Chapter 4

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the sleek, modern conference table in the West Wing's primary meeting room. President West, not onlythe first openly queer President of the United States but also the youngest, sat at the head of the table, her expression serious. Her senior staff was assembled around her: Vice President Robert Shapiro, her image consultant Marcus Lane, and her communications czar Eliza Torres. The room buzzed with a subdued energy, reflecting the gravity of the discussion at hand.

Jade cleared her throat, signaling the start of the meeting. "We all know that me sitting in this position was nothing short of a miracle. But after President Harris broke that glass ceiling, my run became something that I did, because I saw the possibility. and as soon as I became eligible I threw my hat in. In a movement led by my generation and the next I was elected, and I have strived to deliver on my promises. We are here, First, because of my plans for the upcoming election and some personal matters that could impact change perception."

Marcus Lane, tall and impeccably dressed, leaned forward with a serious expression. "Madam President, we've been analyzing your current approval ratings and the political climate. You're facing considerable opposition from both sides of the political spectrum. It's clear that your next steps will be crucial."

Jade nodded. "Yes, the divide is stark. I need to decide whether to run for re-election, and there's also a personal matter I must address."

Eliza Torres, seated to Jade's right, looked up with concern. "What's on your mind, Ma'am?"

Jade took a deep breath. "I've decided that I want a divorce from Beck, and I believe it's best for both of us if we move on. I don't want to stretch this out and have him put his life on hold because of me any longer."

The room fell silent. Vice President Shapiro was the first to speak, his tone measured. "Ma'am, have you considered the timing of this decision? It could have significant implications for your campaign and public perception."

Marcus shifted in his seat, his gaze focused on Jade. "From a PR perspective, a divorce could be framed positively. It could make you appear more relatable to the public. We could even spin it to highlight your commitment to personal authenticity, which could resonate with voters."

Jade raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting that I should delay the divorce until after the election?"

Eliza, sensing the tension, intervened. "Ma'am, the timing of your divorce will impact both your campaign and your personal life. It's about finding the right balance between public perception and private reality."

Jade's gaze softened as she turned to Eliza. "I understand the implications. I need to consider what's best for both my future and Beck's. If the divorce can be managed effectively, it might help clear the way for me to start fresh, whether I run for re-election or not."

Robert Shapiro spoke up, his voice steady. "Madam President, whether you choose to run or not, the timing of your personal decisions will be scrutinized. It's crucial to manage both your public image and personal life carefully."

Jade's frustration was evident as she glanced around the room. "I appreciate your input, but I need to focus on the immediate work that needs to be done. I'll make my decision on the divorce and the election in due course. For now, I need to address the situation in Yerba."

Marcus nodded. "Understood. We'll work on strategies for both scenarios. Your decision on re-election will have to be made within the next few weeks, but it's important to also focus on the ongoing international issues."

Jade stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Thank you all for your insights. Let's reconvene after I've had a chance to discuss the Yerba situation with my Chief of Staff and the Vice President. For now, I need to head to the Oval Office."

As Jade left the conference room, her staff exchanged glances. There was a palpable sense of unease about the decisions ahead, but Jade's resolve was clear.

The Oval Office was quiet and solemn as Jade West entered, followed by Vice President Robert Shapiro and her Chief of Staff, Laura Mitchell. The room was filled with the grandeur typical of presidential offices, but the atmosphere was one of focused urgency.

Jade took her seat behind the Resolute Desk, gesturing for Robert and Laura to sit across from her. "Let's discuss the situation in Yerba. I've been watching the coverage of David Vega's funeral and seeing the new Chancellor, Victoria Vega."

Laura Mitchell, a sharp and organized woman, nodded. "We've been monitoring the situation closely. There's a lot of uncertainty about how Tori Vega will govern. Given her background and the way she handled her father's funeral, it's unclear whether she'll continue his policies or seek reform."

Robert Shapiro added, "There have been reports of unrest and a power struggle in Yerba. The international community is watching closely, and there's a concern about potential human rights violations if the new regime is not properly managed."

Jade's expression was thoughtful. "Tori Vega was always passionate about her country, but her father's regime was notorious for its brutality. I need to know if she is genuinely interested in reforming the government or if she will follow in her father's footsteps."

Laura leaned forward. "We could use our diplomatic channels to gather more intelligence on her intentions. It's crucial to determine her stance before making any public statements or taking action."

