Chapter 3

I finally figured out what was wrong.

I hadn't gone far enough with my self-sabotage.

And soon enough, the perfect chance came along.

In the original story, Jackson's true love, Carol Smith, was coming back to the country today.

In the original plot, Jackson was supposed to pick Carol up at the airport, then they'd have dinner together, reminiscing about old times.

And me? As the expendable side character, I'd make a huge scene at the restaurant out of jealousy, and Jackson would finally dump me for good.

Couldn't ask for a better script.

I sprang into action, "accidentally" spotting the flight details Carol had sent to Jackson's phone.

'Finally. This is what I've been waiting for.'

Then I kicked off a full day of nonstop spam calls, blowing up his phone like crazy.

"Jax, whatcha doing?"

"Jax, did you eat yet?"

"Jax, I'm so bored. Come hang out with me."

I pinched my voice into the most cringe-inducing, cutesy baby tone. It was so sweet that it made my own skin crawl. I blew up his phone every thirty minutes.

'I'll make you annoy. So you don't have time to pick up your dream girl now.'

But Jackson's voice on the other end was always calm and patient. "Babe, be good. I'm in a meeting.

"It'll be over soon. I'll bring you that strawberry cake you love when I get back."

I hung up and checked the time. Carol's flight was landing in an hour.

There wasn't enough time.

With my mind made up, I jumped in a cab and shot straight over to Vance Holdings.

This time, I skipped the top floor and headed right for the underground garage.

I knew if Jackson was going to the airport, he'd definitely leave from here.

Sure enough, it didn't take long before I spotted Jackson and Carter.

I dashed over and grabbed Jackson's waist from behind, then started bawling.

"Jackson, you can't leave. Where are you going? Are you sneaking off to see another woman?" I wailed.

'That's right. I'm a jealous lunatic. Push me away. Call me crazy.'

Jackson froze for a moment.

He turned around, saw my pitiful, tear-soaked face, and his brows furrowed, looking almost heartbroken.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

His gaze dropped to my hand clinging to his arm, and his eyes darkened.

I sobbed even louder, "You're not going anywhere. You have to stay with me all day."

'Come on. Your dream girl is still waiting for you at the airport. If you don't hurry, you'll miss her.'

Jackson went quiet for a moment.

I was practically giddy inside. I bet he was totally about to blow up.

But instead, he let out a sigh, pulled me into his arms, and gently patted my back. "Alright, I won't go."

He pulled out his phone and sent a quick message.

Then he turned to Carter, who looked totally lost, and spoke in a tone that brooked no disagreement. "Tell Carol I'm not available today. And from now on, don't contact her anymore."

Wait... What the hell?

'No, that's the female lead. Your destined match. You can't ditch her like that.'

I freaked out and tried to squirm out of his embrace, but he only tightened his hold.

"Alison," Jackson whispered in my ear, his voice rough and dangerously seductive.

"Quit testing me. There'll never be another woman in my life. You're so hung up on her. Are you jealous?"

'No way. That's not right. I'm terrified you'll get the wrong idea and finish me off.'

Inside, I was freaking out, but on the outside, I was locked tight in his arms, totally immobilized.

Just then, a clear female voice rang out from nearby. "Jackson?"

I turned around and saw a woman in a white dress, radiating gentle elegance, dragging her suitcase and staring at us in shock.

It was Carol Smith. She'd actually tracked Jackson down herself.

She was my savior.

My eyes lit up. I wriggled out of Jackson's arms, dashed over to Carol, grabbed her hand, and put on my best fake sincerity.

"You must be Carol. Wow, you're gorgeous, way prettier than your photos. Honestly, you and Jackson are perfect together," I said.

'Look at your dream girl. She's gorgeous and so gentle. She's a million times better than a cheap, trashy girl like me. Pick her.'

Carol looked completely stunned by my over-the-top enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Jackson, behind me, was radiating pure frost. His vibe was downright icy.

I could feel his piercing stare practically drilling a hole in my back, pinning me in place.

'Crap, I really messed up this time. His possessive side is coming out in full force.'

Jackson strode over, dragged me away from Carol, and locked me back in his arms, his grip on my waist like a steel trap.

He didn't even glance at Carol. His gaze was fixed on me, lips curling into a cold smile.

"Alison, are you trying to tell me you think I'm not good enough for you, so you want to pawn me off on someone else?" Jackson asked.

"Or..."His voice dropped even lower, laced with wounded pride and a hint of obsession. "You think I can't take care of you, and you're so eager to find me a replacement?"

I was shocked by his words.

What kind of twisted logic was that?

I stared into his eyes, watching the obsession and craziness swirling inside. I was so freaked out that I couldn't even move my lips.

But he seemed to take my silence as confirmation, and his smile turned downright satisfied.

Right in front of Carol, Jackson grabbed me and crashed his lips onto mine.