PHOENIX

12| I HAD A GOOD TIME

The next morning, Jackson decided to eat breakfast in the hotel restaurant, hoping for a quiet meal to clear his thoughts. He settled into a corner table, the morning sun casting a warm glow through the windows. Just as he was about to order, he looked up to see Melissa approaching his table with a confident stride.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked, not waiting for an answer as she pulled out a chair and sat down.

Jackson's heart raced. He hadn't anticipated this confrontation so soon. "Uh, sure," he managed, trying to mask his surprise. He reminded himself that Melissa didn't recognize him as Jackson.

She leaned back in her chair, a faint smile playing on her lips. "So, I know you've been following me," she began, her tone casual. "And so does Max."

Jackson's brows furrowed. "Max? Who's Max?"

"Max is my personal bodyguard," she explained, her tone light. "He's been with me for years. He's very good at his job."

Jackson's mind raced as he processed this information. "So, you're here to tell me to back off?"

She shook her head, her expression softening. "No, I'm not here to confront you. I just didn’t want to eat breakfast alone. Thought we could share a meal."

Jackson studied her, trying to gauge her intentions. Her demeanour was relaxed, her smile genuine. It was disarming, and he found himself nodding before he realized it. "Alright. Let's eat."

The waiter approached, and they placed their orders. As they waited for their food, an awkward silence settled between them. Jackson decided to break it. "So, what brings you to this hotel? I've been seeing you around."

Melissa shrugged, her gaze drifting to the window. "Just needed a change of scenery. Sometimes, you just need to get away, you know?"

Jackson nodded, sensing there was more to her story. "Yeah, I get that."

As their food arrived, Melissa broke the silence first. "I've been working on a charity function," she said, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and weariness. "It's scheduled for this evening, and I need a date."

Jackson raised an eyebrow, momentarily distracted from his own thoughts. "You could ask a lot of people," he replied, his tone casual. "Why do you want me to be the one accompanying you?"

She paused, her fork poised over her plate. "I told you when we first met that you look like someone from my past," she said softly, not meeting his eyes.

He felt a chill run down his spine but kept his composure. "Did that person mean anything to you?" he asked casually, careful not to reveal anything.

Melissa's eyes darkened for a moment, and she sighed. "I don't want to talk about it," she said, her voice tinged with a touch of sadness. "Especially since you're basically a stranger to me."

Jackson nodded, sensing the finality in her tone. "I understand," he said gently. "But why choose me, then?"

She shrugged, her eyes finally meeting his. "Maybe because you remind me of a time when things were different. Or maybe because, despite everything, you seem... trustworthy."

He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Trustworthy. If only she knew. "Alright," he said, managing a small smile. "I'll be your date for the evening."

Her face lit up with a genuine smile. "Thank you. It means a lot to me."

As they continued their meal, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Melissa shared stories about the charity, how she got involved, and the people she had met along the way. Jackson found himself genuinely interested, not just in her stories but in the passion she displayed.

"You're really dedicated to this," he said, admiringly.

She nodded. "It's something I believe in. Helping others, making a difference. It keeps me grounded."

He watched her, seeing glimpses of the Melissa he had once known, and couldn't help but wonder how much of that was real and how much was a carefully constructed facade.

When they finished eating, Melissa stood up and smiled at him. "I'll send a car to pick you up at seven. It's a black-tie event, so make sure you dress appropriately."

Jackson nodded, standing as well. "I'll be ready."

As she walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that this evening was going to be more than just a charity function. It felt like a step deeper into a web of mysteries he was determined to unravel.

Returning to his room, Jackson's thoughts raced. Melissa’s invitation felt like an opportunity to get closer, to learn more about her life now and the forces surrounding her. But it also meant stepping into her world, with all its dangers and secrets.

Jackson spent the rest of the afternoon scouring his wardrobe, realizing he didn’t have an outfit suitable for a high-class charity function. The clock was ticking, and he needed to look the part. He decided to head into town to find the perfect suit. Money wasn't a concern for him; he hadn't worried about it for the past three years. He had enough, a fact that brought him relief. Otherwise, he might accidentally give himself away to Melissa, who knew Jackson Stanford didn't have the means for such luxuries.

Navigating through the bustling city streets, Jackson found himself at a high-end boutique. The store exuded elegance, with mannequins dressed in impeccably tailored suits displayed in the window. He stepped inside, greeted by the faint scent of expensive cologne and the soft hum of classical music.

A sharp-dressed salesman approached him with a welcoming smile. "Good afternoon, sir. How can I assist you today?"

Jackson explained his need for a black-tie outfit, and the salesman nodded knowingly. "You've come to the right place. Follow me."

He was led to a section filled with tuxedos and suits of the finest fabrics. After trying on several options, he finally settled on a classic black tuxedo with a sleek satin lapel. The fit was perfect, hugging his frame in all the right places.

"This is the one," Jackson said, smoothing out the lapels in the mirror.

"Excellent choice, sir," the salesman replied. "Would you like to accessorize with a bow tie and cufflinks?"

Jackson nodded. "Yes, please. I want to make sure everything is just right."

