Kendall felt an increasing unease as she noticed the sprawling estate appeared especially cold and its grandeur seemed diminished. Her footfalls echoed loudly on the marble floors and high ceilings of the vast halls, with each step seeming to taunt her solitude. She had become adept at hiding her pregnancy, camouflaging it with baggy clothes and a rehearsed attitude. Nevertheless, despite her efforts, the weight of her secret continued to increase.Kendall carefully arranged her clothing to hide her condition. Everyday, she dressed in big shirts, baggy skirts, and airy dresses to conceal her growing midsection. Each garment was carefully selected to conceal her pregnancy as best as it could, yet the reality of her situation could not be entirely disguised. She started wearing a specific large, dark coat even in the heat to cover her expanding belly from curious looks.The spacious wardrobe in her room appeared to be her safe haven. It was filled with an array of garments—each one stra
Jason walked through the mansion, a rare brightness in his eyes. The deal he had been chasing for months was finally secured. The mansion, usually a backdrop to their emotionally barren marriage, now seemed to shimmer with his success.As soon as he stepped into the foyer, he called out "Kendall!" with a voice full of joy that echoed around. "You will be amazed!” The deal is done!”Kendall emerged from the kitchen, her face carefully masked with a smile. “That’s amazing news, Jason! I’ve been waiting to hear it.”Jason approached her with enthusiasm, giving her a quick, almost mechanical hug. “I’m thrilled! This calls for a celebration. Let’s make it special.”Kendall’s smile remained, though it felt strained. “Absolutely. Let’s make this night memorable.”They moved to the dining area, where Kendall had prepared a modest meal. As they began to eat, Jason’s excitement was evident. “You wouldn’t believe the tension. We were on the edge of losing it, but I managed to pull it off.”Kenda
Jason's eyes quickly opened to the gentle, penetrating dawn light coming through the curtains. His head was pounding, a result of the mix of stress and fatigue he experienced the day before. As he gradually started to notice his environment, a strong feeling of unease gripped him. Turning his head, he discovered Kendall resting next to him, her serene face completely unaware in slumber.He was temporarily unable to move due to his disbelief. Sitting up suddenly, his heart pounding, he attempted to reconstruct the scattered memories from the night before. Something felt off as he noticed the glass of water on the nightstand and the strange weight in his limbs.Jason hurriedly reviewed the terms of the contract, particularly emphasizing the key rule: no physical intimacy. Their arrangement was clear; any deviation was a breach of trust and agreement. He moved his legs over the side of the bed with abrupt and restless motions.Kendall stirred next to him, her eyes opening with a blink as
The faintly illuminated space in Thane's personal workspace exuded a sense of peaceful focus. Thick velvet curtains prevented the city lights from entering, while the gentle sound of the air conditioning provided a calming, almost mesmerizing atmosphere. Thane sat back in his leather chair, fingers clasped under his chin, watching Isabella pace anxiously around the room."Isabella," Thane's voice pierced the quiet like a sharp blade, "we must intensify our strategies." We cannot tolerate further delays.Isabella came to a halt, her forehead creased with worry. Looking around the room, she quickly viewed the luxurious decor that reflected Thane's prosperity and power. I comprehend, Thane. What specific task do you want me to complete?Thane's gaze became intense as he moved closer, his face showing a blend of resolve and eagerness. “Jason’s growing isolation from Kendall is a perfect opportunity. We need to use this to our advantage. Create more discord between them, make it harder for
Just as the sun was disappearing, creating a golden glow in the city, Isabella walked towards Jason's pent house. The high-rise buildings illuminated gradually, creating a stark difference against the darkening sky. Dressed in a tight-fitting, red dress that highlighted her figure, her hair flowed in gentle waves around her face. Each step she made was intentional, every action planned to make an impact.Approaching Jason's building, her heart pounded with excitement, not with fear or hesitancy, as she neared the smooth glass doors. Every aspect meticulously planned, she had practiced her part diligently. That evening, she wasn't only Thane's partner; she had her own plans.The doorman nodded at her, taking a moment to admire her dress before quietly letting her into Jason's penthouse. Isabella's confident smile hid the dishonest thoughts swirling in her mind as she prepared to deceive.As the elevator doors on Jason's floor slid open, Isabella exited and made her way to his door, the
Thane’s visit to Jason’s office was meticulously timed. He had noticed that Jason was often away from home, which intrigued him. Thane was not familiar with the exact details of Jason's personal matters or the specific aspects of his marriage, but he was highly conscious of the hidden conflicts. The office was an ideal setting for causing problems - a space where work and personal matters frequently mixed, leading to opportunities for conflict.As Thane walked through the sleek, modern lobby of Jason’s building, his steps were purposeful. The polished floors reflected his confident stride, and his tailored suit spoke of wealth and influence. He was met by a courteous receptionist, who, recognizing Thane, directed him to Jason’s executive floor with an almost reverential nod.The elevator ride was a brief ascent through the glass-walled shaft, offering a view of the city that stretched out beneath them. Thane’s thoughts were a whirl of strategy and ambition. He had no idea of the intri
Jason sat alone in his penthouse, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him like a heavy fog. The lights of the city beyond the massive glass windows were blurry, as if his vision couldn't quite focus. He rubbed his temples, trying to fight off the tension building behind his eyes. Ever since Kendall had broken the rule —- their rule —- everything felt off balance.It wasn't just anger that ate at him; it was clear, a shield from complications, and now it was shattered. Jason had stayed away from home, retreating to the penthouse to try and sort out the storm of emotions swirling inside him.But anger had a way of festering. It twisted inside him like a slow poison turning rational thoughts into jumbled messes. Kendall's image continuously popped up in his thoughts - the way she had been in his bed, the way she had gone too far. He shook his head in an attempt to clear his mind, but it was futile. He couldn't find peace due to a profound and persistent feeling of betrayal.A k
Jason's recollections of the brief encounter returned, intense and persistent. The night had been forgotten for months, hidden deep within his memories. However, it fought its way back, tormenting him as if it were a spirit. It all began innocently—or so he convinced himself. He had been at the bar, trying to cope with the disappointments of yet another unsuccessful business transaction, another day where he felt overwhelmed by the pressures of life. His typical assurance wavered, traded for a dull pain gnawing at his chest. That’s when he saw her—Kendall. Only, he hadn’t known her name then. She had been sitting alone, her posture stiff and her eyes distant, swirling the amber liquid in her glass like it could somehow solve her problems. Jason, though he had gone by *Damien* that night, had been drawn to her immediately. Something about the sadness in her gaze called to him, an emotion he recognized in himself. “Easy, damsel,” Damien had smirked as he approached her, his voice l