He inhaled deeply, running a hand down his face. For once, he wanted peace. He extended his arm to grab his phone and called Kendall's number, feeling a slight slump in his shoulders as it rang. “Jason?” Kendall spoke softly with a hint of anxiety in her voice. “Hey.” His tone softened instantly, a contrast to the edge he’d carried all evening. “I’m heading home early. I thought it would be nice to spend some time with you. She hesitated briefly before responding, her voice uncertain. “That’s… unexpected.” "Is now not a good time?" he inquired, furrowing his brows. "She quickly said, "No, no." “I just—never mind. I’ll see you soon.” Jason frowned at the odd tension in her voice but chose not to press. “Alright. I’ll be there soon. Let’s order in or do something low-key.” “That sounds good,” Kendall said, but the tremor in her tone didn’t escape him. Hanging up, Jason pocketed his phone and stepped out. The journey back felt extended, as every traffic light allowed him to p
Later that night, Kendall perched on the edge of Jason's bed, gazing at the suitcase he had set before her. He could hear the gentle sound of his humming coming from the closet next door as he packed his belongings for the journey. "Jason, are you certain about this?" she inquired, her voice filled with uncertainty. Jason stepped into view, holding a neatly folded shirt. “Am I sure about whisking my wife away to a luxurious oceanfront villa? "Definitely," he replied with a smile. There is no point in attempting to argue your way out of it, Kendall. I’m determined to see you relax.” Kendall sighed and ran her hand through her hair. It was difficult to resist his strong enthusiasm. "Things have been really hectic recently." I'm unsure if this is the appropriate moment. “That’s exactly why this is the perfect time,” Jason interrupted, his tone gentle yet firm. Kendall, you have been running on empty. Allow me to look after you for a couple of days. No meetings, no drama—just us.”
The ocean was bathed in a beautiful golden light as the sun had just started to rise. The sound of the waves lapping on the coast woke Kendall. The villa's tranquil setting brought her a sense of peace she hadn't felt in weeks. She looked over and noticed Jason standing on the terrace in a white shirt and casual shorts, staring at the horizon."Morning," Kendall whispered, her voice still groggy from sleep. Jason looked quickly, a friendly grin appearing on his face. “Good morning. Sleep well?” She nodded, sitting up and stretching. “Better than I expected. This place is... peaceful.” "Exactly," he replied, walking towards her and offering a cup of tea he had made beforehand. I thought maybe we could go for another stroll on the beach today. Fresh air, soft sand—good for you and the baby.” After pausing briefly, Kendall eventually gave a nod. “That sounds nice.” Jason beamed. “Perfect. Don't rush as you prepare yourself; I will be downstairs waiting for you. The beach lived
Thane sat in his car outside Jason's sprawling estate, the engine idling as he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. His sharp gaze flicked toward the security guard approaching his window. “Good afternoon, sir. With his hands clasped behind his back, the guard asked politely, "How can I assist you?" Thane replied casually, lounging in his seat as if he were the one in charge, stating that he was there to see Jason. The guard examined his clipboard, his brows furrowed. Apologies, sir, but Mr. Carter is not present. He left yesterday for a trip with Mrs. Carter.” Thane’s smirk widened, masking the annoyance brewing within. “How convenient,” he murmured, loud enough for the guard to hear but ambiguous enough to avoid suspicion. “Would you like to leave a message?” the guard offered. “No need,” Thane replied smoothly. “I’ll catch him later.” He closed the window and backed out of the driveway, talking to himself as he left. “Running away again, Jason? Typical.” ---Back
The hum of activity on Carter Enterprises' executive floor seemed endless—phones ringing, muted conversations, and the rhythmic tapping of keyboards filling the air. Amidst the hustle, the cleaner pushed her cart, her pace unhurried but her mind racing. She avoided eye contact with the employees walking past her, their sharp suits and confident strides a stark contrast to her unassuming uniform. She approached Jason Carter’s office with a deep breath, her heartbeat quickening with every step. Jason Carter, the CEO of Carter Enterprises, wasn’t in the building today—a detail she had confirmed twice before even stepping foot in the company. His absence was her window of opportunity, but it was also a risk. Approaching the corner office with glass walls, Jane, Jason's assistant, grabbed her attention. Sitting at her desk, Jane's intense concentration, piercing glare, and frightening presence demonstrated her effectiveness. She had her brown hair tied up in a bun and her glasses highl
The cleaner moved briskly but deliberately through the glass doors of Carter Enterprises. She lowered her head, her face showing no emotion, and she moved at a relaxed pace. Despite the pounding in her ears, her demeanor remained calm as she approached the day as she would any other at work. The busy foyer buzzed with its typical activity, with employees hurrying past and whispered chats filling the room. She received no second looks, just as she desired. Her grip on the cart's handle grew stronger as she neared the elevators. She pressed the button and waited, glancing around casually. As she walked by, a security guard nodded at her, so she responded with a friendly smile. The elevator doors opened quietly with a soft sound, and she entered, finally catching her breath as they shut behind her. As soon as the doors closed, she rested against the wall, briefly losing her composure. The cold steel of the elevator mirrored her conflicted reflection. Her mind was flooded with a millio
