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UNDER PRESSURE
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Entwined 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
Entwined 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
Entwined 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
Entwined 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
Entwined 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
Entwined With Karma IN HIS ARMS
Kendall could feel her heart pounding as Jason's arms enveloped her with their familiar weight. The world outside of them disappeared momentarily—the falsehoods, uncertainties, and heavy weight of feigning. Everything disappeared as she allowed herself to merge into the comfort of his hug. He didn't grip her strongly; it was a gentle, almost unsure hold, as if he feared she would escape suddenly.And maybe she would have, had this been a day earlier. However, at that moment, all she sensed was the solace of his being as she pressed her face into his chest. The stress that had been accumulating in her chest for weeks, or possibly even months, started to dissipate. The constant pulse of his heart on her cheek brought back memories of a time when things were calm, before the chaos began.Jason gently ran his fingers through her hair, moving slowly and delicately, as though he feared that any sudden movement would break this delicate moment. Kendall refused to release her grip. She was av
Entwined With Karma THE SILENT CONNECTION
Jason tightened his arms around Kendall, his voice gentle as he murmured again, “Is it alright if we head home now?”Kendall nodded, her face still nestled against his chest. "Indeed," she murmured, her voice calm yet gentle.Gradually, they separated, with Jason holding her hand as they exited Alicia's room and entered the cozy living room. Alicia glanced up from the couch, her usual confident expression replaced by a softened look of concern. She rose to her feet, her gaze scanning Kendall’s face with a careful eye.“Alicia,” Kendall began, her fingers still intertwined with Jason’s. “Thank you. For everything. For being present when I needed a listening ear. She was not very talkative, but her gratitude was genuine and did not require any enhancements.When Alicia reached for Kendall's hand with a gentle touch, her expression became more gentle. "No need to thank you; I'm glad you came." She looked at Jason, her gaze turning a bit more serious. “Make sure she’s alright, Jason.”Ken
Entwined With Karma SMALL GESTURES, GROWING AFFECTION
The morning sun softly glinted through the curtains as Kendall opened her eyes and felt a small sense of calm that had been lacking for some time. Jason's thoughtful gesture the previous evening was recalled by the tray beside her bed, which still had a glass of fresh juice and carefully arranged fruits. Upon waking, she discovered him by her side, smiling softly and inquiring about her sleep. While descending the stairs, she pondered about the additional surprises the day might hold.Jason was already getting breakfast ready in the kitchen. He glanced upwards when Kendall walked in, offering her a gentle, affectionate smile. He greeted with a friendly and welcoming tone, saying "Good morning.""Morning," she responded, surprised to see him cooking. “You… cook?”He chuckled, lifting a brow. “Surprised? I might not be a chef, but I can manage the basics. Thought I’d give our cook a break.” He motioned to the pan. “Hope you like omelets.”Kendall nodded, moving closer. “It smells great.
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Entwined With Karma MORE STOPS
The sales assistants and the driver helped load everything into the car. Jason held the door for Kendall as they exited the store from the boutique. Just as she started walking, Jason's stomach let out a loud growl. Kendall suddenly halted in her steps, turning her head quickly towards him as she chuckled. "Was that... you?" she questioned, disbelief evident in her tone. Jason shyly rubbed the back of his neck, causing his ears to blush slightly. "What else can I say? Shopping takes energy,” he replied, giving her a small grin. Kendall shook her head, still chuckling. “Jason Carter, starving after one hour in a boutique. Who would’ve thought?” "Hey, I never mentioned being famished," he joked, although his stomach rumbled again, proving otherwise. "Maybe I am, alright." “Let’s find a place to eat before this turns into a medical emergency.” Kendall smirked, linking her arm with his. “You’re impossible. Fine, breakfast it is.” Jason noticed a charming café nestled in a corn
Entwined With Karma THE BOUTIQUE STOP
As Jason led Kendall toward the car, the bright morning sun filled the lobby, with her hand securely in his. She moved at a leisurely pace, with slightly uncertain steps, yet her smile exuded warmth. Jason sneakily looked at her every few seconds, his spare hand poised to support her if she fell. "Jason," Kendall said with a hint of playfulness in her voice, "I believe I can walk by myself." Jason arched a brow. “Oh, is that so? Because yesterday, you could barely stand without wobbling.” “That was yesterday,” she countered, tilting her head at him. "And I'm still complaining today," Jason responded with a smirk. He held the car door open for her and assisted her as she got in before getting in himself. While the driver placed the bags in the trunk, Kendall smiled and shook her head, with amusement shining in her eyes. Are you aware that you are doing too much? I’m fine, really.” Jason reclined in his chair, securing his seatbelt. "I prefer to go overboard than to wish I had
Entwined With Karma QUIET MORNING
Jason carefully opened the door, trying to make as little noise as possible, and immediately looked at Kendall. She was nestled on her side, breathing evenly, with a calm expression on her face. The warm glow in the room was created by the setting sun filtering through the half-drawn curtains in shades of gold. Jason paused briefly, observing her, feeling his heart grow with an unnamed emotion. "He thought she appeared very calm," his lips formed a slight smile. “After everything today, she deserves this rest.” Still, the persistent concern eating away at the recesses of his thoughts remained relentless. Jason glanced around the room. The partially filled suitcase by the closet grabbed his attention, quietly reminding him of their impending journey. He sighed while pulling up his sleeves. "Okay, time to finish this," he quietly said, moving closer to the task. While grabbing one of Kendall's carefully folded shirts, he noticed the lingering fragrance of her beloved lavender perfume