Jade sighed, her gaze fixed on the papers in front of her. "I want to ensure that we support any genuine efforts towards democratization in Yerba. At the same time, we must be prepared for any potential backlash or complications."

Robert nodded. "Agreed. We should prepare a response plan that includes both diplomatic and humanitarian strategies. If Tori Vega is genuinely committed to change, we need to support her. If not, we must be ready to address any negative consequences."

Jade looked at her Chief of Staff and Vice President, her resolve clear. "Let's coordinate with our intelligence agencies and diplomatic teams. We need to have a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Yerba. I'll be monitoring the developments closely and will need regular updates."

Laura and Robert both nodded in agreement. "We'll get started immediately," Laura said. "I'll ensure that we have a strategy in place and keep you informed."

As Jade prepared to leave the Oval Office, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but she was committed to navigating both her personal and professional responsibilities with clarity and purpose.

The soft lighting of the Oval Office cast a warm glow over the room as Jade West, President of the United States, sat behind her desk. Beck Oliver, her husband, and Katherine Brooks, their lawyer, were seated across from her. The weight of their discussion filled the room with a mix of tension, sadness, and a hint of relief.

Katherine adjusted her glasses and opened her leather-bound notebook. "Alright, let's get started. We're looking at a trial separation of six months, during which both of you can explore other relationships. Is that correct?"

Jade nodded, her eyes meeting Beck's briefly. "Yes, that's right. We both need to figure out what we want moving forward."

Beck, his voice steady but tinged with emotion, added, "We've also agreed to share custody of the children equally. They need both of us, and we'll make sure they're our top priority."

Katherine took notes, her pen moving swiftly across the paper. "And how about the separation of assets?"

Jade took a deep breath. "We've discussed it, and we want to keep things as fair as possible. We'll split everything down the middle."

Katherine nodded. "Understood. Now, let's talk about the timing. Jade, you mentioned you might run for re-election. How does this decision impact that?"

Jade's expression turned serious. "I need to announce my candidacy in time for the State of the Union. I don't want the divorce to be a distraction later on. If we handle this now, it will be less of an issue during the campaign."

Beck reached across the desk and took Jade's hand. "We've always been honest with each other, and with the public. This is no different."

Katherine continued to jot down notes, her expression neutral. "It sounds like you both have a clear plan. I'll start drafting the agreement based on what we've discussed. If there's anything else you need to add, now's the time."

The room fell silent as Jade and Beck exchanged a long, thoughtful look. The air was thick with the memories of their time together, both the good and the bad.

Jade was sitting on the cold tile floor of the janitor's closet at Hollywood Arts, her body wracked with sobs. She had been devastated ever since Tori Vega disappeared, leaving no explanation. The heartbreak was too much to bear, and she had been struggling to keep it together.

Beck found her there, his heart aching at the sight of his best friend in such pain. He knelt beside her, pulling her into his arms. "Jade, what's wrong? What happened?"

Through her tears, Jade choked out the truth. "Tori… she's gone, Beck. She's just gone, and I don't even know why. We were… we were together. She was my everything."

Beck's eyes widened with shock, but he didn't let go of her. "I'm so sorry, Jade. I had no idea."

Jade clung to him, her voice trembling. "I loved her, Beck. And now she's gone. I don't even know if she's okay. I can't be mad at her for what she did with Andre. I just miss her so much."

Beck held her tighter, his own emotions swirling. "You don't have to go through this alone, Jade. I'm here for you."

In that moment of vulnerability, Jade looked up at Beck, and their eyes locked. She leaned in and kissed him, seeking solace in the only person who understood her pain. Beck didn't pull away, and from that day on, they were inseparable. They had built a life together based on friendship, love, and mutual support.

The memory lingered in the air as Jade and Beck sat across from each other in the Oval Office. Despite the impending end of their marriage, the bond they shared was undeniable.

Katherine cleared her throat, bringing them back to the present. "I'll finalize the details and send the draft to both of you for review. If there are no further questions, we can adjourn for now."

Jade stood up, her hand still holding Beck's. "Thank you, Katherine. We'll review everything and get back to you."

As the lawyer left the office, Jade felt a mix of emotions—relief, sadness, and a glimmer of hope for the future. She and Beck had been through so much together, and though their marriage was ending, their friendship remained strong.

Beck turned to Jade, his eyes filled with understanding. "We're going to be okay, Jade. No matter what happens."

Jade nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I know, Beck. We'll always have each other, even if things change."