My New Eyes Can See Through Clothes

There was a sleek car parked in front of the store, a sports car that looked like it belonged more on a racetrack than in front of a restaurant. Jack couldn't quite make out the logo, but from its sleek, streamlined design and the unmistakable gleam of wealth, he could tell it was a luxury model, one that likely cost millions.

Next to the car stood a young man in an impeccably tailored suit, holding a large bouquet of flowers. He looked every bit the part of a gentleman waiting for a date, but there was something a little too polished about his stance, like he had practiced it in front of a mirror. Jack's instincts were on alert. He knew a pretentious rich guy when he saw one.

"Shit," Samantha muttered under her breath as she spotted the man, quickly pulling Lena behind her in a protective motion. Her face was a mix of annoyance and frustration.

Jack raised an eyebrow, glancing between the two women. Could this flashy guy really be here for one of them? Judging by their reactions, he wasn't far off the mark.

Sure enough, the man's eyes locked onto Lena the moment he saw her. He strode over with the confidence of someone used to getting what they wanted. Holding out the bouquet, he offered her a dazzling smile, his tone dripping with charm.

"Lena, I've been looking for you everywhere," he said smoothly. "I was hoping you'd join me for a movie tonight. What do you say?"

Lena hesitated, staying half-hidden behind Samantha, but eventually stepped forward. She clearly didn't want to make a scene, but it was obvious from her expression that she wasn't pleased.

"I'm really tired," she replied, politely but firmly. "I've been out all day, and I just want to go home and rest. Sorry."

Her rejection didn't deter him. The young man's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. He laughed lightly as though she'd just made a cute joke and nodded. "I understand. You've had a long day. But I'll come by tomorrow. Maybe we can grab lunch, or…"

"I'm working tomorrow," Lena interrupted, her tone still calm but more insistent. "I really don't have time."

Jack, observing the interaction, leaned over to Samantha and whispered, "Who the hell is this guy?"

Samantha sighed, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "His name's Patrick. He's a student at City University, but his dad's a pretty big deal. Some kind of entrepreneur."

"Ah, one of those," Jack replied knowingly. He'd seen guys like this before—rich, privileged, and arrogant enough to think the world revolved around them.

Samantha rubbed her temple as if dealing with a headache. "Lena's got a bit of a reputation on campus. She's popular, and unfortunately, that means she attracts all kinds of unwanted attention. Most guys know when to back off, but Patrick… well, he's not one of them."

Jack's brow furrowed. "Seems like he's pretty persistent. I thought he looked harmless enough at first."

"Harmless?" Samantha snorted, her voice dropping into a whisper. "Patrick's bad news. There's a rumor that he got a girl pregnant a while back. He refused to take responsibility, and the poor girl was so humiliated that she tried to take her own life. Thankfully, she survived, but… child didn't."

Jack frowned deeply.

Meanwhile, Patrick was still trying to wear down Lena's resolve, undeterred by her continued refusals.

"Lena," he said, his voice softening as he stepped closer. "You don't need to be afraid of me. I'm not trying to pressure you. I just want a chance. I can change for you. Just give me a chance, and you'll see. I'll become the man you want me to be."

Lena's expression tightened. "I've told you before, Patrick. I'm not interested in dating anyone before I graduate. That hasn't changed."

Patrick's smile wavered slightly, but he wasn't ready to back off yet. He opened his mouth to argue again, but before he could speak, Jack stepped forward, his face calm but determined.

Samantha blinked in surprise as Jack casually walked up to Patrick. She shot him a look as if to say, "What are you doing?" but Jack ignored it.

"Hey, man," Jack said, putting on his most casual, friendly tone. "Sorry to cut in, but Lena's not lying. She's really busy these days. She's up early and gets back late. I should know—I see her every morning."

Patrick turned his head slowly to face Jack, his expression a mix of confusion and annoyance. "And who exactly are you?"

Jack smiled wider, sensing his opportunity. "Oh, didn't Lena mention? We live together."

Samantha's eyes widened in disbelief, and Lena let out a small, shocked gasp. She turned to Jack, ready to protest, but he quickly gave her a subtle pinch on the side. It wasn't painful, but it was enough to stop her from saying anything.

The pinch had an unexpected effect. Lena's face flushed a deep red, and she glared at Jack, but she didn't correct him. Instead, she was left standing there, trying to compose herself while Patrick's gaze shifted between the two of them.

"You… you live together?" Patrick asked slowly, his voice low and dangerous.

Jack nodded, still smiling. "Yep. We share a place, help each other out. You know how it is. It's nice having someone around when life gets busy. Right, Lena?"

Lena's face was still flushed, but she nodded stiffly, biting her lip to keep from saying anything more.

Patrick's eyes darkened, and his hands clenched around the bouquet, crumpling the delicate flowers. His voice, when he spoke again, was laced with barely-contained anger. "What's your relationship, exactly?"