Jason’s laughter filled the cozy living room as he poured two glasses of champagne, his smile easy and unguarded. Kendall observed him, feeling a warmth envelop her as she noticed the uncommon, easygoing side of him. Their festive dinner was a modest yet sincere event, filled with soft dialogue, exchanged looks, and a tacit comprehension lingering in the atmosphere. "To fresh starts," Jason remarked, raising his glass in her direction. Kendall raised hers in reply, locking eyes with him, and they tapped their glasses together. "To new beginnings," she repeated, a gentle smile dancing on her lips. While they drank, Kendall started to sense a slight wave of tiredness washing over her, more intense than normal. She dismissed it, not wishing to spoil the moment. Jason inclined his body forward, his eyes fixed as he observed her expression. “Are you okay?” he inquired, his tone reflecting a hint of worry. “You seem… tired.”Kendall shook her head, smiling reassuringly. “I’m fine, just…
Jason woke up to the soft light coming in through the curtains, creating gentle shadows in the room. Looking at Kendall next to him, he glanced over and saw her resting peacefully with a relaxed expression on her face. Her being there soothed him unexpectedly, providing a peaceful reassurance that was both fresh and recognizable. He briefly observed her, feeling warmth in his chest, surprised by the sudden appearance of this feeling. Kendall awoke, her eyes opening slowly, and when she looked at him, a faint smile formed on her lips, showing how tired she still was. She whispered "Good morning," in a gentle and sleepy voice. "Jason responded, his smile soft, mirroring the warmth in his eyes, saying, 'Morning!'" “How are you feeling? Still tired?”Kendall paused to breathe, moving a piece of hair from her face. "She actually admitted she was doing better, stretching out her arms." “I think I just needed a good rest… and maybe some company,” she added with a light laugh, though her e
"Thane," Kendall greeted, her voice a forced calm, though a tight smile barely softened the edge of her unease. "Jason isn’t here."“That’s fine.” He spoke quickly and showed little interest. His eyes quickly scanned over her, sharp and evaluating, pausing to scrutinize the room's details as if looking for a hidden object. "I am here to have a conversation with you." A strange dread settled in her stomach. She dismissed the maid with a quick nod, hoping to mask her discomfort. As the maid retreated, Kendall gestured reluctantly for Thane to enter. His presence was unsettling, a dark cloud clouding the safety of her home, and every step he took seemed to carry a weight that filled the room.“Would you like something to drink?” she offered, hoping to fill the heavy silence with something—anything—to distract from his cold intensity.“No need.” He settled onto the couch without waiting for her invitation, his air of entitlement unmistakable. His gaze remained fixed on her, unwavering. "
Jason sat in the conference room, watching the projector screen attentively while one of his managers went over the quarterly reports in a monotonous tone. The numbers became hazy in front of him, constantly shifting in clarity. He had examined the information numerous times, yet on this day, his thoughts refused to calm down. Every few minutes, he caught himself thinking about Kendall. That morning, she was quiet and slightly more timid as she stood in the doorway, observing him as he picked up his coat. He still recalled how her face softened, a silent message in her eyes as she bid him farewell for the day. The memory stuck with him, unwilling to disappear. As the presentation droned on, he checked his phone out of habit, noticing a few missed messages from Isabella. He dismissed them with a swipe, his attention drifting back to the last glimpse he’d had of Kendall. He found himself wondering if she was alright, hoping she was feeling better after their recent challenges. It wasn
Jason was focused on his report, combing through the details with his usual meticulous precision, when the office door swung open without warning. The abrupt intrusion jolted him, his concentration snapping as he looked up to see Isabella standing in the doorway, her expression stormy and unrestrained."Hi Jason," she said in a harsh voice, filling the room with hatred. He didn't try to hide his annoyance. Isabella. Why are you here? Ignoring his query, she walked fully into his office, and Jane, his assistant, was close after her, evidently flustered.“Ms. Isabella, Mr. Carter is busy with meetings today. You really need to—”“I’m not here for you, Jane,” Isabella said curtly, not even sparing the assistant a glance. Her focus was locked on Jason, her gaze steely, unyielding. “Jason and I need to talk. Alone.”Jason let out a resigned sigh, gesturing to Jane to leave. “It’s fine, Jane. I’ll handle this.”Isabella's tension was noticeable as soon as the door closed behind her, her e
Thane remained immobile, his thoughts battling to comprehend the unfolding situation in front of him. His gaze filled with betrayal and disbelief as it focused on Isabella. This was not the woman he thought he knew.“Isabella?” he finally managed, his voice low, laced with the sting of betrayal. “You… you’re pregnant? With Jason’s child?”Isabella’s jaw clenched, her gaze flickering briefly as she weighed her response. But her silence spoke volumes.Jason seized the moment, his expression resolute as he stepped forward. “Thane, you deserve to know the whole story. This has gone on long enough.” He pulled out his phone, his fingers tapping a few buttons before holding it out to Thane. “See for yourself.”Thane looked at Jason, a trace of wariness in his gaze, before reluctantly accepting the phone. The video started, and as it played, Thane’s face grew pale. Isabella was on the screen, putting something into Jason's drink and throwing herself on him with a cunning expression, looking a
"Unloved?"“Dismissed?”Thane's expression showed intense anger and feeling of being let down, his gaze focused on Isabella. Every word she spoke felt like a blade piercing his chest, and the burden of her falsehoods appeared to bear down on him, suffocating him with the harsh truth that he had simply been a pawn in her scheme. "Thinking about it now, all along you've been giving me reasons why we couldn't schedule a date, why you required more time for your 'career.'" His voice was thick with anger, a brittle edge that bordered on disbelief. “Were you ever planning on marrying me, Isabella? Or was I just some convenient distraction?”Isabella's expression contorted in annoyance, her usual sweet demeanor completely disappearing. "Oh, stop being so morally superior, Thane. You think I delayed the wedding for fun?” Defiance sparkled in her eyes as she raised her chin. I was ensuring my future. It's not my responsibility that you were unable to perceive what was directly in front of
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
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