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Fifteen
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2024-08-17 13:00:41As I stepped out onto the balcony, I heard the door open behind me. I turned around to find Jack standing there, his expression serious.
“Are you okay?” I asked, my voice soft, almost hesitant. Jack closed the door behind him, stepping closer. “I could ask you the same thing. You seemed… distracted back there.” I sighed, leaning against the balcony railing. “I was just thinking about you, actually. You didn’t seem happy when Alex asked me to be his girlfriend.” Jack’s jaw tightened slightly, and he looked away, staring out at the night sky. “Sophia, it’s not that I’m not happy for you. I just—” He paused, as if searching for the right words. “I worry about you. You’re young, and relationships can be complicated. I don’t want to see you get hurt.” I frowned, trying to make sense of his words. “I know relationships can be complicated, but I trust Alex. He’s been nothing but kind to me.”
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As Jack walked me to my bedroom, the silence between us was palpable. I couldn't help but steal glances at him, his profile illuminated by the soft hallway lights. We reached my door, and he turned to face me."Goodnight, Sophia," he said softly, his eyes searching mine.I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Goodnight, Jack."He hesitated for a moment, then turned to leave. I reached out, my hand brushing against his arm."Jack?"He turned back, his eyes questioning."Thank you," I said, my voice sincere. "For tonight."A small smile played on his lips. "Anytime, Sophia."With that, he turned to leave, but I stopped him again. "Wait. I forgot something," I said, my voice low.He raised an eyebrow, curious. "What?"I stepped closer, my eyes locked on his. "This."And with that, I leaned in, my lips brushing against his in a soft, gentle kiss. It was brief, but electric."I'm sorry," I whispered, pulling back. "I couldn't help myself." My heart raced, my mind reeling. "Jack...""S
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I slowly opened her eyes, and was greeted by the warm sunlight peeking through the curtains. I stretched, feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. And as I turned, I noticed I was alone on the bed. Jack must have left early this morning, as had we slept off in each other's arms after our love making. As I sat up, memories of the previous night flooded my mind. It was intense. It was exhilarating. It was more than perfect. But it was also wrong. I recalled the way Jack's eyes sparkled in the dim light, his gentle touch, and the whispered promises. A flutter rose in my chest as I remembered the butterflies I'd felt. But alongside the romance, a voice whispered doubts and uncertainties. Jack was still my stepfather. I sighed deeply as I swung my legs over the side of the bed, planting my feet firmly on the ground. I needed clarity. Last night had been magical, but reality awaited. I needed to know my next move of action, especially with Alex. "Okay, Sophia, think this through,"
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I quickly composed myself, trying to hide the panic that threatened to surface. My mother’s words echoed in my mind—your boyfriend and stepfather.The two people who were complicating my life beyond measure, waiting for me downstairs, both likely unaware of the storm brewing inside me. “Sure, Mom. I’ll be down in a minute,” I managed to say, forcing a smile. My mother nodded, giving me a warm smile before she left the room. As soon as the door closed behind her, I collapsed back onto the bed, covering my face with my hands. Breakfast with both Alex and Jack? How was I supposed to handle that? I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. There was no avoiding it. I had to face them, even if it felt like I was walking into a minefield. But how could I look them both in the eye, knowing what I had done? I stood up, staring at myself in the mirror. My reflection looked tired, worn out from the emotional turmoil of the last 24 hours. I straightened my shoulders, trying to
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We walked into his office, the tension between us almost suffocating. As soon as the door closed behind us, I turned to face him, ready to confront the truth. “What’s happening between us, Jack?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “What are we doing?” He didn’t answer right away, his gaze fixed on the floor. When he finally looked up, there was a sadness in his eyes that I hadn’t seen before. “I don’t know, Sophia,” he admitted, his voice raw. “I don’t know what this is, but it’s tearing me apart.” “Me too,” I whispered, feeling the tears welling up in my eyes. “I can’t keep pretending that everything’s okay, because it’s not. And now… now it’s affecting my mom, Jack. She thinks she’s losing you.” Jack winced, the pain in his expression cutting me to the core. “I never wanted to hurt her. Or you. But I can’t keep going on like this, Sophia. It’s driving me insane.” “Then what do we do?” I asked, my voice cracking. “Because
