The evening air hung softly around them as Stefani lay her head down on the couch, her legs propped up on a pillow per doctor's orders. The weight of the news had settled in since their return from the clinic, a sweet, sobering burden. Jacob was busy with himself in the kitchen, but she could feel his attention on her even when he was not in the room.He had been quiet on his way home, lost in thought, but since he got inside, his actions spoke volumes of his care: tidied the house with purpose, brought her water, and was checking on her constantly. Jacob had always been attentive, given his jammed schedule managing the company, but today it was different. News about the twins heightened his protective instincts tenfold.Stefani gave a resigned sigh, turning slightly to take some pressure off her back. She knew that even while being so attentive to her, Jacob himself still faced everything going on: the excitement of twins, and the fears about everything that could go wrong with the he
The ensuing weeks were a gentle balancing act between rest and caution as Jacob fitted into the role of doting husband and meticulous caretaker. Doctors had placed Stefani on bed rest for most of her days, and Jacob struggled to find a balance in his responsibilities between the company and those new ones that called him home. Yet, no matter how busy he was, Jacob never failed to be there for her.One late afternoon, when the sun was already setting, Jacob came into the bedroom where Stefani sat propped up on a pile of pillows, a book in hand. He'd just returned from the office, which means his tie was now loose, and his shirt sleeves were now rolled up, but his expression went soft the instant he saw her."You're back," Stefani said, closing her book and smiling up at him.Jacob smiled back and set his briefcase by the door before he sauntered over to the bed and leaned down to kiss her forehead, holding the kiss a fraction longer than normal. "How are you feeling?" "Better, actuall
A few weeks flew by, and Stefani, along with Jacob, found themselves at the Ob-gyn for their next check-up. Life had actually fallen into a rhythm since the last visit when they found out about twins and the risks associated. Jacob was still coddling her, making sure she rested and ate right, avoided stress, even though he had his busy routine going on. His love and care comforted him at all times, but today the nerves were back. This appointment felt critical.By the time they finally left the house, the sun had just begun to rise. The cool morning air surged through the car as Jacob drove them across town to the clinic, his hand resting protectively on Stefani's thigh the entire time. For the most part, the drive was silent, with an unspoken tension between them, neither one of them daring to voice the fears lurking in their minds."Are you okay?" Jacob finally asked, looking over at her.Stefani looked over at him, giving a small smile. "Yeah, just… an
It was an afternoon of peace, and Stefani found herself lying in the sunlit room of the living area, feet propped up with a pillow, her fingers delicately running over her belly. The news from their last check-up was already calm and full of joy, but she still had this tinge that something was bothering Jacob's mind. He had been extra caring for the last few days, even more than usual.Jacob sat at his desk, in the corner of the room, his laptop open but forgotten. He had been working on something when his phone noisily buzzed, cutting through the silence of the house. Stefani looked up, watched as Jacob glanced down at the screen and let out a sigh before answering."Primo," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to her.Stefani straightened up a little further, interested. Jacob rarely spoke about his twin brother, Primo, or any of his family, for that matter. To date, she had never even met them. All she knew was that old money like Jacob's, legac
The days following Jacob's heated conversation with Primo were tense but relatively quiet. Jacob had thrown himself into work, his focus on managing the company. The prospect of confronting his grandfather about the inheritance was hanging heavily over him, but he had resolved to handle it on his own terms.On one somewhat busy afternoon, Jacob sat in his office, sorting through piles of documents until his phone rang. The name "Primo" flashed upon the screen, and Jacob answered with a sigh, already anticipating more family drama."Jacob," Primo's voice came through-measured, unlike before. "I've spoken with Grandpa. He's agreed to hear your offer, but he insists on hearing it in person."Jacob's grip on the phone tightened. "So, he wants me to fly out to Japan?""Yes," Primo confirmed. "He wants to discuss things face-to-face."Jacob's eyes narrowed, defiance sparking behind his gaze. "Fine, I'll be there in a few days. But let him know—I'll be bringing my wife with me."There was a
Stefani had never felt so out of her element as stepping off the plane in Japan. The crisp air held the unfamiliar scent of a new place, and everything around them felt like an adventure waiting to unfold. Despite the anticipation of meeting Jacob's family, especially his strict grandfather, being in a foreign country with him was exhilarating.As they emerged from the airport, Jacob reached out and gently took her hand. His jaw was tight, though his touch was soft to soothe the nerves between them. Stefani squeezed his hand softly, reminding herself they were in this together."I can't believe we are finally here," she said, looking on into the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.Jacob chuckled, though there was a note of strain in his voice. "Yeah. I just wish we weren't walking right into the lion's den."Stefani smiled, trying to lighten his mood. "I'll be fine. We'll be fine."As the car rolled down busy streets, the vibrant lights of Tokyo whizzing by, Stefani's stomach growled a loud,
The dining room was grand, and every component of it breathed refinement. The table was large enough to seat a board of an entire corporation and was set with fine specification dishes and utensils in place. But with all its grandeur, the air was thick with tension.Stefani sat next to Jacob and felt her heart pound against her chest. Thick silence weighed on her as servants quietly moved around them, serving dish after dish of traditional Japanese cuisine. The food looked amazing, but Stefani had barely touched her plate, her appetite overshadowed by the presence of Jacob's grandfather at the head of the table, who coldly flicked his gaze toward her time and time again.Jacob’s hand must have found hers under the table, for he gave her a reassuring squeeze. She glanced at him, thankful for the silent support. His calm demeanor, his steady presence, was all that kept her from crumbling.She took a deep breath once more, focusing on her surroundings rather than his dense scrutiny from
Stefani awoke early, and the soft morning light filtered through the curtains, gently illuminating the room. Jacob lay beside her, sleeping soundly, his arm protectively cast over her middle. She smiled, not wanting to awaken him, as she slipped from the bed. The house was still in these morning hours, and she felt the garden calling her outside for fresh air and a moment of solitude.She quickly dressed and slipped into a light sweater before tiptoeing out. The air was refreshing as she stepped outside, with the soft sounds of birds waking up, greeting the day. The garden stretched in expanse hedged with perfectly trimmed bushes and bright flowers dripping with dew. On its calming properties, the air carried the scent of jasmine.As she walked through the garden, in a dreamy fashion, toward the far end where a small stone bench sat facing the rising sun, she saw the quiet form of a man sitting and sipping from a delicate cup of coffee. Jacob's grandfather.She