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Thirty-Four
Last Updated:
2024-10-02 19:24:27
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One Careless Night Thirty-Five
The next morning, I awoke to the sound of soft footsteps entering my room. My body still ached, but the sharpness had dulled, replaced by a constant, steady throb. I blinked my eyes open to see the nurse from the day before standing by my bedside, a gentle smile on her face."Good morning," she said softly, checking the machines beside me. "How are you feeling today?""Sore," I replied, my voice still hoarse."Are you okay?" she asked again, noticing the pain in my voice.I nodded weakly, even though I wasn't sure if I was okay. How could I be? The weight of everything felt even heavier now—Jack, my mother, Rachel, Alex, and now this baby. I didn’t know how to feel, what to think. My whole life had just been turned upside down again."Want to talk about your pregnancy?" the nurse asked, her voice full of concern.I shook my head."I know it's a lot to take in," the nurse said kindly, patting my arm. "But you're stron
Last Updated : 2024-10-03One Careless Night Thirty - Six
As I sat there, the reality of my situation settled in, heavier than I had imagined. The thought of being a mother was terrifying. I didn’t feel ready, especially not now, when my whole world seemed to be crumbling. My mind drifted to Jack and my mother, their happiness, and how I had been left behind. My fingers instinctively brushed against my stomach, and I wondered what kind of future this baby would have, what kind of mother I would become, and most especially how Jack would react to all of this when he finds out. What would he say? Would he want to be involved?The elderly man cleared his throat softly, pulling me back to the present. "I know it's overwhelming," he said, his voice gentle. "But you'll figure it out. You don’t have to have all the answers right now."I nodded, appreciating his words. He was right—everything didn’t have to be decided today. But the thought of telling Jack about the pregnancy, or even my mother, filled me with dread. What would they say? How would t
Last Updated : 2024-10-04One Careless Night Thirty - Seven
I stared at the photograph, my mind racing. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Jefferson, the man who had hit me with his car, the man who had taken me in, was in a picture with my mother. But how could this be? They lived worlds apart, their paths never crossing.I traced the lines of my mother's face, the same smile that had been so rare in recent years. The woman in the photo was full of life, her eyes sparkling with joy. It was a stark contrast to the woman married to Jack now.Footsteps approached from behind, and I turned to see the elderly man standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable. His eyes followed my gaze to the photograph, and he sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging as if a burden had just been laid on them."That was my fiancee." he said softly. "Her name is Karen."My heart ached. I had never heard my mother speak about my father, let alone a fiance. "Why didn't you get married?" I askes, still not sure of my suspicions."We were very young, head over heels
Last Updated : 2024-10-06One Careless Night Thirty Eight
As I lay on the bed, exhaustion tugging at my body, my mind continued racing. The pieces of this strange puzzle were falling into place, but too slowly. I closed my eyes, willing myself to rest, but sleep felt impossible with so many questions swirling in my head.Who was Jefferson really to my mother? Why had she kept him a secret for so long? What did it mean that I was here, in his house, at this very moment? The timing felt too coincidental, almost like some unseen force had guided me here to discover this long-buried truth.After what felt like hours of tossing and turning, I decided to get up and walk around the house. The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor. The silence of the house felt both comforting and eerie, as though it held secrets it wasn’t yet ready to reveal.I made my way back to the living room, where the photograph still sat on the mantel. I couldn’t resist looking at it again. My mother’s smiling face stared back at me, s
Last Updated : 2024-10-07One Careless Night Thirty Nine
I woke early the next morning, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains. The house was still quiet, almost too quiet, but I didn’t have time to dwell on the strange emptiness. Today was the day. I would go home, face my mother, and demand the answers I deserved. There was no avoiding it anymore.After a quick shower, I packed my things, slipping the small photograph from the mantel into my bag. I wasn’t sure why I took it—maybe I just needed proof, something tangible to hold on to when the questions felt too overwhelming.As I walked down the stairs, Jefferson was already in the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee. His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I saw the same sadness from the night before. But there was also a quiet acceptance, as if he knew what was coming.“Leaving already?” he asked, his voice soft.“Yeah. I think it’s time,” I replied, glancing down at my bag. “I need to talk to her.”He nodded, taking a sip from his mug. “I figured as much. I wi
Last Updated : 2024-10-08One Careless Night Forty
My mother’s eyes met mine, and for a split second, I saw the fear in her expression—the fear of truths she had buried for years finally coming to light. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. Jefferson stood there, silent, giving her the space to respond. He seemed to know that this moment wasn’t his to control, that it was between her and me now.“I…” My mother faltered, glancing at Jack as if unsure how much to say in front of him.“Mom,” I urged, my voice firmer. “Why didn’t you tell me about him? Who is Jefferson to you?”She shook her head slowly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I… I didn’t want you to know. I didn’t want to dredge up the past.”Jack took a step back, his hand falling from her shoulder. “Karen, what’s going on?” His voice had softened, but the confusion was still clear. “What does this man have to do with our family?”My mother turned to Jack, her expression pained. “Jefferson… he’s someone I knew a long time ago, before I met you.”H
Last Updated : 2024-10-31One Careless Night Forty - One
As I sat on my bed, emotions swirling, a fresh wave of anxiety washed over me. My secret weighed heavily, pressing down with an intensity I could hardly bear. The pregnancy had been my private burden, something I hadn't yet come to terms with myself, let alone shared with anyone else. And now, with my mother's secrets unraveling downstairs, my own truth felt even more daunting.I hugged a pillow to my chest, my mind drifting back to the moment I first found out. The shock, the panic, the uncertainty—it had all come crashing down, leaving me feeling more alone than ever. And now, as much as I longed for clarity from my family, I was afraid of what they’d say when my own truth came out. My mother would likely be furious, disappointed, and Jack… I can only but wonder how would react when he discovers I am pregnant with his child.The faint murmur of voices drifted up from downstairs, but they were too low for me to make out. I felt a pang of frustration as I imagined them discussing life
Last Updated : 2024-11-02One Careless Night Forty - Two
I left my mother sitting at the table, her hands clasped tightly around her now-cold cup of tea. I didn’t look back as I grabbed my coat and keys, my mind set on paying Jefferson a visit. As I stepped out into the brisk morning air, I felt the weight of her confession still pressing down on me, fueling each step I took toward the answers I was determined to uncover.The drive to Jefferson’s place was a blur, my thoughts racing, fragmented memories of small moments with my mother that suddenly made more sense in a twisted, painful way. Had she always known? Every time I’d asked about my father, she’d deflected, claimed it was “complicated” or simply said, “He isn’t part of our lives.” And all the while, she’d known exactly who he was.Pulling up outside Jefferson’s home, I took a deep breath to steady myself. I needed answers, and I wasn’t leaving without them. I walked up to his door, my hand hovering for a moment before I finally knocked. It took only a moment before the door swung
Last Updated : 2024-11-03
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. “
One Careless Night Eighty
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
One Careless Night Seventy - Nine
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.