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Latest chapter
One Careless Night Eighty - Two
Silence.Then, barely above a whisper, “Is it him?”I frowned. “What?”“Alex,” Jack said, his voice laced with something dark. “Is that where you are? With him?”I hesitated, and that was answer enough. Jack let out a humorless laugh. “Wow. You didn’t waste any time, did you?”I clenched my jaw. “Don’t you dare turn this on me.”“I just find it interesting,” he said, bitterness creeping into his tone. “You walk out of our wedding and go straight to another man? Tell me, Sophia, was he the backup plan?”Anger surged through me, white-hot and burning. “You don’t get to be jealous, Jack. You don’t get to question me after what you did.”He exhaled harshly. “I didn't… I don’t want this to be the end.”I closed my eyes, trying to keep my emotions from spiraling. “It was already over the moment you betrayed me.”Another silence. This one longer, heavier.Finally, Jack spoke again, quieter this time. “Do you love him?”I sucked in a breath, caught off guard by the question.Did I?I didn’t k
One Careless Night Eighty - One
The drive to Alex’s house was silent, the air thick with emotions I wasn’t ready to unpack. I kept my gaze on the road ahead, my wedding dress crumpled around me like a reminder of everything I had left behind. The enormity of what I had just done was settling in, pressing against my chest, but I refused to break down. Not yet.Alex didn't try to force conversation. He simply drove, his grip firm on the wheel, his presence steady beside me. I was grateful for that.By the time we pulled into his driveway, I heave a sigh of relief, soon I would be able to pull off my wedding gown. The weight of it, a constant reminder of the faliure of my wedding.He cut the engine and turned to me. “We’re here.”I nodded, but I didn’t move. My fingers tightened around the fabric of my dress as a wave of exhaustion washed over me.Alex sighed, then got out of the car and walked around to my side. He opened the door, crouching slightly so we were at eye level. “Sophia.” His voice was gentle, patient. “
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The moment we stepped outside the church, the crisp afternoon air hit me like a shock to my system. My wedding dress, once a symbol of joy and promises, now felt suffocating—heavy with betrayal, with loss.Alex’s hand was warm around mine, steady, grounding. But as soon as we reached the steps, I pulled away, wrapping my arms around myself. My breath came in uneven gasps.I had just walked away from my wedding.From Jack.From everything I thought my life was supposed to be.Alex turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “Are you okay?”A laugh bubbled up in my throat—hollow, humorless. “Do I look okay?”He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I had a feeling this would happen.”My eyes snapped to his. “Excuse me?”He met my gaze, unwavering. “Rachel wasn’t going to let this wedding happen. And Jack…” He shook his head. “He’s a fool to think his lies wouldn’t catch up to him.”I swallowed the lump in my throat, my emotions tangled in knots. “And what about me?” My voice cracked
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Gasps rippled through the crowd as all heads turned toward Rachel. She stood at the entrance, chest heaving, eyes darting between Jack and me.Jack’s jaw tightened. “Rachel, what the hell are you doing?”I stood frozen, my fingers trembling around my bouquet. My mother shot up from her seat, her expression a mask of barely concealed rage.Rachel took a shaky step forward. “I can’t let you do this, Jack. Not after everything we shared.”Whispers swirled around us. Jack exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face. “Rachel, this is not the time or the place.”“I don’t care.” Rachel’s voice wavered, but she held her ground. “You can’t marry her.”A lump formed in my throat. I had been prepared for doubts, for hesitation, even for Alex to make a last-minute plea—but not this. Not from Rachel.Jack’s shoulders squared. “Rachel, stop.”“No,” she shook her head. “You don’t love her, Jack. You love me. At least that's what you told me when we had sex.”Silence.My eyes flickered toward Jack,
One Careless Night Seventy - Eight
