Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles, White corp. HQ ~

4:46 PM

After the phone call with Aiden, Jeff was dispirited.

Jeff rotated his chair and stared blankly at the view of Los Angeles through the floor to ceiling windows of his office while holding onto JoAnna's wedding ring in his palm firmly.

Jeff thought about Aiden's words and everything Aiden said is true. Jeff does not pay attention to women by his side because they are insignificant, and eventually, most of them leave. He didn't think about this as a burden to Joanna. She never complained. Or maybe she did, but he didn't listen.

JoAnna's angry voice is ringing in his ears, when she told him how hug will not fix this, and he knows that it's not just about Vera. This is about many things that added up in this outburst and he is clueless on how to fix the situation.

Jeff drifted into memories of when he met JoAnna.

Jeff remembers that he stayed in JoAnna's apartment without an intention to leave. He was willing to abandon his work and everything just to be with her without any other motives and he was happy. And the next image is him asking her to move to Los Angeles. Jeff remembers how JoAnna worked hard to move her residenship and he wondered, at what point his desire to stay by her side stopped and he started selfishly pulling her into his world?

Yes, Jeff was willing to leave everything in order to be with JoAnna, but did he actually act on it? No. As much as he was willing, he was never in a position where he had to choose because JoAnna made a choice for him. She put him first and decided to merge into his life because she didn't want him to be uncomfortable.

He does not know much about her life before him, but he is aware that she worked in a hospital while studying, she had her apartment, she was surrounded with friends, and she had a lively routine which reflected her cheerful personality. And now? She is in their home with Bridgette, and since they got married her life is enveloped in troubles that are related to the White family. She can't smile, be goofy, and crack jokes in public, because that does not reflect who Madam White is.

Jeff can't remember if he ever asked JoAnna if this is what she wanted. Is she happy? 

Now that he thinks about it, the variety of her life was replaced by him and he is not sure if that is enough to make her happy. Who would be happy with a trade where you leave behind friends and family in exchange for one man who is at work most of the time?

Jeff remembered that when JoAnna got into his apartment, she asked him what he wants. He is not sure if he ever asked her what she wants, or was he always pushing his agenda: move to Los Angeles, get married, buy a house… get pregnant.

His heart cracked as he recollected many times when he mentioned babies and every time she urged him to wait because they have time, and they just got married… and at the next opportunity, he would bring it up again.

He pushed everything on her. The LA Medical Center, the Golden Ocean Resort, her work in the White corp., the position of Madam White, and she took it all with a smile on her face, without a complaint, because of him. 

"Jeff? … Jeff?", Steve's voice pulled Jeff out of his stupor.

Jeff turned slowly and saw that Steve is standing on the other side of his desk. He didn't notice when Steve got in.

"Yes?"

"I canceled the non-essential meetings, and rescheduled others. You have nothing left for today, and most of your tomorrow morning is free, so you can leave if you wish. But before that, what should I do with Miss Vera Rogers?"

Jeff looked at Steve blankly. He forgot about that woman. Now that Steve mentioned her, Jeff remembered the incident with JoAnna, and he is still not sure why was she so angry. Or disappointed maybe. Probably both.

Jeff thought that this is a good chance to get some answers. "Is she here?"

"Vera? Yes. She is in the hallway, awaiting instructions."

"Did she talk to you or ask anything related to the incident with Anna?"

Steve gave a small nod before clarifying: "She does not understand why I took her out. I don't think she knows that Anna is your wife because she is addressing her as 'Dr. Hill'."

Jeff looked at Steve and concluded that between the two of them, they will not reach far in clarifying the situation. But there is one woman who can speak up for JoAnna…

"Is Bridgette here?"

"Yes.", Steve responded.

"Call Bridgette to come here and give me one minute with her, and then bring Miss Rogers."

Steve nodded and went outside. He wondered, what is on Jeff's mind? Based on Jeff's expression, Steve saw that Jeff has a plan. Maybe.

…

Bridgette entered Jeff's office anxiously.

She heard from Steve what happened: JoAnna had an unpleasant encounter with Vera and left Jeff's office after paralyzing him. That means that JoAnna was furious and that Jeff was left in an embarrassing state.

Bridgette regrets allowing JoAnna to leave on her own but, what was she supposed to do? Tackle a pregnant woman? Stick to JoAnna against her will? Bridgette was confident that Jeff will scold her. He was always unreasonable in requests when it comes to JoAnna's safety, yet he himself is unable to do much.

Jeff gestured to Bridgette to sit on the sofa and explained: "I called you here because I would like you to observe the woman who will come here next, and when she leaves, tell me what you think."

Bridgette's big blue eyes blinked a few times before she nodded in response.

Jeff saw that Bridgette is confused, so he clarified: "Anna and I fought because of this woman, and I wonder if she is overreacting because of pregnancy, or if I really don't see women who are trying to seduce me. I hope that you can help me clarify that. You can observe, ask questions, or whatever you believe is appropriate. Anna is not here and..." Jeff sighed and forced a fake smile. "I hope that you can speak for Anna in her absence."

Bridgette sat on the sofa and didn't respond. She wondered, is this it? Or will he scold her later? But whatever it is, Jeff looks… sad. Definitely not angry.

…

Steve got inside with Vera and Jeff told Steve to sit next to Bridgette.

"Miss Rogers…", Jeff called to Vera who is standing in front of his desk. "I hear from Steve that you have some questions for me."

Vera fidgeted for a few seconds, unsure how much she can say without getting into trouble. "CEO White, I was doing my job and Mr. Long dragged me out of your office like I am a criminal. I hope to get an explanation related to that."

"OK. But first, I want you to tell me what happened before that incident?", Jeff asked calmly.

Vera decided to start her talk since morning: "Since 8:30 AM I was here and waiting for further instructions. In order not to be idle, I was tidying up the place. I didn't see you or Mr. Long until you entered, and Dr. Hill was here."

"You are in my office since 8:30 AM, by yourself?"

Vera confirmed with a nod.

Jeff felt that something is off. Other than him, Steve and JoAnna, no one else is allowed in his office without supervision. "Why?"

Vera was visibly confused. "I don't understand the question."

"Who let you in?", Jeff clarified.

"Uhm… no one. I let myself in. Yesterday I accompanied Mr. Long and he explained to me that as your assistant he gets to come to your office. When I arrived no one was here, so I assumed that as his replacement I get to stay here. Is that a problem?", Vera asked and continued without waiting for an explanation. "Your secretary still didn't arrive, and you were already at a meeting. My security clearance does not allow me to attend your meetings without previous approval, and I decided to wait in your office until you return so that I can get further instructions."

Jeff thought about how her story adds up. Without him (or Steve) around, her options were to wait in the hallway or in his office. And the two of them were in back-to-back meetings since 8 AM. What else was she supposed to do?

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