlett reached for the pack of cigarettes on the table, lit one, and pressed it to my lips. I took a long drag, the smoke burning beautifully in my lungs, before exhaling into the cool balcony air.

"You don't want to get married, right? Not even to me?" I asked, watching her closely.

She nodded, her expression turning serious.

"Killian suggested a workaround. A fake wife. A fake fiancée. My grandfather is breathing down my neck to introduce someone, and I need to satisfy him before he starts picking candidates for me. Do you agree with the plan?"

Scarlett took the cigarette back, inhaling deeply. She let the smoke curl out of her mouth before answering. "Find a woman who can actually play the part first."

"I found her," I said. "She fits the profile, but her attitude is... problematic."

"Why? Did you check her background?"

"It’s all there," I gestured to the chair. "See for yourself."

Scarlett picked up the iPad, scrolling through Haven’s profile while I took the cigarette back.

"Mmm... interesting," Scarlett mused, her eyes darting over the photos. "She’s beautiful, Jace. I’m almost worried you might actually fall for her."

I let out a harsh, dry laugh. "She’s pretty, sure. But she’s the opposite of everything I like. She’s loud, rude, and has a mouth like a sailor. She’ll drive me crazy within an hour."

"You’ve met her?" Scarlett looked up, confused.

"By accident. Yesterday. We bumped into each other, and she didn't even have the grace to say sorry. Believe me, we won't be falling in love."

Scarlett stood up, set the device down, and wrapped her arms around my neck, pressing her body flush against mine. "If you can actually convince this girl to do it, let me meet her."

I cupped her face, my thumb brushing over her cheekbone. "Is my baby afraid of losing me?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Scarlett’s voice was raw, stripped of its usual playfulness. "I can't let some girl take you away from me, Jace. Even if we aren't married, even if we aren't engaged... be mine. Only mine."

I smiled, pulling her closer until there was no air left between us.

"You don't even have to ask," I promised, my voice a low growl against her skin. "It’s only you. Always only you, Scarlett Saint."

I pulled Scarlett back into my arms and kissed her, deep and lingering. It was a silent promise. Despite the sea of women who threw themselves at my feet for the sake of the family name, I never felt the pull. My heart was fixed. It belonged to the woman currently tucked into the crook of my neck.

Scarlett’s parents were currently overseas. While the rest of her family had relocated to the country to expand the business empire, they stayed behind. I felt a surge of pride whenever she spoke about her work. She wasn't just here for the profit; she wanted to build something that mattered, to help the economy grow.

I was the lucky one. I wanted to scream it from the rooftops, but the world I lived in demanded silence.

My only hope now was my mother. I needed her to snap out of the fog she was living in. Once she was stable, I could finally bring Scarlett home to meet the family. But for now, the world would have to settle for a different face. I had to break Haven Cross. I needed her signature on a contract before the week was up.

Next week was Sebastian’s birthday. I couldn't risk the fallout if the truth came out during a high-profile event. Only the inner circle—Killian, Scarlett, and my immediate family—could know that the engagement was a sham.

The problem was, Haven was a fortress. She was loud, stubborn, and completely unimpressed by my authority. I rubbed my temples, wondering if I’d have to risk my own neck and meet her in person. Every time I stepped out without a full detail, I was inviting a bullet, but Winston hadn't called yet.

What was taking them so long? I already had a read on Haven. She wasn't going to be bought with a few nice words and a meal.

...

The drive home from the office felt longer than usual. I’d promised Grandpa a family dinner, and I wasn't about to break it. Mrs. Yvette was already prepping the table, so I knew I’d make it just as the food hit the plates.

Earlier that afternoon, Winston had crawled into my office looking like he’d seen a ghost. Haven had escaped.

How does a twenty-year-old college girl slip through the fingers of five professional bodyguards? I’d told them to memorize her face, to stay on her like a second skin. She was slippery, I’ll give her that. But I don't lose. I would have her as my fake wife if it was the last thing I did.

Grandpa’s demand for a fiancée was sudden, but not unexpected. I couldn't give him the grandchildren he craved—not yet, and certainly not with Scarlett hidden away—but a wife might keep him satisfied for a while.

As I pulled into the driveway, I scanned the windows. My mother’s car wasn't there. She was out at the gambling dens again. We’d tried everything to break her of the habit, but the addiction had its claws in her too deep.

We were reaching a breaking point. I’d already discussed it with my siblings. If she went too far again, if she put the family at risk one more time, we’d have to commit her. It was a conversation that left a bitter taste in my mouth, but Grandpa had given me the green light. I had guards trailing her 24/7, not just for her safety, but to document the decline.

