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
3 cm invasive tumor in situ… Stage 3… Metastasis is present… Kendall’s hands trembled as she read her test result. She swallowed thick lumps of saliva that were about to choke her. “Wh- what does… this mean, doctor?” Her voice was trembling so was her whole body, coupled with her labored breathing. Even though she knew what it meant, she rather lived in denial. “Miss Kendall,” Doctor Sophia took off her glasses and focused on the patient in front of her. “You have stage three cervical cancer.” She dropped the heartbreaking news. “No… I don't… doctor, this is not my result.” Tears rolled down Kendall’s cheeks as she kept on arguing. There was no way that she would accept this result as hers. She only had pain and heavy bleeding… And a few minor symptoms. She was sure that there was a mix-up somewhere. There had to be. “I can't have cancer,” Kendall heaved a sigh. It felt like her whole world was crumbling before her and she was too weak to put the smallest pieces togethe
“How could you?”Alicia was furious as her voice took over the living room. This had to be a joke.She ran down to Kendall’s house after seeing the multiple mixed calls only to be given double strikes; Kendall hadn't only slept with a stranger, but she had already called Doctor Sophia, saying that she was ready for the IVF procedure.“What would I have done?” Kendall wasn't having it. Matter of fact, she was done trying to explain herself."Anything..." "Just not messing around." She shrugged.Kendall hated that she was diagnosed with cancer, and had woken up in bed with a stranger, with the effect of the alcohol wearing off and she felt terrible. Like every other girl, she had the fantasy of a small family and having her babies, not opting for a sperm donor.“I'm sorry for not being by your side at the time you needed me most,” Alicia apologized."You don't have to be." "All that I expect from you, is love, support, and kind words…""That's if you are dealing with so much, and you're
“Anywhere but home.”Jason informed Lucas after getting into the back of his black-tainted car. He was done with work for the day, but for fear of his mother breathing down his throat, he'd rather stay out late.“Alright, sir,” Lucas, his driver responded.He didn't need to think twice, he knew the exact place that his boss frequented when he needed to escape his realities. Slowly, he increased the volume of the music, trying to soothe his boss.“Turn it off.”Jason hissed, tugging on his tie that was suddenly becoming too suffocating.“I'm sorry, sir.”He was already exhausted from today’s hassle, but he had to quickly fix a few meetings for tomorrow. His eyes were glued to his tab the whole time, as he immersed himself in work.The rest of the journey to the club was calm and boring. In about half an hour, they arrived at the spot and Jason went to the bar. They didn't do much security check-up on him."Brandy is fine." He told the bartender who jotted down his order. He looked arou
“Mother, it's too early,” Jason grunted as he knotted his necktie and adjusted his black pants.“Too early for your mother to have a word with you?” The ever-cheesy Catherine followed her son around.Her hair was a rich silver with streaks of gold and styled in a grand puff. She had a sizable nude gown that matched her skin tone and a light brush of pink lip gloss. For sixty-one, she defied the number.Jason sipped from his teacup and set it down on a saucer. He knew what his mother had to say and was avoiding the topic by all means possible.“How about we do that when I return from work?”"Then I would be in the salon fixing my hair or getting spar treatment." "We need to talk now."Sealing her point, she stopped by the door, silently telling him that no one would leave the room until they had a discussion. The last time she sat on the foot of his bed in protest, he ran out without remorse. She wasn't about to make that mistake now. Yesterday, he purposely ignored her calls and sneak
“Get out of my office!”Jason thundered, refraining from throwing off the coffee his supposedly new assistant brought.Kendall was still in shock, just staring, wide-eyes. Her smart mouth had ruined things for her once more.“Why are you still gawking?” "Leave!"“I’m sorry, sir…”"You’re sorry?" "After acting so rude, you're now sorry?" He laughed at her in cheerful mockery. "Would you be sorry if I were a gate man or a random worker..." "Maybe a jobless person like yourself?"Jobless? Kendall pressed her lips in a fine line instead. She desperately needed this job.Jason took his office phone and dialed Ryan’s number. He had to come and fix his mess. "Didn't he have a proper interview before employment?"“He did, and I was the best...”"Do you even know when to be quiet?" "I wasn't talking to you!""Forgive me, sir."“Ryan, I need you here this minute!” He dropped the call with that.“Please, sir…” Kendall continued to plead. “We were both at fault…”“How dare you?!”Jason looked up
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
The vibrant lights of the toy shop shimmered on the racks, creating a cozy illumination as Jason and Kendall entered. The atmosphere was infused with a mix of exhilaration and reminiscence, and Kendall's eyes sparkled as she surveyed her surroundings, beaming. Jason found himself captivated by her enthusiasm, even while reminding himself that their purpose was for the children, not for his increasing intrigue with her. “So,” he started, observing her gaze scanning the aisles in amazement, “where do we even begin?” Kendall gazed at him, determination shining in her eyes. "Okay, let's examine this." We need to pick things they’ll genuinely enjoy. Not just the fancy stuff, but toys they’ll have fun with.”Jason nodded, a small grin tugging at his lips. “Practical yet fun. Got it. "You seem like you have experience with this." She chuckled, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "I've gained some experience, whether you believe it or not." Furthermore, I desire for them to sense that