Unmasking the Heart

Joi gracefully entered Shane's sleek black limousine, her delicate figure settling into the plush leather seat. After a few minutes of the ride, she asked the driver to stop at a boutique.

Shane's brows furrowed slightly as he turned to look at her. "Why are we stopping at a boutique? Does your fiancé own it?" His voice was calm, but there was an underlying sharpness, as if he were trying to piece together her intentions.

Joi gave him a small smile. "No, I came here to buy something for someone." She grabbed her handbag and prepared to step out. "Thank you for the ride, Shane."

Shane didn't respond, simply watching her with his cold, calculating gaze as she disappeared into the boutique.

A few minutes later, Joi emerged carrying three neatly packed paper bags, surprised to see Shane's car still waiting by the curb. She paused, debating whether to call her driver, but something pulled her toward the limousine.

Knocking on the tinted window, she waited until it whirred down, revealing Shane lounging lazily, his head resting against the seat's headrest.

"Don't tell me you were waiting for me," Joi teased, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Yes, I was," Shane replied with a small smile, his sharp features softening. "I told you I'd drop you home."

Joi studied him for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. Finally, she shook her head and opened the door. "Alright then. But I'm not heading home just yet."

"Where to?" Shane asked, his tone steady, though his frown deepened slightly.

Joi placed her paper bags on the seat beside her. "To a pet store. I've always wanted a dog. I thought it was time to get one."

A flicker of surprise crossed Shane's face before he nodded. "I know a good one. I'll take you there." He leaned forward, his tone shifting back to its usual authority as he addressed the driver. "Drive."

Joi watched Shane, curious about his duality. When he spoke to her, there was warmth—even if subdued—but the coldness in his voice when addressing others was stark.

They arrived at a high-end pet store, and Joi instantly gravitated toward a tiny, fluffy Pomeranian with soft white fur and sparkling brown eyes. She cradled the puppy gently, cooing as it wagged its tail.

Shane remained silent, observing her with an unreadable expression.

Once the puppy was treated and accessorized with a small pink collar, Joi brought it to the car. As they settled back in, her phone buzzed. She saw Mrs. Catlin's name flashing on the screen and quickly answered.

"Hello, Mrs. Catlin? Is everything alright?" Joi asked, her voice slightly nervous.

"It's been three hours, and you're not back yet," Mrs. Catlin replied, concern lacing her tone. "Are you okay?"

Joi let out a small sigh of relief. "I'm fine, I'll be home soon. I thought you called because..." She trailed off, unable to finish her thought.

"Because Adrian's back?" Mrs. Catlin asked knowingly, amusement in her voice.

Joi laughed nervously. "Maybe. How's Isabella?"

"She's asleep. She ate well and fell asleep watching her cartoons. But you should come back soon, Joi. You don't want Adrian arriving before you."

"Alright, I'm on my way." Joi smiled and hung up, glancing at Shane, who was unusually quiet.

The driver had stored the puppy in the boot, and Joi leaned forward. "Can you bring him out? I want to hold him."

The driver quickly retrieved the puppy, handing it over to her. Joi hugged the tiny creature close, stroking its soft fur.

As Joi played with the puppy, Shane leaned back in his seat, his gaze fixed on her. She was radiant, her laughter soft and unguarded, a stark contrast to the composed demeanor she usually maintained.

Joi noticed Shane's quietness. Setting the puppy aside, she turned to him. "You've been awfully quiet. Are you thinking about work? I know I've probably kept you from something important. I'm sorry."

Her gentle concern made something stir in Shane. "There's no need to apologize. I told you I'd take you home, and I meant it."

A playful glint appeared in Joi's eyes as she suddenly placed the puppy on Shane's lap. "You're too serious! Play with him—he's adorable."

Shane froze momentarily, unused to such casual gestures. He glanced down at the tiny creature, its fur soft beneath his large hands. For a man who spent his life maintaining control, this moment of simplicity felt oddly foreign.

Joi laughed softly, leaning closer. "See? Isn't he cute?"

Her proximity made Shane's heart pound—an unfamiliar sensation he couldn't suppress. Her scent, a delicate mix of milk and vanilla, was intoxicating. He hesitated before brushing a hand over the puppy's fur, his movements slow and deliberate.

"You're right. He's... soft," Shane murmured, though his attention had shifted entirely to her.

Joi's laughter rang out again, filling the space between them, and without thinking, Shane let his hand trail from the puppy to her hair. Her silky locks slipped through his fingers, the texture as captivating as the woman herself.

Joi, focused on the puppy, didn't seem to notice. Shane leaned in slightly, his gaze lingering on the curve of her neck, the way her laughter lit up her face. He had never been this close to someone in years—not emotionally or physically—and for the first time, he didn't want to pull back.

The driver's voice suddenly cut through the moment. "We've arrived, sir."

Shane pulled back abruptly, irritation flashing across his face. He clenched his jaw, masking his emotions.

Joi glanced at him, oblivious to his internal turmoil. "Thank you so much for the ride, Shane. I'll head in now."

As she stepped out, Shane's icy gaze shifted to the driver. "What are you waiting for? Do you expect her to carry everything by herself?"

"N-no, sir," the driver stammered, quickly exiting the car to help Joi.

Joi entered the house with the puppy and one of the paper bags, greeting Mrs. Catlin at the door.

"You bought a puppy?" Mrs. Catlin asked, surprise evident.

"Yes! Isn't he cute?" Joi beamed.

"He is, but Adrian..." Mrs. Catlin hesitated, her gaze shifting to the doorway as the driver brought in the remaining bags.

"Mr. Shane asked me to bring these in for you," the driver said politely.

"Please thank him for me," Joi replied warmly before turning back to Mrs. Catlin, who eyed the bags curiously.

Inside the house, Joi handed Mrs. Catlin two of the paper bags.

Mrs. Catlin gasped as she opened the first bag, revealing a beautiful set of gowns and gold jewelry. "Joi, these are stunning! They must have cost a fortune."

Joi shrugged with a small smile. "It's nothing. You deserve it."

Mrs. Catlin's smile faltered as she asked, "Did you ever buy something like this for your mother?"

Joi froze, her smile disappearing. Her grip on the remaining bag tightened, and her gaze dropped to the floor.

The air grew heavy with unspoken tension. Mrs. Catlin immediately realized she had touched a raw nerve.

"I'm sorry, dear," she began gently. "I didn't mean to—"

"I don't want to talk about her," Joi interrupted, her voice trembling. Memories of abandonment and betrayal surged, the wounds still fresh despite the years that had passed.

Mrs. Catlin stepped closer, wrapping Joi in a warm embrace. "It's alright, Joi. You don't have to explain. I'm here for you."

Joi stood stiffly for a moment before melting into the embrace, her tears falling silently. For all the love she had missed growing up, Mrs. Catlin's kindness filled a void she hadn't realized she carried.

Mrs. Catlin stroked her hair gently. "You're not alone, Joi. You're loved, no matter what happened in the past."

Joi sobbed quietly, the weight of her emotions pouring out. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to be vulnerable, held in the arms of the only person who felt like family.

Joi went to take a quick shower and then lay down for a nap.