Chapter Sixteen

Jayden's POV ✨

The days blurred together as I struggled to navigate the turbulent sea of emotions that consumed me. Thoughts of Elsie consumed my mind, her presence lingering in every corner of my thoughts. I couldn't escape the flutter in my chest, the skip of my heartbeat whenever I caught sight of her in her office or around the company. Elsie's presence lingered in my thoughts, an ever-present shadow that refused to fade. My heart would skip a beat whenever I caught a glimpse of her in her office , grace and beauty captivating me every time.

At home, during a family dinner, my mom's concerned gaze settled on me. She noticed my silence, my lack of appetite, and couldn't help but express her worry. "Jayden, is something bothering you? You've been quiet tonight."

She noticed the change in me, my quiet demeanor and lack of appetite during our family dinners. Concern etched across her face as she sat beside me one evening, gently placing her hand on mine. "Jayden, my son, what's been bothering you? You've seemed distant lately."

I sighed, my gaze fixated on the plate in front of me. "I'm fine, Mom. Just going through some things at work."

She studied me intently, her eyes filled with maternal concern. "You know you can always talk to me, right? I'm here for you, no matter what."

Her words tugged at my heart, but I couldn't find the courage to share the truth. How could I explain the turmoil that Elsie's presence had stirred within me? How could I admit that my heart longed for a woman I couldn't have?

I appreciated her concern, but I couldn't find the words to express the storm that raged within me. Instead, I simply nodded, deflecting her attention with a casual response. "I know, Mom. Thanks. It's nothing, really."

As the days turned into weeks, my internal struggle grew more intense.

As my desire for Elsie became a constant struggle, an internal battle I fought within the confines of my mind. I couldn't escape the arousal that gripped me whenever her image appeared in my thoughts, and it left me frustrated and tormented.

My subconscious seemed to taunt me, as if relishing in my discomfort, and I cursed under my breath, unable to control my body's response and replaying images of Elsie in my mind at the most inconvenient times. It was a constant battle, one I couldn't easily win. Frustration built within me, mingled with desire and a sense of longing that refused to be quelled.

Unable to keep my thoughts to myself any longer, I sought solace in a conversation with my longtime friend and coworker, Kevin. We met up during our lunch break, finding a secluded spot away from prying eyes.

Kevin raised an eyebrow as I hesitated, a smirk forming on his lips. "What's eating you, Jay? You look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders."

I let out a sigh, running a hand through my hair. "It's Elsie. I can't get her out of my mind. Every time I see her, my heart skips a beat. It's driving me crazy."

Kevin's smirk widened into a knowing grin. "Ah, so you've fallen for the boss, huh? I always thought there was something between you two."

My cheeks flushed, embarrassment coursing through me. "It's complicated, Kev. She's my boss, and I don't want to cross any boundaries. But I can't seem to shake these feelings." I sighed, grateful for his nonjudgmental response. "Yeah, it's complicated. I can't help but feel drawn to her, but it's driving me crazy. I don't want to ruin our professional relationship".

Kevin chuckled, shaking his head. "You're one hell of a romantic, my friend. But seriously, what you need is a distraction. Let's go out after work, hit the club, and maybe you'll find someone who can take your mind off Elsie."

I hesitated, torn between the desire to drown my sorrows and the knowledge that it would only be a temporary fix. But the pressure from Kevin and the need for a respite from my own thoughts finally got the better of me. Reluctantly, I nodded. "Alright, let's go. But I promise myself, I won't sleep with anyone."

Kevin raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "We'll see about that, my friend. Tonight, we'll let loose and have a little fun. Just remember, Elsie isn't the only woman in the world."

As the day progressed, anticipation and anxiety twisted within me. I couldn't help but wonder if this night out would provide the distraction I desperately needed or if it would only serve as a stark reminder of the void Elsie had left in my heart. Either way, I vowed to keep my promise—to never sleep with another woman.

