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
Kendall rested against the kitchen counter, her voice slightly shaking as she talked on the phone. "Alicia, I'm unsure of what steps to take.” I did everything we talked about. I followed the plan to the letter, and now... now Jason’s gone."At the opposite side of the call, Alicia spoke in a gentle yet firm manner, providing a sense of peace amidst Kendall's turbulent feelings. "What happened? Did he—did he react badly?"Kendall's gaze shifted to the few unopened letters resting on the dining table, serving as a vivid reminder of the routine she had attempted to change. “He went ballistic, Alicia. He came home after I’d... you know, set everything up. I anticipated his anger, but his level of rage caught me off guard. He yelled and insulted me with every possible name. And then he simply walked away. A week has passed. An entire week has passed, and he still hasn't returned. Not even a text. Nothing.”Alicia let out a deep sigh filled with compassion. I apologize, Kendall. I underst
Kendall gazed at her phone, feeling her heart race as she dialed Jason's number once more. The ringing call tone echoed, each sound hitting her chest like a hammer. She was filled with thoughts of what she wished to express, trying to find a way to make him comprehend.Upon hearing the voicemail notification, she paused to take a deep breath in an attempt to maintain a steady voice. "Jason, this is Kendall," she said, her voice shaking. I understand you may still be upset, and I don't hold it against you. I simply require a conversation with you.Please call me back. I’m really sorry for what happened.”She ended the call, feeling a cold sweat on her brow. Her fingers fumbled as she redialed immediately, hoping this time would be different. The phone rang again, each tone echoing her desperation. The voicemail picked up once more. Jason, I'm at a loss for words. I acknowledge my mistake, but I would like the chance to explain myself. I apologize for violating our agreement. I was tho
Kendall's hands shook a little while she twisted the doorknob to Dr. Sophia's office. The room was perfumed with the clean smell of antiseptic, mixing with the subtle lavender aroma from the essential oil diffuser in the corner. As she walked, her heart raced with growing anxiety.Dr. Sophia glanced away from her desk, her smile welcoming yet her gaze observant. “Kendall, come in. How are you feeling today?”Kendall forced a tight smile as she sank into the chair across from the doctor, her fingers curling into the fabric of her purse. “Nervous, to be honest. It’s been a rough week.”Dr. Sophia’s expression softened with understanding. "I'm certain that it has." However, we should proceed gradually, focusing on each step individually. Our first step will be to conduct a checkup and assess the progress.The doctor guided Kendall to the medical room, where the familiar process of taking vital signs and listening to the baby's heartbeat commenced. Kendall reclined on the exam table, hand
The sounds of Kendall's footsteps reverberated through the empty hallway, each one filled with the gravity of her recent discussion. The unease from Dr. Sophia's office wrapped around her like a cloak. As she approached the exit, Dr. Sophia’s voice cut through the tension.“Kendall, wait a moment.”“Kendal,” Doctor Sophia called out, her voice tinged with an unusual gravity.Kendall halted abruptly, turning to face her with a weary smile. “Doctor Sophia, what’s the matter?”Doctor Sophia’s expression hardened as she approached. I have something crucial to discuss with you. It’s regarding your IVF treatment.”Kendall’s brow furrowed. “Is there another problem?”Doctor Sophia looked around, as though seeking reassurance from the empty hallway. She inhaled deeply. "The sperm used in your IVF cycle has been confused."Kendall felt a chill down her back. She attempted to comprehend the words, but they appeared to spiral and curve like a maze. "What are you saying, a confusion?” Whose sperm
The words of Doctor Sophia hung in the air, sending a chill of fear down Kendall's spine. She fought to maintain a steady voice, but the words quivered as they barely slipped from her lips. "What are you trying to say?"Sophia's face displayed a profound, pained look, her eyes avoiding Kendall's stare. “I... I paid someone to take your place. To pretend to be you when Thane asked for the lady whose sperm he used.”Kendall's heart pounded rapidly, with each beat intensifying feelings of betrayal. But you just said you didn't have the courage to "What reason do you have for doing that?" She spoke in a barely audible voice, her emotions causing her voice to crack.Sophia paused to take a deep breath, nervously playing with the hem of her sleeve. I felt fear. Worried about the potential consequences if the truth was revealed. A feeling of panic swept over at that instant. I thought... I thought it would be easier this way.”The space appeared to shrink, the atmosphere growing heavier by t