Jacob checked his pocket again to make sure that his phone was really not there. For the second time, he swallowed hard and marched back to the car, but before he could reach it, he was stopped in his tracks by Shaira."Jacob!" Shaira called out with a smile. "Are you waiting for me?"It seemed like Jacob's whole being froze in fear as he quickly looked around, afraid someone would see them.When he realized that everyone around him was a foreigner, he breathed a sigh of relief and returned his gaze to Shaira."I have just arrived. You can go inside first, I just need to go back to my car and you can wait for me inside. I don't want to prolong this and I want it to be over soon," he said directly and seriously.Shaira only smirked and didn't pay attention to him, instead, she wrapped her hand around his arm and dragged him along. Jacob couldn't react immediately due to shock. He only reacted when they were already inside the restaurant.He quickly removed Shaira's hand and looked at
Jacob stared at the phone in his hand and momentarily blanked out. He was stunned and seemed unable to process what Liam had just said. After a few seconds passed, the words finally registered in his mind. "What do you mean...?" Jacob asked calmly. "Why would she leave without a reason if you're saying she left before the picture issue between Shaira and me came out?" Liam was speechless because he didn't know either, but as he thought, his eyes landed on the phone Jacob was holding. Jacob, too, shifted his attention there. As they both realized what was happening, Jacob quickly unlocked his phone and his hand went cold as he swiped through it, revealing his conversation with Shaira. It was an unknown number, but it wasn't hard to guess who he was talking to. He tightly gripped his phone, his knuckles turning white. He remained silent as he quickly returned to his room to retrieve his important belongings. Upon stepping out, he immediately instructed Liam to prepare the jet th
Jacob was taken aback by what he heard from Stefani. His heart ached slightly and his hands grew cold momentarily.After a minute, he took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "Please, let me explain. This is all a misunderstanding.""A misunderstanding?" Stefani repeated incredulously. "I saw and read everything I needed to. So, you don't need to explain anymore. Just leave."Jacob didn't know where to begin with his explanation. He was afraid that one wrong word could completely shatter Stefani's trust."Please, listen to me. It's not what you think. There's a reason why—"Jacob stopped speaking as the door opened and Stefani appeared. Her eyes were swollen, red, as if she was about to cry again. Jacob was momentarily stunned before he regained his composure.He tried to approach Stefani, but she quickly moved away. He attempted to hold her hand, but she swiftly dodged his touch."Don't touch me!" Stefani said firmly, glaring at Jacob. "You should have told me earlier so we wouldn't have
Summer entered Stefani's room and saw her awake. Stefani was standing on the terrace, watching the plants that she hadn't seen for a long time since she got married to Jacob.She noticed Summer entering but didn't look back. She remained silent until Summer approached her."The weather is nice. It's great to take a walk outside," Summer randomly said and stood next to Stefani. She smiled and took a deep breath of the breeze before speaking without looking at Stefani. "But it's even better to appreciate this view when your mind is at peace and you're with someone you love."Stefani still didn't speak but she felt where her mommy was heading with the topic. She remained quiet before Summer continued, "Sometimes, it's better to share the heaviness you feel rather than keep it inside. The weight may not go away but somehow, your heart will feel lighter."A strong wind blew, tousling Stefani's hair and in an instant, tears welled up in her eyes. "I grew up never feeling insecure because yo
Stefani's heart seemed to ache when she saw Jacob's tears flowing continuously. She panicked and felt confused about what to do next. Unable to bear it any longer, she quickly approached Jacob and held his face. "D-Don't cry. Why are you crying? Stop it! You're making me nervous!" She didn't know whether to lower her hand from his face, leave, or just wait for him to stop crying. As she was about to lower her hand, she was surprised when he suddenly grabbed it and placed it back on his face. He leaned his face on it and closed his eyes while warm tears continued to fall from his eyes. "I'm scared..." he mumbled. "I'm so scared because I know you can make those words happen with just one word from you. And I don't want that to happen... I love you and this love I have for you is making me madly insane." Stefani's heart softened at the simple words he uttered. She couldn't help but feel pain for his tears. She didn't speak while he continued, "Tell me what I lack. Tell me what I n
Jacob and Stefani returned to their home, but Stefani did not feel well. She felt nauseous and dizzy every day, sleeping all day until Jacob came back from work.Today, Jacob could not bear seeing her like this anymore so he suggested, "You're like this every day. Don't you want to consult with a doctor? I know one."Stefani furrowed her brow while leaning against the headboard, still feeling unwell. "Why do we need to see another one? We have a family doctor who can just come here and check on me."Jacob pursed his lips. He knew that their family doctor could do the check-up, but he wanted to personally go to an ob-gyne to confirm if Stefani was pregnant. He was afraid that she might not actually be pregnant and might be sick instead.Jacob let out a sigh. "Honey, can't we just go in person? After all, it's been weeks since you've gone out. We should also go on dates because it's been a while since we've had one."Stefani blushed when Jacob called her by their endearment. Even though