The villa was peaceful, except for the steady sound of waves crashing far away. Jason had placed a small dining table on the patio, where a gentle, golden light was shining and creating moving shadows on the stone floor. Kendall stopped at the entrance, her eyes locked on the view in front of her. On the table, there was a bottle of chilled sparkling cider in an ice bucket and a neatly arranged bouquet of white lilies, her preferred flowers. Jason stood next to the table, fixing a candle that was beginning to tilt dangerously. At the sound of her steps, he looked back, his face glowing with a small, contented smile. "You've arrived at the perfect moment," he stated as he pulled a chair out for her. "Jason, what is that?" Kendall asked, her voice tinged with surprise as she approached. “Dinner,” he replied simply, his tone casual but his eyes warm. “I thought we could use a quiet evening.” Her gaze softened. "You didn't need to go to such lengths." "It wasn't a problem," Jason r
The warm golden glow of early sunlight flowed in through the drapes, brightening the room. When Jason opened his eyes, he noticed Kendall curled up on her side. He grinned as he observed her briefly before getting out of bed. He moved quietly, determined to let her sleep a little longer. But as he walked past her to grab a towel, her faint groan stopped him. He turned back, noticing the way her hand clutched at her abdomen, her face drawn in pain even in sleep. “Kendall?” he asked softly, moving closer. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, briefly looking confused before she managed a small smile. "Morning," she whispered quietly, her voice rough. Jason knelt next to the bed, examining her expression. “Are you okay? You look pale.” She waved a dismissive hand, though her movements were sluggish. “I’m fine. Just… pregnancy stuff. Nothing to worry about.” He frowned. “You sure? You seem—” “Jason,” she cut him off gently, pushing herself up to sit. “I said I’m fine. Don’t start
A YEAR LATERJason stood on the soft carpet, lifting Liam in the air, his hearty laughter echoing in the warm room. Liam let out a joyful cry, extending his small hands towards his father's face. "Do you find that amusing, eh?" Jason grinned and delicately lowered Liam, placing a kiss on his round cheek. Kendall lounged on the sofa with her legs tucked beneath her, sipping tea as she observed. Her smile was soft but filled with pride. “He loves when you do that. It’s his favorite game now.” Jason looked over at her, his expression tender. Certainly, it is. "He's already seeking thrills, just like his father." “Thrill-seeker?” Kendall arched her eyebrow, placing her cup onto the coffee table. "Do you actually mean stubborn?" He’s definitely inherited that from you.” Jason chuckled, settling Liam into his lap. “I prefer to think of it as determination.” He leaned forward conspiratorially and whispered to Liam, “Don’t let your mom fool you. You get that charm from me too.” Liam
Kendall sensed her muscles were sore and smelled antiseptic about her. A faint discomfort in her stomach was a reminder of the procedures she had undergone. The warm, subdued light of the setting sun illuminated the room, but her vision was cloudy and her thoughts was foggy.A well-known voice called out Kendall's name, filled with relief and a touch of remorse. She blinked, forcing her eyes to focus. Jason was next to her, his usual sharp attitude mellowed by tiredness. His shirt looked wrinkled, his tie was untied, and his face showed signs of countless restless nights. "Jason?" she rasped, her parched throat feeling rough. “What… where am I?” He gently informed her that she was in the hospital, moving closer in the process. You underwent a cesarean section, and the physicians performed surgery for your cervical cancer. You’ve been unconscious for days.” His concerned was evident in the wavering of his voice. She instinctively reached towards her stomach, but he intercepted her
Jason walked back and forth in the clean waiting room of the hospital, his hands tightly clenched by his sides. The remote sound of machines beeping, the soft whispers of doctors in the corridor, and the tap of shoes against the linoleum surface felt excessively clear and intense. The rhythm of his own heart drowned out his thinking.“Why? Why did she wait to tell me?”His thoughts continued to rush, but it was futile. The doctors had rushed Kendall into surgery, explaining everything so quickly that their words became a blur. Cervical cancer. Emergency cesarean. Save both her and the baby. Jason wanted to scream, to tear at something, but instead, he stood frozen, his gaze fixed on the closed doors where Kendall had been taken. He had failed her. How could he not have seen that? For weeks and months on end, he failed to realize that something was amiss. His thoughts constantly went back to their disputes, to the times when she appeared delicate yet remained silent. “Mr. Carter?”J