I missed the woman she used to be. I needed my father to help her, but he was gone, and she refused to move on. Sebastian and Jasper deserved a mother, not a ghost who lived for the thrill of the cards. I’d raised them since Sebastian was a baby, and while they were men now, I still saw the hunger for a mother’s touch in their eyes.

I stepped out of the car and headed straight for the dining room.

"Good evening, Jace," Jasper and Sebastian said in unison.

I walked over and kissed them each on the top of the head, a silent acknowledgment of the bond we shared. Then I moved to Grandpa, taking his hand in the traditional gesture of respect.

"Sit, son," he said, his voice gravelly but kind. "Eat so you can rest."

I nodded, feeling a strange tightness in my chest as I filled my plate.

"By the way, Jace," Sebastian said, his voice a little too bright. "I was talking to Grandpa earlier about my birthday. He said I could finally have a real party this year!"

I dropped my fork. It hit the porcelain with a sharp ring. I leveled a glare at my younger brother.

"I told you no parties, Sebastian. Why are you being so hard-headed? Did you corner Grandpa when he was tired?"

"No, no," Grandpa interrupted, waving a hand. "He didn't force me. I realized he missed out last year. Let him have this, Jace. Let your brother be happy for once."

I caught Sebastian shooting me a smug, knowing look from across the table. The little brat knew exactly what he was doing.

"Since it sounds like the party is a go," Jasper chimed in, his voice trailing off into that dangerous territory he loved to roam. "Why don’t you bring your fiancée to the celebration, Jace? It’s about time we met her in person, right?"

A piece of steak caught in my throat. I coughed harshly, my face heating up as I reached for my water. "What?"

Grandpa hummed, slowly chewing a mouthful of greens. He looked between us, a small, thoughtful nod following. "That is actually an excellent idea, Jasper. Yes, Jace. Bring her to Sebastian’s birthday. It’s the perfect setting for a formal introduction."

I was dead. I was absolutely, Royally screwed.

I’d spent the last hour meticulously planning how to keep this fake engagement under wraps, and in ten seconds, my brothers had blown the doors off the hinges. I searched my mind for an excuse, a delay, anything to keep the charade from crumbling before it even started.

"Come on, Jace," Jasper pushed, his grin widening. "We really want to see her. I’m sure she’s stunning."

I sat in a heavy silence for a heartbeat too long. The weight of Grandpa’s expectant gaze was a physical pressure against my chest.

"Fine," I bit out, the word feeling like lead on my tongue. "I’ll bring her to the party."

My brothers let out a unified cheer, slamming their palms against the table in a victory high-five.

"We’re holding you to that," Sebastian warned, his eyes narrowing playfully. "No backing out at the last second. No excuses."

Grandpa let out a deep, rumbling laugh. "You boys," he sighed, shaking his head with a fond smile. "I’m genuinely looking forward to meeting her, Jace. It’s been far too long."

I forced my lips to curve into a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "She’s... she’s excited to meet you too."

Lying to him felt like a serrated blade across my conscience.

As the dinner continued, the conversation shifted to logistics and music, but I was miles away. I was trapped. I hadn't even convinced Haven to speak to me without screaming, and now I had to parade her in front of my entire family as the woman I intended to marry.

I had to move fast. Today was Monday. I’d give her a day of peace, then I’d hit her with an offer she couldn't refuse. She just had to play the part. She had to be the perfect, doting wife until Scarlett felt safe enough to step into the light.

Then I’d cut Haven loose and erase her from my life forever.

I looked at Grandpa. His joy was the only thing keeping me from losing my mind. I’d promised him I would do whatever it took to keep that smile on his face. He’d lost so much. We all had.

Every time I looked at him, I saw the ghost of the woman he loved. I took him to the cemetery often so he could talk to Grandma, and while we were there, we always stopped at the grave that still felt like an open wound.

Augustus Reed Blackwood. My father.

The memory of his death was a jagged, raw thing that lived in the back of my mind. He’d been five minutes late for work because his car was in the shop. He’d taken the bus, staying calm, staying professional.

Then the brakes failed.

The driver was drunk. The impact had been catastrophic. People were thrown like ragdolls, but my father... he had the worst of it. A metal rod, jagged and broken from the frame of the bus, had pierced through the seat and through his skull.

I was the only one who saw him at the morgue. I made sure Jasper and Sebastian stayed back. I couldn't let them carry that image for the rest of their lives. I remember the white sheet, the sickening length of the iron still protruding from him. The doctor told me the depth of the wound was incredible. He didn't stand a chance.

Of all the people in the world, why him? Why something so grisly?

The pain surged through me now, fresh and biting, right there at the dinner table. I gripped my napkin, my knuckles turning white, as the laughter of my brothers echoed around me. I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. Instead, I took a sip of wine and swallowed the grief, burying it deep where it couldn't ruin the only happy moment my family had left.