As days passed, Jacob and Stefani cameback at Carter's mansion, for reasons that Stefani couldn't quite explain, she wanted to stay there longer. It felt like they had wasted so much time together and staying at the mansion reminded her of their childhood memories. However, their stay at the Carter's mansion wasn't easy for Jacob.There were times when Stefani would suddenly be in a bad mood and wouldn't let Jacob into her room. In the mornings, he could hear her throwing up but he couldn't help her because her door was locked.Luckily, in the past few days, Stefani has been in a good mood and allowed Jacob to sleep beside her.Jacob had just come home from work when he saw Stefani sleeping soundly. He slowly approached and sat on the bed to kiss her. However, no matter how gentle he was, Stefani still woke up.She smiled as she faced him. "What time is it? I fell asleep waiting for you."Jacob returned her smile and kissed her forehead. "It's dawn. Go back to sleep."Stefani sat up an
The morning was cool, and Stefani stood in front of the mirror, tenderly caressing her growing belly. Her pregnancy had filled her life with new light and a deep joy shared by both Stefani and Jacob. On this day, she felt an extra spring in her step as she prepared to surprise him at his office. Spending a lot of time alone in recent times was a rare thing, and she knew how much he wanted to see her.The drive from their house to Jacob's office was serene; the city bustled with its usual rhythm. As the sleek office building came in view, Stefani took a deep breath, feeling both excited and a gentle flutter from life growing inside. She smiled as she stepped out of the car and thanked the driver before heading inside.The lobby was grand, as usual, but today it felt especially so. Stefani moved with grace, her hand set protectively over her belly, as she glided towards the elevator. It wasn't until the doors closed that a surge of anticipation washed over her. She couldn't wait to see
The house was aglow with festive cheer. Warm lights twinkled on the Christmas tree, and the scent of cinnamon, pine, and freshly baked cookies filled the air. Stefani stood in the kitchen, putting the final touches on a tray of cupcakes. The sound of laughter and chatter echoed through the living room, where both sides of the family—hers and Jacob’s—had gathered for the holidays.This was exactly how she had always imagined it—a full house, filled with the people she loved most. The twins, Elara and Ethan, were playing with their new toys, their excitement bubbling over as they showed their grandparents everything Santa had brought. Stefani glanced over at them and smiled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the fire crackling in the fireplace.It was Christmas, and in just a few days, it would be New Year’s Eve. A fresh start. Stefani couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed since the last holiday season. The ups and downs, the struggles, the tri
The warm sunlight streamed through the curtains as Stefani stretched, listening to the excited giggles from down the hall. Today was a special day, one she had been anticipating for weeks—Ethan and Elara's fifth birthday. Five years. Stefani could hardly believe how quickly time had flown. It felt like just yesterday she was cradling two tiny newborns in her arms, overwhelmed with love and exhaustion. Now, they were running around the house, full of energy and life, growing faster than she ever thought possible.The house buzzed with activity as Stefani got ready. Balloons lined the walls, colorful streamers were draped across the ceiling, and the smell of freshly baked cake filled the air. Today wasn’t just about celebrating the twins; it was also about celebrating how far their family had come—through sleepless nights, laughter-filled days, and moments that had tested them but ultimately brought them closer.“Mommy!” Elara’s voice echoed down the hallway, followed by the sound of li
Stefani’s heart fluttered with excitement as she paced the living room, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She glanced at the clock for the hundredth time, mentally calculating the minutes left before Jacob was supposed to arrive. The house had been transformed into a celebration space, a labor of love that had taken weeks of planning and countless late nights spent coordinating with friends and family. The air was thick with anticipation, and the only thing left to do was wait for the guest of honor to walk through the door.Jacob had reached a major milestone in his career—winning a prestigious award for excellence in business management, something that had been his goal for years. It was a recognition of his hard work, long hours, and dedication, but more than that, it was a symbol of how far he had come. Stefani had watched him pour his heart and soul into his work, even though he once lost sight of their family.So, when she heard about the award, Stefani knew she had to cel
