Catherine’s heels clicked rhythmically against the pristine hospital floor, echoing through the maternity ward as she walked with her usual air of control. Her PA, a step behind, carried a tablet filled with today’s tasks, her fingers flying over the screen to keep pace with Catherine’s agenda. As they passed rows of patients and nurses, Catherine’s sharp eyes took in everything—the young mothers cradling their newborns, the nurses bustling around, and the sterile, gleaming white tiles beneath her feet.Today’s visit was about charity. Donations to the maternity ward—a cause she found to be rewarding and one that fit perfectly with the polished image she maintained. Helping new mothers provided her with a feeling of purpose, not only because it was a noble cause but also because it solidified her role as a influential and caring woman. It was imperative for everything to be flawless, and in Catherine's opinion, it was."Mrs. Catherine," her PA’s voice interrupted her thoughts, "the do
Catherine walked back and forth in the tiny waiting room by the conference room, her high heels making loud sounds on the shiny floors, increasing her nerves. The hospital's flickering bright lights shone above her, lighting up her way but failing to lift her spirits. She had instructed her Personal Assistant to go on a secretive task, leaving her with nothing else to do but wait. Every moment the clock ticked was a signal of the chaos whirling in her head.How could Jason keep something like this from her? Racing thoughts filled her mind as she remembered the sight of Kendall, her small baby bump clearly visible under her dress. A slight excitement surged within her at the thought of becoming a grandmother, yet it was soon consumed by a wave of anger. What was the reason for his failure to inform her? They had always been very close, sharing everything, but not anymore. It seemed like a betrayal, causing a gnawing pain in her stomach."Is everything okay, Mrs. Catherine?” Her PA’s vo
As Catherine sat in the rear of the car, her thoughts raced while the gentle purr of the engine slowly faded into the background. The news of Kendall's pregnancy should have brought happiness, but the feeling of betrayal remained, bitter and persistent. How had she been left out of something so monumental? How had Jason, her son, allowed this to happen without even a word?She glanced out the window, the city passing by in a blur, her reflection staring back at her—a face that had always been composed, always in control. But now, behind her polished exterior, she felt a storm brewing. She’d been kept in the dark about something that mattered deeply, something that affected her family. Jason knew how much she cared about him, how much she valued being a part of his life, and yet... he’d hidden this from her.Her fingers tightened around the handle of her designer handbag, knuckles white as she fought to keep her emotions in check. *Why?* The question gnawed at her, each second that pas
The heavy sound of the door shutting behind Catherine reverberated through the entryway like a judge’s gavel. Jason stood frozen, his hand still on the door handle, eyes wide as he processed the sight of his mother, unannounced and clearly agitated. She looked every bit the formidable woman he’d grown up with—poised, impeccably dressed, but her eyes, usually cool and composed, now burned with barely contained fury.“Mother,” he greeted again, his voice stiff, as though trying to mask his surprise and the rising tension. “This is… unexpected.”Catherine didn’t bother with pleasantries. She moved ahead, the sound of her heels tapping on the marble floor echoed with every confident step. Jason, I want to understand the reason behind why you haven't been keeping me informed.Jason experienced a constriction in his chest. He sensed he understood her words, but he needed to proceed with caution. "I'm uncertain about your intention," he responded, attempting to keep a composed demeanor.Cath
The suffocating silence enveloped the house once Catherine left. Kendall remained motionless in the living room, her thoughts still overwhelmed from the conflict. She couldn't stop hearing Catherine words in her mind, repeating endlessly: “I will uncover the truth no matter what”. Kendall was well aware of the unmistakable threat, and she understood that Catherine would inevitably delve too deeply sooner or later.Looking at Jason by the window, she saw him gazing out into the night, his hands tightly clenched at his sides. He had been quiet since his mother departed, only whispering a few words about needing time to ponder. Kendall sensed the tension emanating from him, his feelings of frustration and concern evident. However, the biggest burden on her mind was the doubt that currently existed in their relationship.She had been harboring the pregnancy secret for a long time, wishing that everything would come together. However, as time went on, the burden of that secret became incre
Jason felt overwhelmed as the car zoomed through the peaceful city roads. He gazed out the window, observing the lights whizzing by, his mind lost in a distant place. He lied to Kendall about a sudden business meeting, when in reality he was going to his mother's house, a matter of greater importance than any work emergency.His driver, understanding his boss's attitude, maintained a smooth and quiet journey. Jason needed time to gather his thoughts before facing his mother. He had always been close to Catherine Carter, and their bond meant the world to him. Lately, the bond's strength has been challenged. He kept Kendall's pregnancy a secret from her, but she would soon discover the truth.Jason’s jaw tightened when the car gently pulled up in front of his mother's grand house. Stepping outside, he adjusted his suit while taking a deep breath. Unsure of the outcome, he proceeded with the conversation, knowing there was no way to retreat.Catherine was waiting for him. Upon entering t
During the board meeting, Jason reclined in his chair, feeling bored with the ongoing discussion. He wasn't focused on the presentation displayed on the screen or the financial projections being talked about. He kept thinking about the promise he’d made to his mother—Catherine was coming to visit tomorrow, and she expected everything to be perfectly in place. Looking at his phone briefly, Jason sent a short message to Kendall. He hesitated with his thumb above the send button before sighing and finally pushing it.Tomorrow, my mother will come for a visit. Be ready. We need to act like everything’s fine. Wear the dress I’m sending with the driver. I will handle everything else.Putting the phone back into his pocket, he faced the meeting with an inscrutable expression. However, his mind was focused on something else - fixated on the impending explosion of secrets that was like a ticking time bomb.---On the opposite side of the city, Kendall gazed at her phone's display, repeatedly r
Jason stepped into the house with a purpose, his posture rigid and commanding as always. He held a new dress in his hand, resting on a fragile hanger. The gown was a graceful, elegant deep emerald color, flowing smoothly to the floor, reminding one of vibrant forests. The luxurious silk satin material catches the light softly, improving the dress's smooth shape. Soft cap sleeves sit on the shoulders gracefully, as a subtle V-neckline brings a touch of elegance. The bodice is tailored to gently widen into a skirt that flows elegantly, resulting in a striking hourglass silhouette that moves gracefully with every stride. A delicate train trails behind, adding an element of drama, while intricate beadwork along the waist glimmers subtly, elevating the overall refinement of this exquisite piece that he’d chosen for Kendall because the blue dress delivered earlier didn't fit. The color reminded him of the strength she’d hidden behind all those soft exteriors, but tonight, that strength nee
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