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
Stefani whispered softly as she stepped into the room, her smile widened with Jacob still being asleep, his chest moving steadily up and down under the soft blanket. His face was all relaxed, a sight which was rarely seen in his often hectic schedule. She tiptoed over to the bed and slid back beneath the covers, not wanting to wake him right away. She lied beside him, could help but grin at the sight of him completely relaxed, dark hair all awry.Her hand reached out to pinch playfully, nipped gently with her fingers at his nose. His brows furrowed in confusion as he stirred but didn't wake. Biting back a giggle, she did the motion again, this time pulling on his ear."Mmm….what.?" Jacob mumbled, still half-asleep, his hand blindly reaching up to bat hers away.Stefani grinned mischievously and leaned closer, her voice a soft tease. "Jacob… wake up. you're missing the morning."He groaned, pulling the blanket higher over his head. "Five more minutes," he muttered, his voice muffled by
Jacob sat opposite his grandfather, Senior Hansley Carter, in the great, opulent study basked in low golden sunlight that streamed in through the high windows. The unease was palpable inside; the weight of what was about to ensue hung heavy in the air. Primo, Jacob's twin brother, stood silent off to one side with his arms crossed, observing his brother with a lookless face.The silence of the moment drew out, finally broken by Jacob, who leaned forward to speak. "You know why I'm here," he started off, quietly yet firmly.Senior Carter stayed seated, his hands neatly folded on his lap, his sharp and piercing eyes sizing Jacob up. He didn't respond immediately, awaiting Jacob to continue.Jacob took a deep breath. "I want the inheritance," he said flatly, his stare locked with his grandfather's. "But I won't give up Stefani to get it."Primo shifted slightly, his brow furrowed. He didn't interrupt, yet from the tension in his posture, he was as eager to know what was to follow.Senior
The crisp morning air was cool against Stefani’s skin as she and Jacob stood by the entrance of the grand estate, bags packed and ready to leave for the airport. The trip to Japan had been overwhelming, but also full of unexpected moments—particularly with Jacob’s grandfather.As they turned to leave, the heavy wooden door of the mansion creaked open behind them. Senior Hansley stepped out, his imposing figure framed by the doorway. His expression was as stern as ever, but there was something in his eyes that hinted at a softer undertone."You should visit again soon," he said, his voice low and gruff. His gaze shifted from Jacob to Stefani. His eyes lingered for a moment on her, then slowly dropped to her stomach.Stefani instinctively placed her hand on her tummy, her heart skipping a beat."I hope the next time you come, you’ll bring along my great-great-grandchildren," Senior Hansley added, his voice carrying a weight of expectation, yet it was softer, almost hopeful.Stefani blin
It was already bright when Stefani woke up. The daylight shining through the sheer curtains flooded the room with light, creating streams of gentleness and warmth on her bed. She opened her eyes and stretched out, finding the bed beside her empty. Jacob was already awake.She sat up straight, rubbed some sleep from her eyes, and took in the room. The quiet hum of morning outside was peaceful-sounding, almost idyllic. But still, she couldn't help but wonder where Jacob went. She slipped out of bed, pulling a light robe around her and padding towards the door. As she stepped into the hall, the faint scent of coffee reached her, and a small smile lined her lips.Jacob stood in the kitchen, downstairs; she watched him from where she stood, back to her as he busied himself pouring steaming coffee into two cups. His lips curled into a relaxed smile, and his hair was still somewhat tousled from sleep. It was such a simple, homey scene, it made her heart swell with warmth. She approached him
The day has finally come, and Jacob and Stefani were ready to go for their doctor's appointment. Both of them were quite nervous and excited at the same time. Hand in hand, they went into the clinic, meeting each other's hopeful glances. It had been a few weeks since the last check-up, and despite being fully cautious with everything, Stefani just couldn't keep the worries in check inside.The welcoming smile of the doctor let her acknowledge their stay as soon as possible, and work commenced without delay. Stefani rested back against the examination bed as the doctor set up her equipment for an ultrasound test. Jacob held her hand tightly while he stood beside her."Let's take a look at how everything is coming along," he said to Stefani, applying cool gel to her abdomen before beginning to move the ultrasound wand over her skin.The room was silent for a minute or so, punctuated only by the soft hum of the machine. And then there was a flicker on the screen, replaced by unmistakable
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