Unmasking the Heart

Joi was teaching Isabella how to spell on Saturday morning after they finished their breakfast. They sat on the patio, learning, when Joi's phone rang.

She checked the ID and saw Shane's name flashing on the screen. Sighing, she remembered her quarrel yesterday about Shane but chose to answer the call.

"Good morning, Shane," Joi greeted.

"Hello, Joi! How are you doing today?" Shane's voice sounded unusually excited.

"I'm good. How are you?" Joi replied, slightly surprised by his enthusiasm.

"I'm good too. I hope I'm not disturbing you this morning," Shane asked cautiously.

Not wanting to appear too friendly, Joi decided to maintain a neutral tone without being rude. "Well, I am busy with something."

Shane hesitated briefly. "Okay, then... Can you come out for a brief lunch today by 12?"

Joi blinked in surprise. Why is he bringing this up again? I thought he'd wait until I decided on a day, she thought.

Meanwhile, Shane, sensing her silence, worried that she might decline again.

"I know you have a fiancé. I just want to meet you and thank you properly over a meal. I'm not trying to sabotage your relationship with him," Shane explained nervously.

Joi frowned slightly but kept her voice even. "I wasn't thinking about my fiancé. How did you know I have one?"

"Your friend Debbie told me. I asked her because you kept declining the invitation, and I thought there might be something I didn't know about you," Shane admitted.

"And she told you I have a fiancé? Isn't that a bit much?" Joi couldn't hide the malice in her tone.

Shane hesitated, unsure how to respond.

"I'll come. Send me the address," Joi finally said, her voice calm but firm.

Shane's frown lifted into a smile. "I'll send my driver to pick you up."

"No need. I'll come by myself," Joi rejected firmly.

"Alright, I'll send you the address," Shane said, disappointment creeping into his voice despite his efforts to mask it.

"Okay. See you at 12." With that, Joi ended the call.

After finishing Isabella's lesson, Joi began preparing for the lunch. She took a quick shower and dressed in a white dress with gold accents that stopped at her knees. She paired it with golden heels and a white handbag.

She packed a few essentials into her bag, including her phone, credit card, and matte lipstick, which she reapplied before brushing her straight black hair.

When she stepped into the living room, Mrs. Catlin, who was watching TV, glanced at her and frowned.

"Where are you heading to?" Mrs. Catlin asked neutrally.

"I have a meeting with someone and will be back in two hours," Joi replied, moving toward Isabella.

"Aren't you moving out too much? What if Adrian returns and finds you gone? He might decide to throw Isabella out," Mrs. Catlin said with a hint of disapproval.

Joi gently stroked Isabella's soft, coily hair before looking at Mrs. Catlin. "I've been waiting for Adrian for three weeks to tell him about this, but he hasn't returned or even called. I'm not worried."

She paused before adding, "And he wouldn't think of throwing her out."

"That's what you think," Mrs. Catlin scoffed.

Joi rolled her eyes discreetly. "Mrs. Catlin, this house is surprisingly spacious. I didn't even realize your room was underground with so much space."

Mrs. Catlin ignored her, keeping her focus on the TV.

Joi sighed. She knew Mrs. Catlin was only looking out for her and appreciated how she had come to care for her like a daughter.

"Mrs. Catlin, can you let Isabella sleep with you? I don't think Adrian would like the idea of her being in his room," Joi asked gently.

Mrs. Catlin didn't respond, her attention still on the TV. Joi smiled at her behavior, realizing how much she had grown to see her as a mother figure—a connection she had never experienced before.

Joi sat beside her and hugged her warmly. Mrs. Catlin looked surprised by the sudden affection.

"I know you're worried about me, but I'll be back soon. I promise not to give you more reasons to worry," Joi said softly, resting her head on Mrs. Catlin's shoulder.

Mrs. Catlin smiled and patted Joi's hair. "It's okay. I'll take care of Isabella. Just come home safely."

