What happens the day Jasper finds out the truth?

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Then Lara burst into laughter, her eyes full of amusement.

"Oh my God, really?!" she giggled, shaking her head. I sighed and poured more white wine into my glass, trying to process everything.

We were both in our nightdresses, stretched out on the couch in the living room, the dim light making everything feel warm and cozy.

"Just when I thought you were the boring one! Damn, girl, you've got some real drama going on!"

I rolled my eyes. "Drama? Please, Lara, stop teasing me."

"Babe, I'm serious. And I’m so glad I pushed you to go on that date. So, tell me, what did you say to Jamie when he said he was ready to fight for you?"

I let out a deep sigh. "I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say or do. For a second, I thought he was joking. But then I saw his face… he meant every word."

"See, that’s why I swore never to go on dates again. Too much drama!" Lara teased, shaking her head.

"No, don’t say that." She always jumped to conclusions. "I don’t blame myself for anything. Jamie knows what he wants, and that’s why he isn’t giving up on me."

Lara took my hand and squeezed it. "Listen, you’re smart, beautiful, independent, successful, and an amazing mother. Any man would be lucky to have you."

I took a sip from my glass, staring at the wine like it held the answers to my problems. "I’m just being me, Lara. After everything that man and his family put me through, I made a promise—to be a better person and, most importantly, the best mother to my son. That’s what drives me. I never even thought anyone would be interested in a single mother. Not that I’m ready to date."

Lara sighed dramatically. "Don’t sell yourself short just because you have a child. The right man will see your worth."

I shook my head. "I’m just not interested."

"Genevieve, no one is meant to be alone forever."

"I’m not alone. I have Jasper."

"I know," she smiled softly, "and he’ll always be yours. No one will take him away. But deep down, you miss having a man’s warmth, don’t you?"

"Ugh, Lara, please!" I groaned, covering my face with a pillow. "I’m always so exhausted I barely have time to think about that."

"Liar!" she shot me a playful glare.

I sighed. "Fine! Maybe just a little… but it doesn’t matter, right?"

Lara grinned knowingly. "So, are you going to give Jamie a chance?"

I groaned again. "You all keep getting it wrong! This is exactly why I didn’t want to go on that date."

"From what I heard, he’s a good guy. Are you really going to let him go just like that?"

I waved my hand dismissively. "You sound just like Jamie. He told me he understands I’m not ready for a relationship. He only asked for a friendly dinner. And after so much pressure, I finally gave in."

"And?"

"And now I can't believe he made me so uncomfortable in the end!"

Lara giggled, clearly enjoying the conversation.

"I won’t lie," I admitted. "I saw it in his eyes—he’s serious about me. He’s not even trying to hide it. He’s willing to do whatever it takes. I feel like I just walked into something I can’t handle."

"What did he say exactly?"

"He said he’ll respect my decision for now, that we can be friends… but he won’t stop trying to win me over."

Lara smirked. "I bet Alex’s behavior made him even more determined."

I sighed. "Maybe."

"And? What do you think about that?"

"I don’t know. I just hope I haven’t brought trouble upon myself."

Lara frowned. "What do you mean? You don’t trust him?"

"No, it’s not that. I just… I haven’t really paid much attention to Jamie. But my instincts tell me he’s a good guy. I just don’t know how he plans to win me over because, honestly, I only see him as a colleague and a friend. Nothing more."

Lara arched her brow. "Nothing more?"

I said nothing.

She sighed. "Genevieve, I feel like you’ve completely shut yourself off from love. No matter how hard someone tries to win your heart, it might be pointless if you don’t open yourself up."

I swallowed hard. Was she right? Had I locked my heart away?

"You’re an amazing person, Genevieve," she said softly. "I just want you to find someone who will love you beyond words. Someone who will cherish you."

"I’m glad I went on the date too," I admitted. "I just hate that Alex had to ruin everything. But… I’m grateful Jamie stood up for me."

Lara nodded. "I think Jamie was right about Alex being jealous. Why else would he be so mad about you seeing another man? After everything he put you through?"

"He’s an asshole. And I’m glad he’s got competition now. Someone as fierce as Jamie."

Lara smirked. "So, do you think Alex will try something now that he knows about Jasper?"

I stiffened. "I don’t know, and I don’t care. I have you, my brother, and security. No matter what, I will protect my son."

Lara’s eyes softened. "I love your zeal, Genevieve. But don’t be surprised if Alex is just looking for a way back into your life."

I clenched my jaw. "I honestly don’t care."

Lara hesitated before speaking again. "But wait, you mentioned Alex saying you both needed to talk at the café. Don’t you even want to hear his side of the story?"

I scoffed. "Never! He doesn’t deserve my time. What excuse could he possibly have for treating me like trash while I was pregnant with his child?"

Lara sighed. "You have a point. But I thought maybe you’d still want to hear him out. Even if just to shut the door completely."

I stayed silent, swirling the wine in my glass. My mind was a storm of emotions. Lara’s next words, however, sent a chill down my spine.

"Genevieve… what happens the day Jasper finds out the truth about his father? The fact that he’s alive? What if he ends up resenting you?"

My heart pounded in my chest. That was the one question I never wanted to face.