Were you mine?

Chapter 34 Rage

Jake's POV

I’ve always felt this strange connection with Mercy from the moment we met at the set.

We are working on her second project while her first project is yet to debut on the big screen.

She's a rich kid and being rich comes with its perks.

But she is the most down to earth, rich kid that I have come across.

She has a way of turning anything dull into hilarious.

The industry can be a cold, isolating place, but talking to Mercy has always felt different.

There’s an inexplicable warmth, an ease to our conversations that I haven’t experienced with anyone else,ever since Lea left.

Maybe that’s why, even though I barely know her, I already consider her a friend.

Tonight is a big night for Mercy. Her family is throwing a mega debut party, and I knew I had to be here to support her.

She’s worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.

She knows I have been going through a rough patch lately, but she insisted that I come. I agreed.

Seeing Mercy’s success was a welcome distraction from my own troubles.

My thoughts keep drifting back to Lea as I made my way through the crowd.

Feeling her absence tonight was a stark reminder of what I’ve lost. How close Mercy and Lea could have been, if only it wasn't for Rosa.

I shook my head. My head was overthinking yet again.I took a deep breath and pushed those feelings aside. "Tonight is about Mercy," I reminded myself.

I finally approach her, trying to muster a genuine smile.

“Jake! You made it,” Mercy says, her eyes sparkling with surprise and delight.

“Of course, Mercy. I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” I reply, pulling her into a brief hug. “You look amazing. This is your night.”

“Thank you,” she says, her smile faltering slightly as she looks at me. “How have you been?”

“Better,” I lie. “Just taking it one day at a time.”We exchange a few more pleasantries, the conversation warm and genuine. Just as I’m about to excuse myself, I catch sight of someone in the crowd who makes my blood run cold.

Phill.

Seeing him here, of all places, fills me with a rage I can barely contain.

Phill has always been a thorn in my side, the guy who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, ready to swoop in and take what wasn’t his. And now, seeing him here at Mercy’s event, my mind jumps to the worst conclusions.

“Is that Phill?The doctor?” I ask, my voice harsher than intended.

Mercy’s eyes widen in surprise, and she looks towards where I’m pointing. “Do you know him?”

“Why is he here, Mercy? Are you two—”

She giggles at my comment.

“Jake, it’s not what you think,” she interrupts, placing a hand on my arm, but I pull away.

I make my way towards Phill, my heart pounding in my chest.

I had gone back to his hospital multiple times. But he has been missing ever since Lea disappeared.

I couldn't put two and two together but perhaps the alcohol was playing a trick.

Something inside me was screaming that he knew where Lea was.

He was hiding her.

I could feel the eyes of the crowd on me, but I don’t care. All I can think about is confronting him, finding out what he’s doing here.

“Hey Doc...Phill!” I shout, and he turns to face me, his brows arched.

"Jake?Always a pleasure,” he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm or so it felt.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I demand, stepping closer.

“I was invited, just like you,” he replies calmly, but his eyes are glinting with amusement, enjoying my discomfort.

“You stay away from Mercy,” I warn, my fists clenching at my sides.

“Or what?” he challenges, taking a step forward. “How do you know Mercy? What do you have got to do with her? Wasn't breaking Lea, enough for you?"

He hesitated and paused for a moment as he saw shift in my features at the mention of Lea's name.

"Besides...Mercy’s a grown woman. She can make her own decisions.Or did she hire you as her personal bouncer? ”

He dared to mock.

Before I realize what was happening, my fist connects with his jaw, and the crowd gasps. The next few moments were a blur of shouting and shoving. I can hear Mercy’s voice somewhere in the background, begging us to stop, but I’m too far gone.

The anger, the jealousy, the heartbreak...it all boils over, and I can’t control it.

Security rushes in, pulling us apart, and I’m left standing there, breathing heavily, my hand throbbing from the impact. Phill is escorted away, smirking, and I’m left to face the fallout of my actions.

“Jake, what were you thinking?” Mercy demands, her eyes flashing with anger.

I see some very important looking people rush over, looking between Mercy and me.

“I’m sorry, Mercy. I just... I couldn’t stand the thought of him ...never mind. Stay away from him. He is a cunning guy. ,” I say, my voice breaking. “I know I have no right, but I still care about you.”

" What nonsense... "

A very elegant looking woman stands up and spurs at my words.

The entire room seemed to stand still as she spoke... even the directors and sponsors.

She looked very very important.

“Jake,,” she says, her tone softening but awkward as she looked between the woman and me.

“Phill is my brother. Tonight was supposed to be about celebrating my achievements, not your... ” She bit her tongue. " I think you need rest. Let my men see you off to your place. Try to sleep it off alright? We will catch up later! ”

I hang my head, feeling ashamed and defeated. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come.”

Of all the coincidences, was such a coincidence possible?

Mercy sighs, looking around at the curious onlookers.

It was quite a show. The paparazzi would be delighted.

I couldn't even imagine what the news bulletins and headlines would seem like the next day.

“Maybe it’s best if you leave, Jake. We’ll talk another time. ” She turned and huffed away.