"Are you absolutely certain? I'm fine with whatever you choose. I simply need to use the restroom urgently!" exclaimed Cassandra in frustration.I chuckled at her irritation and motioned for her to go ahead. Then I directed my attention towards Julie."I believe it's my responsibility to determine who qualifies as a guest in my own house," I asserted firmly.Julie appeared taken aback by my statement. "But, Jasper, she isn't even a guest! She's the hired help!""She's not just an employee!" I raised my voice, my desire to protect Cassandra surfacing. "Don't ever refer to her in that manner. She's like a friend to me. Do not dare to call her anything else."Julie's hand rested on my shoulder, but she quickly removed it, acknowledging her mistake. "I apologize," she murmured, her tone contrite. "I had no idea that you had such strong feelings for her.""You do now," I retorted icily, turning away from her. However, my attention was abruptly diverted by Cassandra's urgent yell from my bed
Julie's POV:As I got into the car, I couldn't help but slam the door in frustration. "Easy!" exclaimed Alex, to which I rolled my eyes before resting my head against the seat. Today had been a complete disaster. I had previously dismissed the idea that Jasper had feelings for Cassandra, but it turned out that he actually cared about her.In that moment, I wanted nothing more than to release my frustration by breaking something. However, I knew that wasn't the appropriate course of action when Jasper asked me to pick up the bags and lectured me in front of everyone. I needed to gain Jasper's trust first before convincing him to call off his wedding to Cassandra. Although I had been confident when I first challenged Cassandra, my confidence had wavered.I made the decision to try a different approach and win Kenny and Alex's favor. "So Kenny, are you seeing someone?" I asked with genuine curiosity, hoping to start a conversation that would help take my mind off of my current predicament
Cassandra's POV:As I opened my eyes, I felt a familiar weight resting across my waist, and a smile spread across my face at the sight of Jasper. He was snoring loudly, but he looked so peaceful and serene that I didn't want to disturb him. After lying there for some time, I heard Mrs. Madison tinkering around in the kitchen and decided to slip out of the room. I carefully pried Jasper's arm off me and got up, making my way to the kitchen to greet her. "Good morning!" I exclaimed cheerfully, causing her to drop the pan she was holding in fright. "Oh, Miss Cassandra, you scared me!" she exclaimed.Feeling sheepish, I apologized for startling her. Mrs. Madison then asked me where I had been for the past two days, and I explained that I had been at my home. She hesitated for a moment before sharing her concern for Jasper, whom she considered as her own son. "Well, I don't know if it's my place to say this or not, but Mr. Jasper is like a son to me, and I am worried about him," she confide
As Jasper called Alex and Kenny to plan our mission, I observed their arrangements. Alex mentioned he would meet us at Jasper's place after work, and Kenny confirmed he would come over immediately.Concerned for Jasper's well-being, I suggested that he also needed to go to the office. However, Jasper replied with a smirk and flexed his muscles, saying that he had planned to take the day off to protect me.His macho gesture made me giggle, and I told him that Kenny was coming over, so he could go without worrying about me. Despite rolling his eyes, Jasper got ready and went to get dressed. Meanwhile, Mrs. Madison finished her work and left, reminding me to take care of myself.Entering the room, I paused and noticed Jasper standing in front of his wardrobe, contemplating which shirt to wear with his jeans."I wonder if we managed to persuade her," I asked, my voice trembling with nervousness."Mrs. Madison? Definitely. The kiss sealed the deal," Jasper replied, giving me a wink that mad
While having an early dinner, we discussed our plan for the evening. Kenny reviewed the plan several times, but we didn't mind as it made us feel more secure. The plan was simple; we would go to the location, Jasper would drop me off at the doorstep, and then leave. I would enter my house and lock the door behind me. Jasper would drive around the block and return with Alex and Kenny in their car. They would park outside my house and keep an eye out for any visitors. I was instructed to stay on the phone with one of them at all times.As we finished our meal quickly, I felt relieved to have the support of these three individuals. They all looked elegant in their black attire. We got into the car and headed towards my home. Jasper walked me to the door and joked, "Wish you were staying over with me."I replied, keeping up with our ruse to deceive the stalker, "Oh Jasper, I need to be here sometimes too.""I understand. I will miss you tonight," he said softly, gazing into my eyes.After
Cassandra’s POV"I need your confirmation on something," I said to my friend Kenny."What's up?" he asked, sounding curious."I heard something from Julie that's really bothering me," I said, my irritation clear."Okay, spill it," he replied casually, not seeming too invested."Well, she told me that Jasper might be interested in me, but she also said that he spent the entire weekend in bed with her!" I exclaimed, my eyes rolling in annoyance."Are you serious?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise."Yep, that's what she said," I confirmed with a mischievous grin."But why does that bother you?" he questioned, looking confused."Kenny, seriously?" I exclaimed, showing my frustration."I'm just joking with you, Cassandra," I said with a chuckle. "Let's be fair, you and Jasper haven't exactly professed your undying love for each other yet. So, even if that were to happen, you couldn't really blame Jasper, could you?"Pausing for a moment, I considered Kenny's words. "I suppose you're
