Legally Not Yours

The Crisis

POV: Jared Connors

There was something off about Leah. Something that I can’t put my hands on, it was off. It wasn’t just her silence, or the way her shoulders tensed every time Carlson touched her back in the hallway.

It was her eyes. Something about it that made me want to ask what-the-fuck-happened. They didn’t fight anymore. And that terrified me. She used to have that fire in her, but somehow it died.

Leah without fight was the Leah thatI didn’t recognize.

* * *

We were mid-meeting, a routine check-in with department heads and legal, when Carlson suddenly cleared his throat like he was preparing for a TED Talk.

He stood up, smiling widely or should I say wickedly. Fake-charming. Dangerously smooth.

“I know this isn’t on the agenda,” he began, “but I wanted to share some personal news.”

Everyone stopped whatever they’re doing. He turned slightly toward Leah, who sat next to him, frozen and wide-eyed.

“Leah has been a joy in my life. We’ve been secretly dating for awhile and I decided to ask the big question. We’re engaged.”

Silence. Not the shocked, oh-that’s-so-sweet kind.

The what-the-actual-fuck kind.

I looked at Leah, trying to see something. I wanted her to look into my eyes to tell me that Carlson is lying. I turned to Carlson and he was smiling proudly like he just won a lottery.

Even father, seated near the head of the table, went still.

I didn’t blink. I couldn’t. I watched Carlson reach for her hand and raise it, the ring catching the light.

She didn’t smile. She didn’t say anything. He turned back to the room.

“We’re getting married this winter. And I couldn’t be happier.”

Then he looked right at me and smiled. That’s when the blood in my chest went cold.

I barely remember leaving the room.

I think I shoved my chair too hard. I think someone said my name, but I didn’t care.

* * *

I found her twenty minutes later in the south stairwell, arms wrapped around herself like armor. She didn’t even flinch when I walked in.

“So it’s true,” I said. She didn’t respond. “You’re marrying him.”

Still nothing.

I took a step forward. “What, no speech? No self-righteous monologue about how love conquers all?”

Her voice was quiet. “I didn’t know you cared.”

That landed like a knife.

“I don’t,” I lied.

“Then why are you here?”

“To warn you.”

She finally looked at me. “Warn me about what?”

Her eyes turned cold and her voice sounded so distant.

“He’s using you,” I said. “And you’re letting him.”

“Why do you care who I let in my life? You’re using me as well, what’s the difference?”

“I know what and I care because I know you.”

“No, Jared,” she snapped. “You knew me and you also used me for your own good.”

“For my own good? Leah, you don’t get to lie that shit to me. We both know that we enjoyed it. And—”

“Just leave me alone, Jared.”

“What did he blackmail you with? What did he say to you that ma—!”

“He just asked me to marry him,” she said, voice slowly dying down. “You know that he's better.”

My jaw tightened. We stood there, inches apart, our breath fast, eyes locked, and tension spiking so hard it made the air feel electric.

I could still feel her.

Her mouth. Her laugh. Her rage. She was fire, and I was stupid enough to burn again. But I didn’t touch her. And she didn’t touch me. Instead, we tore into each other with words.

“Enjoy your little fairytale,” I muttered. “Hope the ring came with a leash.”

“Jealousy’s a bad look on you,” she said flatly. “Makes your ego look smaller.”

“Right, because Carlson’s such a prize.”

“Better than someone who only wants me when he thinks he’s losing.”

I swallowed hard.

“You don’t know a damn thing about what I want,” I growled. She didn’t back down.

“But I know what you can’t say.”

That one shattered me. Because she was right. I couldn’t say it. Not now. Not like this.

And I hated her for knowing it. I hated her for being right.

* * *

Later that day, I saw Eva in the corridor.

She wore red, always red, like it made her venom more elegant. She brushed past me, slow and smug.

“Careful,” she said, voice low. “That girl’s got a habit of climbing the ladder. Shame you were just another rung.” I turned. Hard.

“You don’t know her.”

“I know her better than you do,” she purred.

“You don’t know shit,” I snapped. “And the fact that you think you do is why no one trusts you. Least of all my father.”

Her smile twitched and then I saw her storm off. Down the west hallway. Straight toward Carlson’s office. Something sharp twisted in my gut.

I stood there, jaw tight, heart pounding. And for the first time… I didn’t just feel angry.

I felt suspicious.