As the salesman gathered the final touches, Jackson's mind wandered to Melissa. She knew the old Jackson—struggling with finances, living modestly. The man he had become was different, shaped by years of hard work and determination. He was grateful for the financial stability he now had, which allowed him to blend seamlessly into her world without raising suspicion.

After finalizing his purchase, Jackson left the boutique feeling confident. He returned to his hotel room and took his time getting ready, ensuring every detail was perfect. By the time the car arrived to pick him up, he was ready.

As he stepped into the sleek black vehicle, Jackson took a deep breath, preparing himself for the evening ahead. He couldn't afford to let his guard down. Tonight was more than just a charity function; it was an opportunity to uncover more about Melissa and the life she now led.

The car glided through the city streets, eventually pulling up in front of an opulent venue. Glittering lights and a red carpet greeted him as he stepped out. He adjusted his bow tie one last time and walked towards the entrance, ready to face whatever the night might hold.

Inside, the atmosphere was electric, filled with the city's elite mingling and chatting. Jackson scanned the room, spotting Melissa almost immediately. She was stunning in a floor-length gown, her hair cascading in loose waves. She saw him and smiled, making her way over.

"You clean up well," she said, her eyes twinkling.

"Thank you," Jackson replied, offering his arm. "Shall we?"

Melissa guided Jackson through the elegantly decorated venue, introducing him to various guests. To his surprise, the curious looks he anticipated never came. Instead, he was met with the appreciative gazes of women who didn't hide their desire. Their eyes followed him with blatant interest, making him slightly uncomfortable.

Deciding to ignore the hungry looks, he turned his attention to Melissa. She was a vision in her gown, and he realized he hadn’t properly complimented her earlier.

"Melissa," he said, leaning in slightly to speak softly, "I forgot to tell you earlier how stunning you look tonight. That dress is incredible."

She smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself. Actually, you look perfect for the occasion."

They moved through the room, mingling with the other guests. Jackson noted how effortlessly Melissa navigated the crowd, her charm and grace evident in every interaction. She introduced him to influential people, and he made sure to be polite and engaging, maintaining the facade of a man comfortable in this world of wealth and power.

At one point, they reached a small group of elderly gentlemen, all of whom seemed to be important figures. Melissa introduced Jackson as her date, and they exchanged polite greetings.

"Melissa, you've certainly brought a fine gentleman with you tonight," one of the men remarked. "It's a pleasure to meet you, young man."

"The pleasure is mine," Jackson replied, shaking the man's hand firmly.

As the evening progressed, Jackson found himself more at ease. The charity event was a mix of elegance and opulence, but beneath it all, he could sense the subtle power plays and alliances being formed. He observed Melissa closely, noting how she interacted with different people, her demeanour shifting slightly to match each conversation.

They eventually found themselves at a quieter corner of the venue, taking a momentary break from the social whirlwind.

"You're doing great," Melissa said, sipping her champagne. "I have to admit, I was a bit worried about bringing someone who might not be comfortable in these circles."

Jackson smiled. "You underestimate me. I'm adaptable."

She chuckled. "Clearly. So, how are you finding the evening so far?"

"It's...interesting," he said, choosing his words carefully. "This world is very different from what I'm used to, but it's fascinating to see how everything works."

Melissa nodded, her eyes scanning the room. "It's all about appearances and connections. Everyone here is playing a role."

Jackson couldn't help but wonder about the roles they were both playing. Despite her charm and the genuine moments he glimpsed, he couldn't forget the betrayal that had nearly cost him his life. And Melissa, with her shifting personality, remained an enigma.

As the night wore on, they danced, laughed, and continued to mingle. Jackson maintained his cover, but his mind was constantly analyzing every interaction, every piece of information he could gather. He needed to understand Melissa's world and her motives, not just to protect himself, but also to uncover the truth behind her actions.

When the event finally began to wind down, they made their way back to their car. As they drove back to the hotel, the city lights flickering past the windows, Jackson found himself deep in thought.

Melissa glanced at him, breaking the silence. "Thank you for coming with me tonight. I had a good time."

"So did I," Jackson replied, turning to look at her. "It was...enlightening."

She smiled, but there was a hint of something unreadable in her eyes. "We'll have to do it again sometime."

Jackson didn't say anything as he looked at her. He just nodded.

"You know, the night doesn't have to end here," she said, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "I was actually thinking of going to a bar for a drink. Would you like to join me?"

Jackson agreed without hesitation. "Sure, I'd love to," he replied, caught off guard by his own eagerness. The evening had already been full of surprises, and he was curious to see what more he could learn about Melissa.

They changed quickly into more casual attire and met in the hotel lobby. Melissa led the way to a nearby bar, one that seemed lively but not overly crowded. The atmosphere was relaxed, with a mix of patrons enjoying their drinks and conversations under the soft glow of dim lighting.

They found a cozy booth near the back, away from the main throng of people. As they settled in, a waitress came over to take their orders. Melissa opted for a cocktail, while Jackson chose a whiskey on the rocks.

"So," Jackson began once their drinks arrived, "what made you want to go to a bar after the event? I thought you might be tired."

Melissa laughed softly. "Sometimes, after all the formalities and socializing, I need a place where I can unwind and just be myself. And besides," she added with a teasing grin, "I wanted to see if you could keep up with me."

Jackson chuckled, raising his glass. "Challenge accepted."