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
Jacob was finishing up his work for the evening when a knock came at the door of his study. He turned to see the driver enter, his face somber. Jacob could sense tension in his face and immediately experienced a knot begin to form in his stomach. Something was wrong."Mr. Jacob, sir, may I have a word with you?" he asked respectfully, though his voice showed traces of concern."Of course," Jacob answered, ushering him inside. "What's wrong?"The chauffeur stepped inside and closed the door behind him, standing erect yet with eyes that shared in the gravity of what he had to say. "Sir, earlier today when I went to pick up Mrs. Stefani from your office… she was being followed by a man."Jacob's face darkened. He leaned forward as his voice emerged steady, laced with steel. "Followed? Are you sure?"The driver nodded. His eyes didn't waver. "Yes, sir. I saw him once she exited the building. He kept his distance but was definitely following her. That is why I hastened towards her and ushe
Stefani awoke gradually; the soft morning light filtered through the curtain. Instinctively, she reached out for the security of Jacob's presence lying beside her, but her hand pressed onto cool nothingness on his side of the bed. Frowning, she turned upright and looked around the room, peering through with the response of unease. The room was too quiet without Jacob there to fill it.She slipped out of bed, and the chill of the wooden floor made her shiver. As she went downstairs, unease filled her more and more. The house was silent-much too quiet. Where could Jacob have gone so early in the morning without telling her?As she entered the kitchen, she was greeted by the fresh, unmistakable aroma of just-brewed coffee; however, it did little for her brittle nerves. She found one of the maids cleaning the countertops."Good morning, Mrs. Stefani," the maid greeted her cordially with a courteous smile.Stefani just as politely smiled back, though it seemed rather forced. "Good morning.
Jacob sat alone in the darkened underground room, his fists still clenched from the encounter he had with the stalker. The thoughts which were juggling in his mind comprised Stefani, her safety, and the horrific truth he had just came across. The rage which had driven him some minutes ago was still broiling in his mind but was gradually ebbing and was replaced by a gnawing concern.He pulled out his phone; the screen lit his grim-looking face. A few taps later, the call log was full of missed calls and voicemails from Stefani. His heart ached as he thought about how worried she must be. Jacob took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, and hit play on the first voicemail."Hey Jacob, it's me. I woke up and you were gone. Please call me when you get this. I'm worried."Her voice came out soft and laced with anxiety, cutting through his anger like a knife. The anger that had burned within him, a fury directed at Shaira, the stalker, and everyone involved in this twisted plot, seemed t