The sun was just starting to rise, casting a golden glow over the city, but Stefani had been up for hours. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nerves as she stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair and making final adjustments to her outfit. Today was the day. After years of dreaming, planning, and putting it off for her family, she was about to open her very own bakery.Stefani had always loved baking. It was more than a hobby for her; it was a passion, a way to express her creativity and share joy with others. From the time she was little, she would spend hours in the kitchen, covered in flour and experimenting with different flavors. But as life moved forward—marriage, children, and all the responsibilities that came with them—her dream of opening her own bakery had taken a back seat.Until now.Jacob had been her biggest supporter, urging her to follow her heart and make this dream a reality. He’d helped her find the perfect location for the bakery—a charming l
The school auditorium buzzed with excitement, filled with the soft murmur of parents, teachers, and children waiting for the talent show to begin. Stefani sat beside Jacob in the front row, her heart racing with a mix of pride and anticipation. She held Jacob’s hand tightly, glancing at the small stage where, in just a few moments, Ethan and Elara would perform in their first-ever talent show.The twins, now five years old, had been practicing for weeks. Every day after school, Stefani and Jacob would find them in the living room, dancing, singing, and occasionally arguing over who got to lead. It had been a rollercoaster of giggles, minor frustrations, and endless rehearsals. Now, the big day had finally arrived.Stefani shifted in her seat, excitement bubbling in her chest as she watched the children backstage. "I can't believe our babies are up there," she whispered to Jacob, her voice filled with awe. "It feels like just yesterday they were learning to walk."Jacob smiled, squeezi
The gentle breeze rolled off the sea, carrying with it the salty freshness of the ocean. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the pristine sands of the island they had just arrived on. It felt surreal to Stefani—the beauty of the place, the laughter of her children echoing in the air as Ethan and Elara chased each other down the shore. This island was nothing like anywhere they had been before, and for the first time in a long while, Stefani felt the worries of everyday life slip away.Jacob stood beside her, his eyes locked on the twins with a soft smile tugging at his lips. “It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice warm.Stefani nodded, her fingers lacing through his as she leaned into him. “It’s perfect,” she whispered. “I can’t believe we’re actually here. No work, no stress—just us.”He glanced down at her, something unreadable in his expression. “That’s exactly what I wanted, Stef. Just us. We’ve been through a lot, and I thought we could use so
It was a Wednesday afternoon when Stefani sat by the window, staring out at the garden while Elara and Ethan played outside. Their laughter echoed through the yard, but Stefani couldn’t find it in herself to join in. Her mind was miles away, consumed by the growing distance between her and Jacob.Days had turned into weeks since their last conversation about his workaholic tendencies, and though Jacob had apologized and promised to do better, nothing had changed. He was still coming home late, still missing family dinners, and still buried in projects that seemed more important than their family.The door opened, and Jacob walked in, looking as exhausted as ever. His tie hung loosely around his neck, and his shirt was wrinkled from a long day at the office. He glanced at Stefani, his eyes filled with that same apologetic look she had grown used to."Hey," he greeted her, dropping his briefcase by the door. "Sorry I'm late again. The meeting ran longer than expected."Stefani sighed, h
Stefani sat at the dinner table, her eyes tracing the empty seat across from her. The warm glow from the chandelier above felt dim compared to the brightness that used to fill their family meals. It wasn’t the first night Jacob had missed dinner, but it felt like the hundredth. His absence weighed heavily on her heart, an unspoken distance growing between them.Elara and Ethan, now five, chatted animatedly as they poked at their food, their little voices filling the silence Jacob had left behind. Stefani tried to focus on their laughter, their joy, but her mind kept drifting back to the clock on the wall, ticking louder and louder with every passing second. Each tick felt like a reminder that Jacob was missing yet another evening with his family.“Mommy, when is Daddy coming home?” Ethan’s soft voice cut through her thoughts. His big brown eyes were filled with innocent hope, the kind that still believed his father would walk through the door at any moment.Stefani’s heart clenched. S
Stefani sat by the window in their bedroom, watching the sunset as the soft orange hues danced across the horizon. The house was unusually quiet, save for the distant laughter of their children playing in the living room with their grandparents. She sighed, clutching her phone as her thumb hovered over Jacob’s contact.It had only been a few hours since she last saw him. He had left early in the morning for a meeting, and now the day was fading into night, with no sign of him returning. She knew Jacob loved her deeply, and she had no reason to doubt his loyalty. But still, the whisper of insecurities crawled into her mind ever since Olivia started working in his office.Despite Jacob’s reassurances and the fact that Olivia no longer bothered him, Stefani couldn't help but feel unsettled. She had always been confident in their relationship, but lately, small things seemed to gnaw at her sense of security. The little voice in her head was louder than usual.What if Olivia is still aroun