Jasper 's POV:As soon as I spotted Julie, a surge of panic coursed through me, leaving me uncertain of how to react. Relying on my instincts, I quickly shifted the car into reverse and sped away from the scene as fast as possible.Julie called out, bewildered by my sudden departure, "Jasper? What's going on?""I need to get out of here," I urgently replied.Cassandra seemed perplexed by my behavior and questioned, "Why? What's wrong?""Didn't you see who was there just now?" I snapped, feeling frustrated."Julie," I muttered through gritted teeth. "I thought I was giving her a second chance, but I now realize that I was foolish."Turning away from my residence, I experienced a mix of emotions, including anger and disappointment. Soon after, Alex and Kenny caught up with us, rolling down their windows."Whoa!" Alex exclaimed, his tone incredulous."What on earth was that all about?""Julie," I responded tersely."Come on, man, that's your place. You should have asked her to leave!" Ale
"Understood," Alex responded with a nod."Can you both please lend me a hand instead of being uncooperative?" I pleaded, my voice filled with desperation."Well, why not just express your feelings to her?" Kenny suggested in a nonchalant manner."Is that all?" I asked incredulously."Absolutely, straightforwardness is appreciated by level-headed people like Cassandra," Alex affirmed, nodding in agreement."Great, should I go and tell her right now?" I asked, feeling eager."No way, you fool," Kenny laughed. "Wait until tomorrow when we're out of here!""Be alert," Kenny interrupted abruptly, and all of us directed our attention towards the kitchen where Cassandra had just entered."Hey Kenny, let's change the subject," said Kenny in a swift attempt to shift Cassandra's focus. "Any plans for tonight? Maybe we can catch a movie?"But Cassandra had other ideas. With a mischievous grin on her face, she skipped over to the group and announced, "Nope, we're going to swap ghost stories!"This
As soon as news of our engagement spread through the media, it quickly became the talk of the town across various news platforms in Seattle. True to form, there were a handful of envious individuals who seized the opportunity to launch a barrage of insults at me, resorting to all kinds of derogatory names. Some even went as far as suggesting that I must have employed supernatural means to captivate Noah's affections, questioning how a prosperous and youthful man could possibly be enamored by someone like me. Fortunately, my loyal friends emerged as my staunch defenders, taking on the trolls and even granting interviews on Instagram live streams to clear my tarnished reputation.Both Noah and I have consistently turned down interview requests, including those from reputable media outlets. His stance was that our relationship is not open for public scrutiny, a sentiment I wholeheartedly share. In accordance with our mutual decision, we have chosen to have a destination wedding at a ser
After precisely two months of reconciling with Noah , I made the decision to organize a surprise birthday celebration for him. With his 33rd birthday approaching, my aim was to create an intimate and elegant party to honor him. To bring this event to life, I sought the assistance of his closest friends, Fredrick and Jamiu, as well as his parents. They were all eager to contribute and help organize the occasion. Today, his family will be traveling from Spain to Seattle to attend the party, which will take place at the lavish residence of their family friend, Mr. Matthew Dawnson, a billionaire tycoon.Marilyn, who suggested the venue, assured me that Matthew's house in Seattle was the ideal location for the type of party I have envisioned. As it turns out, she was absolutely correct. The mansion occupied a vast expanse of land that seemed to extend infinitely, bordered by the tranquil waterfront of Kirkland lagoon.It felt as though we've stepped into a breathtaking Caribbean paradise r
Acting on a tip from Marilyn, I decided to visit one of Noah's clubs where an artist signed to his record label was performing tonight. Noah was unaware of my surprise visit, although he knew his mother had come to see me earlier. She had asked if she should inform him about my desire to meet up, but I declined, as I was the one who had cut ties with him and explicitly forbade him from contacting me again.As I approached the entrance, the bouncers inquired if my name was on the guest list. For the first time, doubts crept into my mind, questioning the wisdom of my impromptu visit. A sense of déjà vu washed over me, reminiscent of the day months ago when I went to Noah's residence for an unexpected meet up. That particular evening marked the beginning of our relationship and held the significance of our first intimate encounter. The memory brought a smile to my face, instilling in me the confidence to proceed with my purpose for the night.Approaching one of the colossal bouncers, I
