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TENSION BUILDS
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2024-10-23 02:45:13Related chapters
Entwined With Karma PREPARING FOR THE SHOW
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-23Entwined With Karma CATHERINE'S ARRIVAL
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-23Entwined With Karma UNDER PRESSURE
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-24Entwined With Karma THE BREAKING POINT
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-24Entwined With Karma A HEART SEEKS REST
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-24Entwined With Karma SEEKING REDEMPTION
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-24Entwined With Karma AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-25Entwined With Karma A QUIET APOLOGY
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-25
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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
