My hand hurt from his grip. It was clear Jace was angry.'Is he jealous?'Just as I wondered, Jace let go of my hand, his eyes cold. "Rea, are you doing this to get back at me because of what I said?"I was shocked. I didn't think he'd see it that way."I didn't, I--" I began to explain but he interrupted me."Where did you touch him? Did you really touch him there?" Jace's jaw was tense, and his eyes had a fierce glint.But this rare display of jealousy eased a lot of my frustration. It showed he did care about me. If he only saw me as a sister or a friend, he wouldn't care if I touched another guy."No," I said again.Just then, Brad walked out and whistled at me. "Hey creep, why are you hitting on my brother-in-law?"Rudeness was typical from him, and this was no exception.Looking at him, I couldn't help but wonder what I did to deserve this.Tanya came over too. When I thought of her touching Jace earlier, I instinctively took Jace's arm.However, I didn't expect to fe
Tanya had a close call; her baby was saved, and now she was back in her hospital room.Her face was pale and drawn, her eyes red and puffy, making her look fragile and pitiful."Don't worry, the baby is fine," Jace reassured her."Jace, I was so scared," Tanya began to cry.Jace handed her a tissue, and she took it, grabbing his hand and resting her tear-streaked face on it.'She might be pitiful, but does being pitiful give her the right to treat my fiancé as her own?' I thought.I walked over. "Mrs. Blake, the doctor said that strong emotions are bad for the baby. You barely managed to save the child. If something happens again because you're crying like this, it would be terrible."I reached out to support her, subtly pulling her away.Seeing her tears on Jace's hand still made me uncomfortable, like something of mine had been tainted by someone else. I was a bit of a clean freak, both in life and in love.Tanya seemed taken aback when I called her Mrs. Blake. Her face visi
Even though I wasn't so turned on that I'd lose control, if Jace answered the phone or left right now, I'd be mortified.He swallowed hard and grabbed his phone, pressing the button to hang up. He continued kissing my neck and collarbone.But the phone rang again a second later. I knew that if he didn't answer, there would be no peace for either of us.Turning my face to the side, I said, "You should answer it."Jace looked uneasy. He pulled the blanket over me, picked up the phone, and walked to the balcony.Even though he closed the sliding door, I could still hear him."I can't come over. Ask the nurse to help you."I didn't say I wouldn't take care of you... I know it's my fault..."Fine, stop crying. I'm coming, I'll be there soon."Then I heard the click of a lighter.Jace was smoking.For the first time, he was smoking at home.It was nearly ten minutes before Jace returned. The air was tinged with the tobacco smell.His eyes looked uneasy as he said, "Um... I have
"Keira, Mr. Johnston is looking for you."Demi Young, who had followed me, held out her phone.I had really underestimated Jace's persistence. With no other choice, I took the call. "Mr. Johnston, what can I do for you?" I asked formally."Rea," Jace's voice was hoarse and full of guilt. "Why'd you leave so early today? I didn't see you when I got back."Realizing this wasn't a work call, I stepped away. "I went out for breakfast.""I'm sorry, I... I couldn't leave last night, so I didn't come back."A cold chill ran through me, and I felt a mocking smile on my lips. "Why couldn't you leave?"Jace went silent.I held my breath, giving him an out. "Was it because you couldn't find a caregiver?""Yes..."I didn't say anything else, but Jace continued, "Rea, when will you be done there? I can pick you up, and we can grab lunch together."We hadn't had a meal together in a long time. According to Brad, Jace had been spending his time with Tanya. So, this sudden lunch invite—was
"Join us!" Jace agreed without consulting me.Tanya sat down, looking at the food in front of her with a foodie expression. "Grilled fish, I've been craving this lately.""Shall I order you some foie gras as well?" Jace's tone was casual."And add some dessert, yogurt ice cream with strawberry sauce, and orange juice," Tanya said, then turned to me, "Keira, would you like some orange juice too?""No, I'll have water," I replied, putting a piece of foie gras into my mouth. It was smooth, delicate, with a faint milky aroma..."Jace, was the foie gras you brought me before from this restaurant?" Tanya's words made me pause mid-chew.I looked at him, noting his slightly stiff expression, "...Yes."No wonder he knew the foie gras here was good. He had bought it for Tanya multiple times, while today was my first time having it—only because he felt guilty.Suddenly, the foie gras in my mouth lost its flavor, making it hard to swallow."No wonder the smell seemed familiar," Tanya said
Tanya's face went even paler, her already fair skin now almost ghostly. She gripped her juice glass, her hands shaking. "I'm sorry, I... I didn't mean to."She looked so fragile and pitiful that it seemed like I'd said something to hurt her feelings.But I didn't stop. Since I'd started, I might as well finish. "Maybe you didn't mean to, but it has affected us. If it wasn't on purpose, just be more mindful in the future. No need to apologize.""If Desmond were still here, I would never trouble Jace," Tanya said, tears streaming down her face again. She sure knew how to turn on the waterworks.Her words were cleverly chosen, leaving me at a disadvantage.Tanya looked at me, her eyes shimmering. "I turn to Jace because Desmond entrusted him with that responsibility before he passed, and Jace agreed."Her hands kept rubbing the glass as she added, "If it weren't for that, I wouldn't bother Jace."This was her way of excusing herself while subtly blaming me.But we were all adults
Jace turned, his eyes wide with surprise, quickly replaced by anger. "Rea, try to be reasonable. Tanya--""I'm your fiancée!" I cut him off.Saying that made me feel so pathetic. Watching TV, I always thought the heroine in these scenes was too weak, that it wasn't worth arguing with a jerk. Now that it was happening to me, I got it."Tanya is pregnant; I can't let anything happen to her!" Jace said, stepping back.After a few steps, he turned and ran outside.In the end, he chose her over me.Sitting there, I saw him catch up to Tanya. They were pulling at each other, and finally, Tanya clung to him and fell into his arms.I lowered my head, unable to watch any longer.Whether there was anything between them or not, his choice today gave me the answer to my wavering heart.I barely touched the food but ended up paying the three-hundred-dollar bill.Instead of going back to Jace's place, I went to Lena's."Are you really breaking up with him?" Lena, the amazing gynecologist,
Jace's face stiffened slightly. "Last night, I was worried something might happen to Tanya. You know Desmond was his parents' only son. Now, the baby she's carrying is their whole hope. If something went wrong..."He didn't finish, but I got it."So, as long as it's about her, you'll always put her first, right?" I asked coldly.Jace was quiet for a couple of seconds before he said, "Once the baby's born, things will be different."I laughed.As I turned my head, the rising sun stung my eyes.I looked at him. "Jace, even after the baby's born, there will be other problems. The baby might get sick or have accidents. As long as you can use this kid as an excuse, you and Tanya will always be tangled up, and I'll always be the one you leave behind."Jace didn't say anything.I made my stance clear. "Jace, after getting married, I don't want my husband taking care of another woman every few days.""Rea, give me some time. I'll sort this out." Jace's eyes showed conflict."What is