The children and I didn't make it downstairs until slightly past 10 a.m. It had been an incredible night, courtesy of my unexpected visit from my cousin, Samuel , who asked if he could spend the weekend with us. I was delighted to have his company, and thanks to him, we stayed up later than usual, engaging in enjoyable games, a family karaoke session, and indulging in the junk food he had brought along.Luckily, today was Saturday, so there was no need to wake up at the crack of dawn to prepare for school and work. Samuel was still asleep on the couch in the living room where we had left him the previous night. I signaled to the girls to be quiet as we stealthily made our way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast."What are we having for breakfast?" Anna inquired eagerly. "I'm famished!""Shh! Let's not wake up Uncle Samuel ," Bella admonished her sister in a hushed tone."I agree," I responded softly. "After entertaining us so well last night, he deserves to rest.""Can we have eggs
As the new school year approached, my enthusiasm surpassed even that of my children. They often wondered what made me so cheerful. I was genuinely delighted to embrace the return of a structured routine. Each day held a sense of purpose: escorting my daughters to school, proceeding to work after bidding them farewell, accomplishing our weekly grocery shopping, enjoying quality time with my girlfriends every other weekend, and sporadically receiving visits from my siblings. These engagements filled my days with various activities, diverting my attention from ruminating about Noah and whether he and Reina managed to establish a connection after that dreadful morning four and a half months ago. It's astonishing how swiftly time has flown by!Interrupting my thoughts, Joe jovially exclaimed, "Knock, knock! Who's there?"I found myself seated in my office, experiencing a rather uneventful day in terms of business. Impatience consumed me as I eagerly anticipated the moment when I must pick
This morning's breakfast was a delightful and uncomplicated affair. I indulged in fried bean cakes, accompanied by corn pudding generously adorned with milk and sugar, and a serving of freshly baked bread. As I savored each bite, a rush of nostalgia envelopped me, transporting me back to my cherished childhood. It was during those Saturday mornings that my mother would skillfully prepare this delightful combination, her dedication evident after hours of meticulously cleaning the house and its surroundings. Ah, the fond memories of those days gone by.Noah, observing me intently with an inquisitive smile, playfully remarked, "Seems like our chef deserves a raise, considering the immense joy on your face. I never knew you were such an ardent fan of bean cakes. Or perhaps it's the velvety-smooth pudding that has brought about such happiness?"A gentle chuckle escaped my lips as I responded, "Not exactly. Although this food has undeniably transported me back to my childhood, it was my mot
The atmosphere in the car was heavy with silence as Noah and I made our way back to his house. The palpable tension reflected Noah's evident annoyance and embarrassment over the deplorable treatment I received from his parents during my inaugural visit to their home. While my family may not be affluent, I am certain that they would never exhibit such overt rudeness towards someone they were meeting for the first time. Age should not be a point of contention, and there is certainly nothing inherently terrible about having children. Yet, they made me feel as if I were afflicted with a contagious disease. Why did Marilyn, in particular, direct such venomous hostility towards me from the moment she laid eyes on me? And as for Reina , what is her ulterior motive? As we pulled up to Noah's house, his sour mood still hung in the air. I am torn about whether I should offer an apology to him, even though it was I who should feel offended, not him. With determined strides, he ascended the sta
As we reached the backyard, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Noah's father didn't match the image I had in my mind. Unlike what I expected, the elderly Taylor was tall, slender, and attractive, with hair that's gracefully greying. On the other hand, I couldn't help but feel annoyed when I saw Reina , who looked like she was part of the family. She was wearing tiny shorts that barely covered her buttocks, paired with a cropped knit top that showcased her extremely flat stomach. Her short hair was styled into shiny finger curls, complemented by sleek baby hairs at the front. She was also sporting a pair of Gucci slides, partially concealing her feet. As soon as she spotted me, she casted a deliberate, slow glance from my head to my toes, making it abundantly clear that she didn't welcome my presence. "Hello, Father!" Noah enthusiastically greeted his dad, extricating himself from his mother and approaching his father. "Hey, son!" Exclaimed the older Taylor , stepping forward t
Over the next three days, Noah and I immersed ourselves in exploring Spain to its fullest extent. We made it a point to visit various tourist attractions and indulge in sightseeing activities. To ensure my daughters were part of the experience, I diligently recorded each outing and shared the videos with them via my cousin's WhatsApp. Alternatively, I would connect with them through Skype during our trips, allowing them to witness our joyous outdoor adventures in real-time.On the fourth day of our stay in Spain, we were abruptly awakened at 7 a.m. by the persistent ringing of Noah's phone. Our sleep schedule had been adjusted since arriving in Spain, causing this unexpected phone call to catch us off guard."Darn it, I should have turned off my phone last night," Noah grumbled into his pillow. "Who in the world could be calling at this hour?""Please answer the darn phone so I can get some more sleep!" I replied drowsily, feeling increasingly annoyed by the incessant ringing that w