The annual exclusive CEO's networking event was being held at a big ballroom and only a handful of key players would be invited each year. This year it included the youngest CEOs Damien Rothwell and Noah Lennox, both at 25 years of age.
Noah, ever the introvert, lingered near a quiet corner, glass of whiskey in hand. He had worked the room politely, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, but now he was content to observe.
Across the room, Damien moved from one man to the other with ease. Talking to people was always easy for him. It's something Noah envied. Just a little. That charming personality is what had made Damien popular in college, while Noah was his side kick. That's why Noah had watched Damien ask out his dream girl and marry her, while he, Noah, nursed a heartbreak that drove him away for further studies at Oxford.
Noah was caught off guard when the tall, dark haired man strode toward him, flashing a polite, almost mocking smile.
"Noah," Damien said smoothly, extending his hand. "Good to see you. Business is promising, isn't it?"
Noah shook his hand firmly. "It is. The market is moving fast. Beauty brands are innovating like never before."
Damien chuckled, tilting his head. "Good to hear man. You know, you're always so serious. Tell me..married yet? Should I suggest a few candidates for you? Marriage is great, especially if your wife is as beautiful as mine."
Noah's lips tightened into a faint smile. "Not yet. And I think I can manage without suggestions."
Damien slimed, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. "Suit yourself. But one day, you'll see..settling down can be enjoyable."
With that, Damien drifted away, immediately surrounded by a group of models who seemed drawn to him. He leaned back slightly, hand resting lightly on one woman's shoulder, eyes twinkling as he told a story. Another brushed past him, giggling at something he said.
Yet again, Noah sank into a corner, leaning back in his chair, feeling restless. The first round of networking had been tiresome. Adam, another CEO, sat across from him, swirling his drink.
"Looks like Mr. Rothwell is having the time of his life," Adam said, nodding toward the center of the room. "My wife would never let me do that. She has men watching me all the time. If I ever was surrounded by that many women, I doubt my marriage would survive. Lucky busted!" he complained with a small, frustrated shrug.
Noah followed his gaze. Damien had clearly let himself go, surrounded by a cluster of women, models and socialites laughing and dancing lightly around him. His laughter could be heard across the room, confident and charming. He was now dancing with several models,and would often reach for their waist and their faces, every bit of it suggestive.
Thankful that the media wasn't present, Noah's mind wandered to Jossy. How would she feel if she saw this?
Did Jossy know this side of him? Noah wondered. He did not understand what Damien was looking for in these women when he had a beautiful wife waiting at home.
As Damien's laughter rang through the room again, Noah's thoughts grew. He needed to know the real story of their marriage. Something did not add up. He had to understand the life Jossy was living and what her world really looked like behind the media lights and social masks. Yes, Damien's public charm was effortless, but Noah's instincts told him there was tension beneath the surface, a world of control, manipulation, and careful appearances that the media would never see.
***
That night, after the networking event, Damien wanted to do something fun, something that would take the edge off. He didn't want to go home because his wife had been obedient lately. She rarely questioned him, and either way, he was free to do as he pleased. Jossy knew him well enough to understand that. That's why he left the event surrounded by a group of models, laughing and joking, slipping easily into the world he wanted no one to see.
His assistant made the arrangements. He quietly slipped to one of the Rothwell side business hotels without anyone noticing, That way, no one would ever know how he spent the night or with whom.
***
On the other side of town, Jossy waited in the quiet apartment. She had baked a chocolate chip cake earlier, Damien's favorite, but it now sat uneaten on the counter. Slowly, she cut herself a slice and retreated to the bedroom, turning off the lights except for the soft glow of the TV. A movie played quietly in the background,although she couldn't tell which movie it was.
She took a bite of the cake, letting the warm chocolate melt on her tongue. Damien would probably be home soon, she thought. Or maybe his meetings had run late, or maybe.. no, she pushed the thought away. Part of her wanted to call, to check, but she knew better. Damien wouldn't appreciate it; he didn't like being interrupted or questioned.
As she chewed slowly, a faint unease settled over her. Did he let someone else take him into the night while she waited alone? She didn't know, and the uncertainty stung, even if she refused to admit it. As the night stretched on, she didn't allow herself to worry too much. She told herself he was probably on his way, or that his work had run late. But deep down, she couldn't shake the suspicion.