First cash out

"It's funny, isn't it?" Jessica leaned forward, her green eyes sparkling in the candlelight. "How your little brother was the first one at the hospital that night? Before the news even broke? Almost like he... knew it was coming."

Alex's blood ran cold. "Tommy?"

"Oh, don't look so serious!" Jessica laughed, the sound light and musical. "I'm just teasing. Though..." she took a delicate sip of water, "it is interesting how quickly he stepped in to handle the production company while you were out. Almost like he'd been preparing for it."

Before Alex could process that concerning piece of information, Jessica's entire demeanor shifted, her smile becoming warm and inviting. "But enough about Tommy. Let's talk about us. God, Jason, I've missed you so much. These past months without you..." She reached across the table, her fingers brushing his hand.

'Why the hell did Rivers dump her?' Alex wondered, taking in her perfect features, the way her red dress hugged every curve. There had to be more to the story than what the tabloids suggested.

The candlelight caught the diamond bracelet on her wrist as she gestured expressively, telling him about her latest yacht purchase. The way she moved was hypnotic - every gesture precise yet natural, like a dancer performing a familiar routine.

"Remember our old ritual?" she asked, signaling the sommelier. "You always insisted on paying for the drinks because, and I quote, 'A gentleman never lets a lady buy her own champagne.'" Her laugh tinkled like wind chimes. "And I'd cover dinner because, well, it seemed fair since my family owns half the restaurants in the city anyway."

Alex nearly choked on his water. 'Restaurant empire heiress. Great. Just great.'

"The usual, Mr. Rivers?" the sommelier inquired.

Jessica's eyes danced. "The '82 Bordeaux, Pierre. Jason and I are celebrating."

"Of course, madam. Excellent choice."

As the sommelier departed, Jessica launched into a story about her latest business venture – apparently, she'd just acquired a chain of boutique hotels in the Maldives. "Daddy says I'm being impulsive, but he said the same thing when I bought that airline last year, and look how that turned out!"

'Jesus,' Alex thought, maintaining his polite smile. 'She's not just rich, she's billionaire rich.'

The wine arrived, and Jessica raised her glass. "To new beginnings," she said softly. "And to putting that silly restraining order behind us."

Alex clinked glasses with her, his mind racing. Everything about Jessica screamed 'perfect catch' – beautiful, wealthy, clearly intelligent enough to run multiple successful businesses. So why had Jason gone as far as legal action to keep her away?

"You're quieter than usual," she observed, her head tilting slightly. "Still having headaches from the accident?"

"Just... taking it all in," Alex replied carefully.

"Well, I always said you needed to slow down and appreciate the moment more." Her smile was radiant. "Remember that weekend in St. Barts? When we turned off our phones and just existed?"

Alex nodded noncommittally, letting her carry the conversation. She was a natural storyteller, each tale painting a picture of a passionate, adventurous relationship. Private jet surprises to Paris, impromptu diving trips in the Caymans, midnight motorcycle rides through Rome.

She spoke about their past as if it were a fairy tale, each memory tinged with golden nostalgia. The way she described their first meeting - at a charity gala where she'd apparently outbid him for a vintage motorcycle just to get his attention - made Alex wish he could actually remember it.

"And then there was that time in Monaco," she giggled, swirling her wine. "When you convinced me to help you crash that royal wedding."

"The security wasn't very amused," Alex ventured, hoping it was the right thing to say.

Jessica's eyes lit up. "But the prince was! He still sends me Christmas cards." She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Speaking of royalty, did you know I just finished negotiations on that castle in Scotland? The one we always talked about?"

Each revelation about Jessica's wealth and influence made Alex's head spin. She casually dropped names of presidents and prime ministers like they were old college friends. Every story revealed another layer of her seemingly limitless resources and connections.

When the check arrived, Jessica smoothly plucked the dinner portion, leaving the substantial wine bill for Alex. He pulled out Sarah's credit card, trying not to think about how much of her $2,500 limit he was about to use.

His phone buzzed as he signed the receipt.

[Transaction Complete: $1,200]

[Cashback Analysis:

- Base Rate: 5% ($60)

- High-Risk Social Bonus: +10% ($120)

- Total Cashback Rate: 15%

- Total Cashback Earned: $180]

[New Account Created: Cashback Rewards]

[Account Summary:

- Previous Balance: $0.00

- Deposit from Transaction: $180.00

- Current Balance: $180.00]

[Virtual Wallet Status: ACTIVATED]

[Note: All future earnings will be automatically deposited to this account]

'At least something good came out of this evening,' Alex thought, pocketing his phone. The idea of having his own money again, even a small amount, felt like a step toward independence in this borrowed life.

Outside, the night air was crisp, and Jessica's perfume mingled with the scent of approaching rain. She turned to him, her eyes twinkling with suggestion. The streetlights caught her hair like a halo, and for a moment, Alex could perfectly understand why Jason had fallen for her in the first place.

"So," she purred, stepping closer, "your place or mine?"

Alex's heart hammered in his chest. Everything about the evening had been perfect – too perfect. Like a beautiful trap waiting to spring shut. Jessica was everything anyone could want - gorgeous, successful, seemingly fun and adventurous. But somewhere in this perfect package lurked whatever had driven Jason to take legal action against her.

"Jessica, I-"

She pressed a finger to his lips. "Shhh. Don't overthink it. That was always your problem, you know? Analyzing everything to death instead of just..." her other hand slid up his chest, "...letting things happen."

'What are you hiding?' Alex wondered as she gazed up at him. 'What made Jason run from all of this?'

Perhaps, he'd find out later tonight.