Entwined With Karma A CALL
Jason watched as Kendall ate the rest of her lunch with little enthusiasm while sitting by her bedside. The chef had excelled with the spread, but Kendall hardly ate any of it. Jason refrained from commenting, as he didn't want to push too much, but her diminished appetite worried him. She appeared improved from the previous night, yet he couldn't overlook the fragility in her. Her typically lively skin tone appeared pale, and although her eyes stayed friendly, they held a hint of darkness, as if she was concealing something. His phone vibrated on the bedside table, breaking the silence. He glanced at Kendall. “I’ll just take this. Be right back,” he murmured, brushing her hand gently before stepping into the hallway. While he departed, Kendall absentmindedly traced patterns on the blanket with her fingers. After the door closed with a click, she released a quiet breath, a hint of unease appearing on her face. She felt another jolt in her stomach. She shifted, adjusting her positio
Entwined With Karma MORNING CALM
When morning came, Jason was still there. His body was rigid from remaining in the same position all night, barely shifting. Seeing Kendall wake up and her complexion improving slightly helped relieve the tension in his muscles. “Good morning,” he said quietly, his voice tinged with relief. Kendall blinked up at him, her lips curving into a faint smile. “You stayed.” "Definitely," he stated while removing a loose strand of hair from her face. "What is your emotional state?”“Better,” she said softly, though her voice lacked its usual energy. Jason nodded, his worry not entirely abated but tempered by her slight improvement. “I ran a bath for you,” he said. “Thought it might help you feel refreshed.” Kendall's demeanor became more gentle, clearly showing her appreciation. "There was no need for you to do that." “I wanted to,” Jason said simply. “Come on. Let me help you.” Kendall let him help her, leaning on him while they walked to the bathroom. Even though she had objecte
Entwined With Karma A CAREGIVER'S TOUCH
Jason shifted, sensing the chill void on the opposite side of the bed. Instinctively, he extended his arm and his fingers made contact with Kendall's shoulder. Her body felt unnaturally warm. He immediately opened his eyes and his heart raced as he looked in her direction. Kendall was curled up, her face red and covered in sweat. She took quick breaths and shook under the blanket. “Kendall?” He leaned over her, his voice filled with tension. She moved and her eyelids opened slightly, fluttering. In a soft whisper, she spoke with a hoarse voice that was barely audible, saying, "Jason." "You have a fever," he commented, reaching for her forehead. The fear chilling his spine was caused by the heat emanating from her skin. She muttered, trying to push his hand away, saying "It's... it's nothing." "I will be okay." Jason ignored her protest, sitting up and reaching for his phone on the nightstand. “I’m calling a doctor.” “No!” Kendall quickly reached out and grabbed his wrist firml
Entwined With Karma GUARDED
The warm golden glow of early sunlight flowed in through the drapes, brightening the room. When Jason opened his eyes, he noticed Kendall curled up on her side. He grinned as he observed her briefly before getting out of bed. He moved quietly, determined to let her sleep a little longer. But as he walked past her to grab a towel, her faint groan stopped him. He turned back, noticing the way her hand clutched at her abdomen, her face drawn in pain even in sleep. “Kendall?” he asked softly, moving closer. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, briefly looking confused before she managed a small smile. "Morning," she whispered quietly, her voice rough. Jason knelt next to the bed, examining her expression. “Are you okay? You look pale.” She waved a dismissive hand, though her movements were sluggish. “I’m fine. Just… pregnancy stuff. Nothing to worry about.” He frowned. “You sure? You seem—” “Jason,” she cut him off gently, pushing herself up to sit. “I said I’m fine. Don’t start
Entwined With Karma WHISPERS
The villa was peaceful, except for the steady sound of waves crashing far away. Jason had placed a small dining table on the patio, where a gentle, golden light was shining and creating moving shadows on the stone floor. Kendall stopped at the entrance, her eyes locked on the view in front of her. On the table, there was a bottle of chilled sparkling cider in an ice bucket and a neatly arranged bouquet of white lilies, her preferred flowers. Jason stood next to the table, fixing a candle that was beginning to tilt dangerously. At the sound of her steps, he looked back, his face glowing with a small, contented smile. "You've arrived at the perfect moment," he stated as he pulled a chair out for her. "Jason, what is that?" Kendall asked, her voice tinged with surprise as she approached. “Dinner,” he replied simply, his tone casual but his eyes warm. “I thought we could use a quiet evening.” Her gaze softened. "You didn't need to go to such lengths." "It wasn't a problem," Jason r
Entwined With Karma THE SPY'S ESCAPE
The cleaner moved briskly but deliberately through the glass doors of Carter Enterprises. She lowered her head, her face showing no emotion, and she moved at a relaxed pace. Despite the pounding in her ears, her demeanor remained calm as she approached the day as she would any other at work. The busy foyer buzzed with its typical activity, with employees hurrying past and whispered chats filling the room. She received no second looks, just as she desired. Her grip on the cart's handle grew stronger as she neared the elevators. She pressed the button and waited, glancing around casually. As she walked by, a security guard nodded at her, so she responded with a friendly smile. The elevator doors opened quietly with a soft sound, and she entered, finally catching her breath as they shut behind her. As soon as the doors closed, she rested against the wall, briefly losing her composure. The cold steel of the elevator mirrored her conflicted reflection. Her mind was flooded with a millio
