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
Kendall's heart skipped a beat when the doorbell chimed. She stood in the kitchen, clutching the counter tightly as though the cold granite could anchor her frantic mind. Standing where she was, she could hear Jason warmly greeting his mother, his voice as smooth as always. He effortlessly transitioned into the role of the caring husband, which was unsettling. On the contrary, she felt like a marionette with worn strings, about to come apart with the smallest tug."Mom, enter," Jason called out, his voice echoing through the entrance hall.Kendall inhaled deeply, adjusted her stance, and ran her hand over the smooth fabric of the green dress that Jason had given to her. She felt beautiful in it, but there was no comfort in that. The dress wasn’t for her. It was another tool in Jason’s well-crafted narrative. A costume in the play they had to perform."Kendall," Jason quietly spoke, indicating to her that the time had come.As she left the kitchen, her stomach twisted while she headed
A few days afterwards, Kendall sat on the couch's edge, with her back upright and hands firmly clasped in her lap. Watching Catherine move effortlessly around the living room made Kendall feel extremely uncomfortable. Catherine’s visit, which had begun warmly enough, was now dragging on, each moment heavy with tension that only she seemed to feel. Jason sat beside her, his hand casually resting on her knee, the weight of it both grounding and suffocating at the same time.Catherine had made herself comfortable, a delicate porcelain teacup in her hand as she chatted about plans for the baby, future family gatherings, and her excitement for their “growing family.” Kendall nodded along, smiling when appropriate, but her mind was elsewhere—spiraling with guilt, fear, and the crushing weight of the lie they were living.“I was thinking,” Catherine said, her voice light and cheerful, “when the baby comes, we should plan a family getaway. Somewhere peaceful, where you can both relax and sett
Kendall watched as the front door clicked shut behind Catherine. The home, previously filled with the comforting presence of Catherine's mother, now seemed overwhelmingly quiet. The clicking of the wall clock seemed amplified, each tick serving as a constant reminder of the increasing stress that had accumulated during the day.She was positioned in the center of the living room, her body tense and her breaths minimal. The forced smile she had been wearing for hours had disappeared, replaced only by the tightness in her chest and the cold, sinking sense of dread in her stomach.Jason, remaining by the door, ran his fingers through his hair, appearing as composed and collected as he typically was. He faced her, his expression inscrutable, yet Kendall couldn't bring herself to look at him. The silence was oppressive as they sat in quietness, the tension heavy like an impending storm.“You did well,” Jason said, his voice measured and flat. It wasn't praise, just an assessment similar to
Kendall had a difficult time ascending the stairs to Alicia's apartment. Each following move became heavier, as though the built-up exhaustion and emotional stress from the past days had finally caught up with her. When she reached Alicia's door, she stopped momentarily, unsure with her hand hovering near the doorknob. What if she lacked the energy to clarify everything that had occurred?Nevertheless, the moment Alicia opened the door, all of those worries disappeared. Alicia's demeanor softened as she observed Kendall's weary eyes, pale complexion, and the visible weight she seemed to bear in her own body.Alicia whispered Kendall's name, expressing concern in her voice. “Come in.”Kendall didn't require a second invitation. Upon entering, once the door shut behind her, she lost her determination. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed into Alicia's arms before she could say anything, her body trembling with fatigue.Alicia softly guided her to the sofa, providing support. "Take a sea
Jason was seated at his desk, tapping his fingers on the smooth wood, his thoughts elsewhere from the papers in front of him. His thoughts became fixated on Kendall as the buzz of the office faded into the background. He had been concentrating on managing every part of their life so much that he hadn't noticed the extent of pressure he was placing on her. He was plagued by guilt, disturbing his usually calm demeanor. Kendall had looked so tired lately, the strain of pretending wearing her down. In reality, it was also causing him fatigue.A reminder of the meeting he had to attend caused his phone to vibrate on the desk. At this moment, there was nothing more pressing than reconciling with Kendall. He glanced toward Jane, his secretary, who was sorting through some documents at her own desk nearby. Her usual calm presence made her the obvious person to ask for advice, even though Jason wasn’t one to share personal matters. Still, he needed some perspective.“Jane,” Jason started, his
Worried, Jason called Kendall’s phone for the second time. His pulse quickened as the line rang. He listened eagerly, anticipating her voice, longing for a reply. However, when the ringing ceased, Kendall was not the one who picked up."Hello?" Alicia's voice carried a sharp and distant tone as it echoed through the phone.Jason hesitated, surprised to hear her instead of Kendall. His grip tightened around the phone. “Alicia? Where’s Kendall?”“She’s here,” Alicia responded curtly. “She’s exhausted, Jason. She’s asleep now.”He felt relieved momentarily, but it quickly passed. He detected the hint of blame in Alicia's tone, the underlying accusation in her speech. "Thank God," he murmured. "I’ve been trying to reach her. Can I come see her?"There was a lengthy silence at the other end of the phone, filled with silent criticism. "I believe that is not a wise decision at this moment," Alicia eventually responded, her tone defensive, nearly frosty. "She’s been through enough."Jason's j
Jason sat in silence, the seconds dragging into minutes as he waited for Kendall to wake up. The house felt too still, too quiet. He moved around in his chair, looking at the little bag containing the necklace and chocolates placed next to him. The gifts appeared insufficient as reparation for his actions, but they were the only thing he could present at that time.He couldn't stop his thoughts from repeatedly going back to the recent events: the conflict with Kendall, Catherine's visit, and the increasing tension in their relationship. He believed he was safeguarding her, but he understood he had actually been safeguarding his own reputation and authority. By doing that, he had gone too far with her.Alicia hadn't spoken much since she walked out on him in the living room, but her silence said a lot. She was currently Kendall's defender, keeping watch over the man who had unintentionally harmed her friend. Jason couldn’t blame her for that. He knew he deserved her coldness.Jason per
"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
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
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
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
"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 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
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’s office hummed with subdued anticipation, his team moving restlessly in the background, gazes glued to the phone as they waited for the official announcement. Jason was at his desk, attempting to look composed, yet his fingers drummed a constant beat on the edge, revealing his eagerness. Kendall faced him, her gaze supportive and kind as she observed him. A sharp ring cut through the room. Jason’s assistant, Jane picked up, a hint of excitement flashing in her eyes as she turned to him. “Mr. Carter, it’s the call.”He nodded, inhaling deeply to calm himself. Kendall offered him a supportive smile, silently saying, "You can do it." Jason felt a surge of comfort from her being there. He lifted the receiver, his voice calm, yet there was a hint of something else—a subtle assurance. “Hello, yes, speaking.”The conversation began with formalities, and Jason’s responses remained professional, yet Kendall noticed how his shoulders gradually relaxed, a subtle shift in his expression
When the long-awaited day finally came, the big hall was filled with happy chatter and the sound of youngsters laughing blended with soft background music. Bright balloons, animated streamers, and tables brimming with toys adorned the location. Kendall strolled next to Jason, her eyes absorbing the vibrant scene with a gentle, caring look.A little girl tugged on her dress, drawing her attention. She bent down, meeting the child’s curious eyes. “Hi there! What’s your name?”The girl blinked shyly, hiding her face for a moment. “Lily.”Kendall’s smile brightened as she offered her hand. “Well, Lily, I’m Kendall. “Could you please show me which toys are your favorites?” The girl's expression brightened as she agreed, grasping Kendall's hand and guiding her to a table filled with stuffed animals and vivid blocks. Jason observed the situation from a short distance, his face relaxing as he noticed Kendall laughing and conversing effortlessly with Lily. “You’re really good with kids,” Jas