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STIRRING THE FLAMES

Author: Anyachi
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-18 19:14:36

Thane remained seated in his home, absentmindedly swishing a glass of whiskey as he gazed out at the city skyline. The tall structures spread out below him in a never-ending labyrinth, their lights twinkling in the night sky. Typically, the vista provided him with a feeling of authority, a cue of his status as superior to everything below. However, this evening, the room's subdued buzz felt overwhelming, his thoughts bearing down on him like a gradual suffocation.

His investigation into Jason had stalled. Every lead, every question he had thrown into the shadows of his brother’s life had come back empty, and each dead end felt like a personal failure. Jason had always been slippery, but now—especially after the sudden marriage—something didn’t sit right. It was as if Jason had anticipated every move Thane would make, leaving nothing for him to find. He tightened his jaw as he considered it.

However, he was unable to release it. As time progressed, his frustration increased. The more J
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  • Entwined With Karma    PRESSING FOR THE TRUTH

    Thane’s car weaved through the early evening traffic, his grip tight on the steering wheel as he navigated the familiar route to Jason’s office. The cityscape blurred around him, but his mind was sharp, fixed on one goal—getting the truth. Jason had slipped through his fingers too many times, and now, with Isabella’s words still ringing in his ears, Thane felt the urgency boiling in his chest. His step brother's wedding, Kendall's pregnancy - everything seemed confusing, but tonight he was set on making Jason slip up.Upon arriving at the building, Thane's stomach twisted with excitement. Stepping out of the car, the chill of the night air against his skin couldn't extinguish the fire of his frustration. He entered the building with purpose, his fast strides ignoring the receptionist's nervous smile. Thane had visited enough times before - this wasn't for socializing, and everyone understood not to inquire when he was in this state.The elevator journey to Jason's floor seemed never-e

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  • Entwined With Karma    STARTING OVER

    Kendall's heart raced as she stood at the new hospital's entrance. The bright, white hallways seemed distant and uninviting, in stark contrast to the comforting atmosphere she used to experience at Doctor Sophia's office. Taking a deep breath, she attempted to calm herself, yet the burden of it all - the deceit, the hidden truths, the disloyalty - weighed heavily on her chest.She didn't desire to depart from Doctor Sophia, but with the turn of events, there was no possibility of returning. The doctor's confession had ruined the fragile sense of security Kendall had clung to during her pregnancy. Now she was left with nothing but uncertainty, the trust she had built over months shattered in an instant.As she approached the reception desk, Kendall’s nerves tingle. Her discomfort only increased in the sterile surroundings.She greeted the receptionist with a polite smile, saying "Good morning." My appointment is with Dr. Rosen.The receptionist barely glanced at her, quickly typing in

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  • Entwined With Karma    CAUTIOUS STEPS FORWARD

    As she opened the door, Kendall gripped her hands tightly together, trying to hide the little tremor in her fingers. The space was neat and comfortable, with beautiful sunlight streaming in from a nearby window. Dr. Rosen, a middle-aged woman with cropped hair and a peaceful attitude, was seated at a spacious desk. She made eye contact with Kendall and motioned for her to take a seat. Dr. Rosen greeted Mrs. Carter with a professional smile, expressing his pleasure in meeting her. "I have examined your documents and acknowledge that this is your initial appointment with me, so let's allocate some time to discuss your well-being and plan for the future." Kendall gave a nod, her heart pounding in her chest as she settled into the chair across from the doctor. The strong scent of antiseptic in the air only increased her feeling of discomfort. As Dr. Rosen began discussing her prenatal health, Kendall’s mind drifted to the whirlwind of events that had led her here—Doctor Sophia’s confes

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  • Entwined With Karma    UNEXPECTED SIGHT

    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

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  • Entwined With Karma    confirmation and conflict

    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

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  • Entwined With Karma    BENEATH THE LIES

    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

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  • Entwined With Karma    CONFRONTATION BREWING

    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

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  • Entwined With Karma    UNRAVELING SECRETS

    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

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Latest chapter

  • Entwined With Karma    EPILOGUE

    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

  • Entwined With Karma    TRUTHS UNRAVEL

    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

  • Entwined With Karma    FIGHTING FOR LIFE

    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

  • Entwined With Karma    UNSEEN TRUTH

    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

  • Entwined With Karma    EXPOSED AND EXILED

    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

  • Entwined With Karma    THE RESULTS ARE IN

    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

  • Entwined With Karma    THE FINAL STRAW

    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

  • Entwined With Karma    THE VOID BETWEEN US

    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. "

  • Entwined With Karma    FRACTURED BOND

    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

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