Never Underestimate Jamie Luther

2: Big deal

At the mansion from the comfort of his home, The mahogany desk gleamed under the soft light of the monitor, reflecting Jamie's focused expression. A couple of days had passed since the anniversary, and he had thrown himself into work, trying to bury the nagging doubts that had taken root. He told himself he was being ridiculous, that Francesca loved him, that everything was fine.

Was it?

Her strange scent. Her voice. She had always prioritize look and her make up was smudged. And calling her worker 'dear'?

"Mr Luther, Do you hear me?"

Jamie blinked. He was in an online meeting with his team at Biiite Luxury Eco-Tourism–one of the companies he owned– discussing potential investors and client. The atmosphere in the virtual room was buzzing with energy and possibly positive outcome. For some reason, Jamie knew he would get a good deal.

He knew, sort off.

"We've got a big one, Mr Luther," said David, his head of marketing, his face filling the screen as he leaned closer. "A real game-changer."

"Good? Fill me in," Jamie said, leaning back in his chair, a flicker of excitement igniting within him.

"We've been approached by representatives of the Al-Zahran family," David announced, his voice laced with anticipation. "They're planning a wedding. A massive wedding. And they want Biiite to handle the entire thing."

Biiite Luxury Eco-Tourism company happened to be one of Jamie's company and it offers luxurious, sustainable travel that respects nature and local cultures.

Jamie's eyes widened. The Al-Zahran family was one of Qatari royalty, known for their lavish spending and extravagant celebrations. This could be one of the biggest contract in Biiite's history.

"What are the details?" he asked, his mind already racing.

The team launched into a presentation, outlining the scope of the project: a week-long celebration in Saudi Arabia, hundreds of guests. Jamie listened intently, his initial doubts fading away, replaced by a surge of adrenaline. This was it. This was the opportunity to take Biiite to the next level and he couldn't help but smile.

As the meeting wrapped up, Jamie felt he needed to share this with Francesca. He wanted her to be a part of it. He decided to propose a collaboration between Biiite and her company, Fems Luxury Eco-Tourism. It would be a chance to boost her business, to show her that he believed in her.

She was just starting and an influence or recommendation from him would be significant.

He reached for his phone and dialed her number. It rang and rang, going straight to voicemail. He frowned. She was usually glued to her phone.

"Hey, sweetheart, it's me," he said, leaving a message. "Call me when you get a chance. Got some great news."

He waited for her call, pacing his office, his energy building. But the hours ticked by, and his phone remained silent. Soon, he went to the sitting room.

As dusk settled over the yard, he heard the familiar sound of Francesca's key in the lock. He stood still, his gaze glued, eager to share his news.

Francesca walked in, her face tired, her hair slightly disheveled. She didn't meet his gaze. From the side Jamie could see her shoulders tensed. The side profile couldn't conceal the blasé look on her face.

"Hey," she said, her voice flat.

"Hey," he replied, his excitement faltering. "Long day?"

"You have no idea," she said, kicking off her shoes and head to the kitchen.

"I tried calling you," he said, following her. "I have some big news."

She poured herself a glass of wine, taking a long sip. "What is it?" She said barely hiding the boredom on her face.

"Biiite, not the development one. It has been approached by the Al-Zahran family," he said, his voice brimming with excitement. "They want me to handle their wedding. It's huge, Francesca. Huge."

Her eyes widened, her weariness momentarily forgotten. "Seriously? That's amazing, honey!"

"I was thinking," he continued, "we could collaborate. Biiite and Fems Luxury Eco-Tourism. It would be a great opportunity for both of us. Especially for you and make you more popular"

Her smile widened, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, baby. Jamie, that's... that's incredible! Of course, I'm in!"

He grinned, relief washing over him. "Great! We'll talk details tomorrow. But for now," he said, pulling her close, "let's celebrate."

He kissed her, but her lips felt distant, unfamiliar. She didn't kiss him back, nor did she hold him back. Francesca just stood still like she was being forced. The same alien scent from yesterday. No matter how all fingers here pointing at something, Jamie tried to make himself believe his wife just got a new perfume.

"Just tired" She muttered.

He pulled back, a flicker of doubt returning. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was still off, that she was still keeping something from him.

As she excused herself to take a shower, Jamie stared at the electronic fire place, the calm dancing flames cleaning his worries. His mind moved across the golden-orange Lillie's and flowers. He had made his mansion to the taste of his wife and bow he couldn't help but wondered if that was what he really wanted.

"Oh" he flinched as his phone rang, it was his Dean Luther, Jamie's father "Hello Father"

"I need audience. Could I get a promotion on your Biiite app. This is for Luther's Lock Interior design companies" Dean stated. It wasn't a request as it should sound, it was more like a order.

Jamie sighed. He had been announced the heir and basically run thing but his father still run the company and whether he liked it or not, the promotion would help him more than his father.

"Alright. I will Inform David to wrap it" he said before ending the call.