Kendall stood on Jason's mansion doorstep, holding her coat tightly as her hands shook. The chill of the evening air nipped at her skin, yet it paled in comparison to the frostiness within her. She had to do this. There wasn't any alternative available. Jason had an unreadable expression on his face when the door opened, his eyes looking at her as if she was unfamiliar."Jason..." she said with a voice that cracked, her eyes begging for empathy. He stood silently, observing her, not responding right away, as though anticipating her to say something."I have to speak with you," Kendall murmured, moving closer, feeling her legs wobble beneath her. Jason moved out of the way, allowing her to enter silently, but he still stood rigidly, as if ready for combat. The door closed with a click.Kendall stopped in the foyer, trying to regain her balance. She momentarily lost focus, but quickly blinked to clear her vision. "Jason, I have been foolish," she started softly, her voice now filled
Isabella stood at the entrance to Thane's estate, holding her luggage tightly, afraid she might drop it. The large house stood in front of her, its impressive exterior highlighting the void she felt within. She had no other place to go, but she was determined not to give up. Not now. Not after everything.With fingers trembling, she pressed the doorbell, fighting to stay standing despite her overwhelming desperation. Before too much time had passed, the door swung open and Thane appeared, his expression devoid of any warmth. He hesitated before inviting her in, staring at her for a moment too long. Isabella swallowed, attempting to maintain her composure. "I—Thane," she began, her voice faltering, "I—I don’t know where else to go. Jason... he left me. He—he doesn’t care about me. "I have no one else to go to but you." She began to cry as her voice broke, allowing the tears to fill her eyes. She wished they appeared authentic; she wished he would trust her. Thane didn’t budge. His
Jason sat at his desk, gazing at the mountains of paperwork that had grown over the previous few days. The workstation was buzzing with activity, from phone calls to hushed chats, yet he remained calm and composed. His mind was elsewhere—on her. On Kendall."Mr. Carter?" A voice snapped him out of his thoughts.Jason looked over and saw Jane, his assistant, standing at the doorway with a pile of papers. She paused, observing the absent-minded expression in his eyes. She mentioned that you requested to be informed once the DNA test results are received. Jason’s pulse quickened. He stood up, walking briskly toward her. "Hand them over to me." Passing him the envelope, he impatiently tore it open. As he opened the papers, his heart raced while he quickly looked over the results. He breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the confirmation that Isabella is not expecting. "He whispered, relieved as the tension he had been holding onto for days finally lifted." However, the feeling of reli
Tension grew in his jaw as he tightly gripped the doorframe with his hand. "Why on earth are you here?" Isabella stood at the entrance, her lips curling into a smug grin. She entered with a sense of ownership, her heels making a sharp clicking noise on the tiled floor. Jason remained still, obstructing her way deeper into the house. "Wow, that's not a very hospitable greeting," she remarked, but still pushed past him. "Is that how you say hello to the mother of your soon-to-be-born baby?" Jason's expression turned menacing, his hands tightening at his sides. “Cut the act, Isabella. What do you want?” "Regarding what is owed to me," she answered calmly, pivoting to confront him with a self-assured lift of her chin. With Kendall conveniently gone, I am ready to take my rightful position. For our child’s sake, of course.” He let out a cold, humorless laugh, his eyes narrowing. “Rightful place? You mean as a liar and manipulator? Spare me your theatrics.” Her smile faltered brief
Jason was positioned at the top of the lengthy meeting table, sitting with perfect posture in his crisp suit, though his thoughts were elsewhere. The board members' voices became a blur as he focused on the charts and projections on the screen. Jason’s gaze lingered on his tablet, his jaw tight. “Mr. Carter, do you agree?” His head snapped up, piercing eyes scanning the room. A beat passed as he composed himself, erasing any trace of distraction. “Yes,” he replied curtly, his voice steady, though he had no idea what they had asked. “Proceed as outlined.” An approving murmur spread through the room, but Jason paid little attention. He couldn't stop thinking about Kendall, remembering her tearful face and the vulnerability in her voice when she said his name. He moved around in his chair, tightening his jaw. “Concentrate, for crying out loud. This isn’t the time to be weak.” But no matter how much he willed himself to concentrate, the image lingered, seared into his thoughts. "
Jason was in his study with a half-empty decanter of whiskey providing him with some bitter comfort on the table. Thane's words echoed in his mind like a disturbing tune, preventing him from finding peace. His teeth gritted and his hand gripped the crystal glass tightly, causing the liquid inside to shake. He whispered to himself, pondering, his tone a mix of anger and hopelessness. "What happens if the child is not mine?" His mother's unwavering belief in him reverberated in his thoughts, her defense against his father and Thane's relentless pressure lingering in his memory. Catherine Carter always saw the best in Jason, even when he couldn't see it himself. But was he worthy of that faith now? He finished the remaining drink, the sensation of burning in his throat a harsh diversion from the pain in his chest. Kendall's tear-streaked face and trembling voice, pleading for his understanding, came back to his memory once more, but he couldn't find the empathy. Jason slammed the g