Few minutes earlier…
"Hello, Miss Jessica… Boss is not around. What is the message I should relay?" Sean asked politely.
"...I am coming to Japan tonight, and I will attend the party," Jessica cut in sharply.
Sean immediately sensed trouble for his boss. He hurried toward Damien, even though he had noticed something unusual: Damien had seemed calm and pleased tonight—especially when Aiden was around. Sean didn't want to ruin the moment by bringing up Jessica's message, but he had no choice. He stopped just a few steps from the table, then hesitated and turned back.
But it was too late. Damien had already seen him, and their eyes met instantly. Damien could tell something was wrong and quietly spoke to Sean in Japanese.
"Sir…" Sean bowed.
"What is it?" Damien asked.
"Miss Jessica called earlier," Sean reported.
"Jessica!" Damien clenched his fists, the brief calm he had held vanishing in an instant.
Aiden, who had been playfully eating, noticed the sudden tension and looked up. He had no idea what was happening but heard the name Jessica.
"Ugh! Who—or what—is Jessica?" Aiden asked after swallowing his bite.
---
For a moment, I just kept thinking how cute he was… Damien thought. Don't get me wrong, I'm just admiring him. Nothing more. His behavior is unpredictable, but he's different from anyone I've ever met. Just now, he was so funny—I had to keep my cool and not laugh. Dinner has never been this enjoyable.
---
Just then, Sean came in to report again. Damien's expression told Aiden something was wrong before Sean even spoke.
"What is it?" Damien asked in Japanese, sensing the tension.
"Sir… Miss Jessica called earlier and said she will be here before the party this evening," Sean said calmly.
"What? Jessica?" Damien's anger was evident, and his sharp glare made Aiden freeze mid-bite. He didn't understand the situation but could feel the intensity.
"What's wrong? Who is Jessica?" Aiden asked innocently.
"Nothing. Never mind. Just keep eating," Damien said with a forced smile.
"Are you sure? Funny enough, I only heard the word 'Jessica.' Is it what I think it is, or… just something else?" Aiden pressed.
"It's just a word, not a name… more like a slang," Damien replied, his tone masking the tension in the room.
"Ohh, I see," Aiden said, settling back in his chair, while Sean simply smiled.
"She said she will be back this evening for the party," Sean added.
"For what? I wonder what grandma is scheming this time… Alright, you can go," Damien muttered.
Aiden glanced at Damien, then at the food.
"Not eating?" Aiden asked, his voice softer this time.
"So you care about me this much?" Damien teased.
"Don't flatter yourself. I just asked so the food wouldn't go to waste," Aiden replied, his voice steady.
Dinner ended quickly as Damien had some business matters to attend to, and they left the restaurant.
---
In the car, Aiden felt a wave of nervousness. He was uneasy about the crowds, the public figures attending the party, and the idea of being seen with Damien.
"Ugh… Are we heading to the party now?" Aiden asked nervously.
"Why do you ask?" Damien replied without looking up from his tablet.
"Erm… I just feel… unwell. I don't really feel like going," Aiden whispered.
"Unwell? Maybe you ate too much. Should we go to the hospital to check you up?" Damien suggested calmly.
"Never mind," Aiden mumbled, trying to hide his anxiety.
Damien knew Aiden was trying to avoid the party, but he had a feeling: he wanted to show him off to everyone.
"Take us to the hotel," Damien ordered firmly.
---