The Friday night arrived, and I found myself in the midst of pulsating music, flashing lights, and a crowd of people dancing and laughing.The dimly lit space was crowded, filled with people looking to let loose and forget their worries. Kevin led the way, a mischievous grin on his face as he ordered our drinks at the bar. Kevin and I had made our way to the club as planned, and he wasted no time ordering us martinis, just as we had agreed upon. I took a sip, hoping it would numb the turmoil swirling inside me.

As we settled into a booth, martinis in hand, the energy of the club surrounded us. The vibrant atmosphere should have been enough to distract me, but Elsie's image remained imprinted in my mind, making it difficult to focus on anything else.

As the night progressed, I couldn't help but notice the scantily clad women, the strippers, and the provocative atmosphere that enveloped the club. They eyed me with lustful gazes, trying to grab my attention as they approached, one by one. But their attempts went unnoticed, for my mind was consumed by the image of Elsie, my boss, the woman I couldn't escape.

Amidst the sea of alluring figures, a lady wearing a skimpy bikini caught my eye. She sauntered towards me, her voice dripping with seduction as she whispered in my ear. Her hands traced a caress on my chest, her movements suggestive. Turning her backside and hips towards my crotch, she began to writhe and grind against me, enticing a reaction from my body that I couldn't control. Her movements became more provocative as she turned, gyrating her backside against my crotch, tempting me with every sensual sway. A grunt escaped my lips, catching Kevin's attention.

Kevin, who was engrossed in the company of another woman, caught my eye and winked mischievously, clearly amused by my predicament. He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my lack of interest. But my focus remained unwavering, my thoughts consumed by Elsie. I needed to put a stop to this before things went too far.

I gently grabbed the redhead lady's arm, halting her in her tracks. "I appreciate the attention, but I'm not interested. Thank you."

Her smile faded slightly, but she maintained her seductive demeanor. "Oh, honey, you don't know what you're missing. I can show you a good time."

Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, I realized it was time to leave. "I'm sorry, but I need to go. Excuse me."

I made an excuse to Kevin, expressing my desire to leave.

I tried to make my way through the crowd, but the redhead woman grabbed my hand, her grip firm and insistent. She led me towards a secluded corner of the club, her intentions unclear. As she pushed me into a room, confusion washed over me. I was tipsy, and my judgment was clouded.

The room was dimly lit, and I struggled to make sense of what was happening. Before I knew it, she had pushed me onto a bed in the middle of the room, her lips attacking my neck, leaving marks that would undoubtedly be visible. Panic surged through me, and I pushed her away, my voice filled with urgency. "Stop! This isn't what I want."I managed to say, my voice filled with a mix of regret and determination.

But she persisted, discarding her clothes and standing naked before me, her seductive words falling on deaf ears .

She approached, undeterred, her voice dripping with seduction. "But darling, you're just denying yourself pleasure. Relax and let go."

My heart pounded in my chest, and I quickly turned away, refusing to succumb to the temptation that lay before me. With determination, I fled the room, leaving the scantily clad woman behind. I found Kevin, who was heavily intoxicated, and told him it was time to leave, but he shrugged me off, lost in his own world of debauchery.

Ignoring my pleas, Kevin waved me off, entranced by the allure of the night. Left with no other choice, I made my way out of the club alone, the weight of my actions heavy on my conscience.

Driving home, regret and guilt were etched on my face with a mask of turmoil, illuminated by the passing streetlights. I couldn't shake the image of Elsie from my mind, even as I grappled with the consequences of my own actions. I vowed never to let myself succumb to such temptations again, understanding that my heart belonged to another, no matter the struggle I faced.

As I parked my car and made my way to my empty apartment, I knew that the road to redemption would be long and arduous. But with each step, I vowed to learn from my mistakes and fight for the love I truly desired, even if it meant facing the consequences head-on.

I had succumbed to the pressure, to the desire for distraction, but in the end, I had only deepened my own pain. My mind drifted back to Elsie, and I couldn't help but wonder if I had irreparably damaged any chance of a future between us.