I am a serene man; I don't go about life trying to showcase what I don't have or who I am not. People see me for who I am upon meeting me. Hailing from a prestigious family of lawyers, my parents are wealthy, but that wealth is theirs - I haven't achieved enough in life to claim money of my own. As a younger man, in a moment of rebellion and fully aware I was expected to study law, I chose to study mechanical engineering instead; it was my passion. However, as I matured, I ended up studying law.
From the moment Jackeline set foot in law school, she struck me as a stunning and fascinating woman. There are no prejudices in my family – neither concerning race nor social status. What matters to us is what's in the heart: humility and humanity. Jackeline possesses those qualities and more; she will undoubtedly become a top-notch lawyer. Learning that she was pursuing law endeared her to me even further – we would make an impressive pair, following in the footsteps of my lawyer parents.
I hesitated to approach her initially, fearing she wouldn't notice me. I don’t consider myself less than anyone, but there was a feeling I couldn't shake. Reflecting back, if I had acted differently, she would be by my side now, treated as she deserves by a romantic and attentive real man.
But it's too late for regrets. It never crossed my mind that she would be in such a twisted relationship; I'd never seen her display affection towards anyone. One day, I approached her friend, knowing she could lead me to Jackeline. I candidly confessed my feelings for her friend, which greatly excited her.
Meeting Jackeline exceeded my expectations, confirming all that I'd seen in her before. She's stunning, not just outwardly but inwardly too, with a kind heart overshadowed by sorrow.
When she moved out of the house where she was ridiculed and treated poorly, my hopes soared because she would be away from him, and perhaps I could win her heart. For a moment, I thought I might succeed, until I saw her kiss that fool at the mansion when I came to pick them up. A whirlwind of emotions overtook me; my hopes dissipated, and my heart shattered. I knew the risks. She admitted her feelings, and I knew if Cameron treated her well and didn't conceal his affection, she would accept him – whether out of love or infatuation, I couldn't tell.
During the entire ride to the apartment, neither of us spoke. She avoided my gaze throughout, which I understood – I had a similar experience when I was younger.
I helped them carry their bags inside.
"Goodbye, Mrs. Greta, it was a pleasure meeting you. Now I see where Jackeline gets her beauty."
"Ah, young man, you'll make me blush," she responded with a beautiful smile.
"Mariano, thank you for everything. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
"It's fine; you know you have a friend here," I said, resigning myself to the friend zone. "I should be going."
"Stay for dinner; I'll cook something delicious," Mrs. Greta offered.
"No worries, I must leave. I have a court appearance tomorrow, and I need to prepare. Otherwise, I would love to."
I said my farewells before they could persuade me to stay for dinner, which would have been awkward given the circumstances.
I headed home.
"How did it go, son?" my father greeted me. "Weren't you going to invite Jackeline for dinner?"
"It didn't work out, Dad. Her mom was let go from her job, and well..." I shrugged.
"Son, come here. You're 27, but don't rush things. What’s meant for you will come to you in time. You feel bad now, but maybe life will doubly reward you tomorrow," he hugged me. "Remember, nothing good comes from deceit and lies. Always uphold honor and truth, alright?"
"Thanks, Dad. You're the best," I hugged him back.
My dad is the best. When I asked him for help finding Jackeline a job, he created a position without firing anyone. He's known about her for a long time; always encouraged me to ask her out. Now, I regret my hesitation, and it will haunt me forever.
I retreated to my room to review my court presentation. Being my parents' son, I know a lot and excel in my class. I prefer to earn my way, not riding on my family name.
My parents taught me that achievements should be earned fairly, without foul play, which ultimately comes back to haunt us. In our line of work we must judge people, understanding their body language. Lies and secrets aren't perfectly concealed; something always gives them away. There are no perfect crimes or unexposed lies.
Opening my laptop, I noticed an email from Carlotta, a friend I once had feelings for, akin to my experience with Jackeline. Now indifferent towards her, after she carelessly trampled over my emotions, she's been pursuing me. I deleted the email without reading it – uninterested in her words.
The following day, instead of going to the firm, I chose to remove myself from Jackeline’s life. My presentation went exceedingly well, earning praises from the judge and my mother, one of the greatest criminal defense lawyers, who attended the evaluation.
"You did well, boy. You're as sturdy as oak, just like your mother," the judge commended me.
"My son, I always knew this was your calling. Forget the past; you’ll be a great lawyer, keeping our firm at the top," she lovingly spoke, kissing me. With eyes matching mine, dark brown hair, and impeccable style, my mother's strong, tender, and loving nature won over Jackeline from day one.
I avoided Jackeline at university, not out of cowardice but uncertainty over managing my affections. I didn't want her friendship; I yearned to pamper and adore her as she merits. Nevertheless, it seemed I was late to the game, though I wouldn't squander a chance with her given the opportunity.
One evening, as classes ended, I spotted her leave with him. Evidently, they reconciled. Although my heart ached, I felt joy for her; she deserved happiness, and I wouldn't stand in their way if he was the source of it.
The next day, I stayed home. A knock at my door startled me – it couldn't be Jackeline; she'd be at work. I pulled on a sweater over my tracksuit pants and descended to find an attractive blonde, her stance revealing her model-like profession.
"Good day, to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?" She appraised me.
"Are you Mariano Di Vaio?"
"That's me. And you are?"
"Elle Spears," she introduced herself – Cameron's girlfriend, I realized.
"What is it that you want to talk about?" I hardened my expression.
"I learned that you and this woman, Jackeline, are a couple."
"What do you want?" I played my cards close to the chest, neither confirming nor denying anything.
"You see," she fidgeted, "I used to date Cameron."
"You mean you're no longer together?" I was taken aback, assuming he left her for Jackeline.
"Yes, because he left me for that damn black girl, and..."
"Excuse me, but I don't allow such talk about anyone in my home, especially not her. Skin color doesn't make her any less than you. Look, your boyfriend left you for her," I said, defending Jackeline despite my emotions for her.
"Are you saying you have fallen for that woman too?" she retorted bitterly.
"No more offenses, please. You're not here to learn about my love life," I crossed my arms, unyielding.
"I came to suggest we team up to break them apart. Then you can be with her and I’ll return to Cameron," she plotted.
She wasted her time; I may love Jackeline deeply, but I would never hurt her. I made that clear.
"If you continue with these insults, I may press charges for defamation," I warned, showing her the door. "Also," I added as she turned to leave, "there’s a saying: women are ladies in the light but wild in bed." Her jaw dropped at the suggestion. "Perhaps focusing on that rather than harming someone you claim to love will serve you better. Good day."
I left her standing in the lounge, mouth agape, appearing as shocked as a sheltered innocent.
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