Joi smiled. "I'll call this place home because you're here." She kissed Mrs. Catlin's cheek, making her laugh.

After saying goodbye to Isabella and kissing her forehead, Joi left for the restaurant Shane had chosen.

Upon arrival, she noticed the luxurious but not overly crowded ambiance. Unsure of where Shane was, she pulled out her phone to call him, but a waitress approached.

"Good day, ma'am. Are you Ms. Joi?"

"Yes, I am," Joi replied politely.

"Mr. Shane Dawson is waiting for you. Please follow me," the waitress said with a slight smile, leading the way.

They stepped inside the elevator and it stopped at the third floor. They walked to a door and as soon as the door opened, her steps faltered.

The room was dimly lit with soft golden lights, and the table for two was set in the center. Rose petals were scattered on the floor, creating a trail leading to the table. Two tall, golden candlesticks stood on either side of the table, with their flames flickering gently. A small vase of red roses sat at the center of the table, and the chairs were upholstered with deep velvet cushions.

Joi raised an eyebrow at the overtly romantic setting and turned to Shane, who was already smiling at her reaction.

"This is... a bit much, isn't it?" Joi asked cautiously, her eyes scanning the room again.

Shane gestured to the seat he had pulled out for her. "Please, sit. It's just my way of properly thanking you."

Joi frowned slightly but walked over, her heels clicking softly against the tiled floor. She sat down, and Shane pushed the chair in for her before taking his own seat across the table.

"Thanking me for what? Helping your daughter? I don't think this," she gestured around the room, "is necessary."

Shane leaned back slightly, his tone casual but his expression soft. "You went out of your way to help Mayra, I knew how Mayra was. She was a total spoilt child. This is just a token of my gratitude."

Joi studied him for a moment, her brows knitting slightly. "This doesn't feel like just a thank-you gesture. It feels... romantic."

"It's not what you think. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted to make this special. You deserve that much, Joi."

"Ever since her mom passed away, I could bring myself to scold her until now, so thank you." Shane explained his emotions visible in his voice.

Joi leaned back in her chair, her skepticism evident, but she decided not to push further. "Alright, then. Let's eat."

Shane smiled and picked up his fork and knife, gesturing toward the steak on her plate. "Their steak is incredible. I think you'll love it."

Joi took a bite, her expression softening as she savored the taste. "Oh, wow. You weren't lying. This is really good."

Joi looked at his brown eyes which matches with Mayra's. "Mayra looks just like you."

Shane chuckled. "She takes after me, doesn't she?"

As they sat and ate, Shane couldn't help but admire Joi's beauty. "You're even more stunning than I imagined."

"Thank you," Joi replied causally.

As they ate, Joi found her gaze drifting to Shane. His broad shoulders and well-built frame were obvious even in the tailored blue suit he wore. His calm demeanor made him easy to look at, but her thoughts quickly shifted to Adrian.

Adrian's build was different—stronger, harder, more defined. She remembered the warmth of his chest under her hands when she'd kissed him in his room. His body radiated strength and intensity, contrasting with Shane's polished, refined appearance.

She shook her head lightly, pushing the memory aside and focusing back on Shane, who was busy pouring more champagne.

As they finished their glasses, Shane leaned back, swirling the champagne in his hand. "So, do I finally get to know who your fiancé is?"

Joi's smile faltered for a moment before she quickly masked it. "Why do you want to know?"

Shane's gaze softened. "I just want to know more about you, that's all."

"My relationship isn't public knowledge, and I prefer to keep it that way," Joi replied, her voice firm.

"Fair enough," Shane said, though his disappointment was evident. He finished the last sip of his champagne and set the glass down.

Joi checked the time on her phone and picked up her handbag. "I should get going. Thank you for the meal."

"Let me drive you home," Shane offered as they walked out together, his hand lightly brushing hers.

Joi laughed softly. "You're persistent, aren't you?"

Shane smiled but said nothing, leading her to his car.