The moment the door shut behind my mother, I collapsed onto my bed, gripping my phone tightly. My mind raced with everything that had just happened.Alex. My mother. The wedding.I needed this marriage to happen fast, but a small part of me wondered—was I really doing this for myself, or was I just running?No. I wasn’t going to let doubt creep in. My mother had controlled my life for too long, and this was my way out.My phone vibrated in my hand, pulling me from my thoughts. A message from Jack.Jack: I spoke to the planner. We can do it in three weeks. Is that soon enough?Three weeks. It wasn’t as immediate as I wanted, but it was still fast.Me: Perfect. Let’s do it.His response came almost instantly.Jack: Are you sure about this? We can still take a little more time if needed.I clenched my jaw. The last thing I needed was hesitation.Me: I’m sure.He didn’t push any further, just sent a simple "Alright" before ending the conversation.I set my phone down and exhaled slowly. T
One Careless Night Seventy - Seven
The next day, I heard the doorbell ring just as I was stepping out of my room. I didn’t think much of it until I heard my mother’s voice—firm, yet sickeningly polite.“Alex, what a surprise.”I froze mid-step, my heart jumping at the sound of his name. Carefully, I moved closer to the hallway, staying out of sight but close enough to hear.“I came to see Sophia,” Alex’s voice was calm, but I could hear the slight edge of confusion. “Is she home?”My mother let out a short laugh. “She is, but there’s no need for you to see her.”There was a beat of silence before he spoke again, his tone more serious now. “No need?”“That’s right,” she said smoothly. “Sophia will be getting married soon. There’s no reason for you to be coming around anymore.”I clenched my fists at her words.Alex scoffed, clearly caught off guard. “Married?” His voice dipped into disbelief. “You mean to Jack?”“Who else?” my mother replied, her voice laced with triumph.Another beat of silence. Then Alex let out a low
One Careless Night Seventy - Six
The next afternoon, I was in the living room, curled up on the couch with a book, when the doorbell rang. I wasn’t expecting anyone, but when Jefferson called for me to get the door, a strange feeling settled in my gut.I walked over, pulled the door open, and there she was—my mother.She stood there, dressed elegantly as always, her lips curved into a victorious smile. I didn’t need to ask why she was here. I could already see it in her eyes.“Sophia,” she greeted smoothly. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”I hesitated but eventually stepped aside. She walked in confidently, scanning the place before turning to face me.“You look well,” she said, as if this were a casual visit.I crossed my arms. “What do you want, Mom?”She sighed, feigning concern. “I came to see my daughter, of course. You’ve been staying here for a while now. Don’t you think it’s time to come back home?”I scoffed. “Back home? After everything? What’s changed?”Her smile didn’t falter, but her eyes gleamed with
One Careless Night Seventy - Five
A heavy silence settled in the room after my father’s words.Jack's expression remained composed, but I could see the subtle shift in his posture—the tightening of his jaw, the way his fingers curled slightly on his lap. He hadn’t expected this condition, and I knew why. He had made my mother sign a prenup when they got married and that was why he was able to divorce her without splitting his wealth.Jefferson leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on Jack. "What’s wrong? You said you love her. Surely, you’re not planning for a future where you two split?"Jack exhaled sharply, looking away for a moment before returning his eyes to mine. His hesitation made my heart race.I knew this wasn’t about money. Jack wasn’t a man who needed financial security—he had built his empire from nothing. But a prenup was protection, a safety net for someone like him who had been through a divorce before. And now, my father was testing him. And I didn't even know whose side to be on. My fath
One Careless Night Seventy - Four
The morning light streamed through the guestroom curtains, warming my face as I slowly opened my eyes. For a moment, I forgot where I was—until I glanced around and remembered that I had spent the night at my father’s house.A deep sigh escaped my lips. It was my first peaceful sleep in days.I stretched before sitting up, my mind already bracing for the storm I had left behind at my mother’s house. Would she try to call? Would she even care that I had left? I shook the thoughts away and made my way downstairs, following the scent of coffee.Jefferson sat at the dining table, a cup of black coffee in hand, his expression unreadable. The sight of him, so composed and collected, made me pause for a second.“Morning,” I greeted softly.He looked up, nodding. “Morning. Did you sleep well?”I nodded. “Yeah. Better than I have in a while.”“Good.” He took a sip of his coffee before setting the cup down. Then, with a measured look, he said, “I want to meet Jack.”I blinked, caught off guard.
