He Swore He Hated Seafood, So Why Did His Lips Taste Like Oysters? - Chapter 112: Chapter 112

Jace and I had known each other eight years.
Six of those, we were together.
From when I was 21 to now—29.
When we were broke, we'd split a single pack of ramen a day.
Now we had our own startup, and people called him "Mr. Chandler" like he was somebody.
We met at a college career fair—I was walking around with my resume, and he was there recruiting.
His company was tiny back then, just him and a dream.
He was two years older, fresh out of college, grinding to make it work.
I won't lie, he was handsome.
And when he said I'd be one of the "founding team," it sounded big.
I fell for it, headfirst.
But when did I actually fall for him?
I think it was that night...
We were trying to land this pathetic little contract, and the guy on the other side—some greasy old exec—
Started hitting on me, saying the nastiest shit.
I was pissed, but I didn't fight back.
We needed that deal too damn much.
Then Jace stood up and decked the guy.
Table flipped, food everywhere.
He got his ass beat, of course—outnumbered.
He ended up with a black eye, looking like a cartoon character.
I cried while putting ice on his face.
"Why'd you do that? You didn't have to."
He winced, still catching his breath.
"Long as I'm around, no one touches you."
I wanted to believe him so bad.
"But now we lost the deal. We can't even make payroll next month."
He grabbed my hand, eyes locked on mine.
"Sloane, we'll make it. You gotta trust me."
Something about his voice made me stop breathing.
He saw that, and smiled like he knew he had me.
"One day, our company's gonna be top of the damn industry."
"When that day comes, I'll give you everything you want. All of it. Whatever you ask."
His eyes were full of me.
Like I was the only thing in the world.
My heart went nuts.
Felt like it was on fire.
Maybe he was just selling a dream—but in that moment?
I bought it.