All Chapters of One Careless Night : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

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

The drive back home felt surreal, my thoughts tangled in a web of secrets, choices, and uncertain futures. My mother’s deception, Jefferson’s unexpected kindness, and now, the looming conversation I needed to have with Jack. Everything seemed to be closing in, as if the walls of my life were shrinking with every revelation. I pulled into the driveway and sat in the car for a moment, gathering the courage to go inside. How would I even begin this conversation with Jack? How could I tell him that I was carrying his child when we’d barely spoken to each other since he returned from the trip? My stomach twisted at the thought of his reaction—anger, confusion, maybe even regret. But I couldn’t keep him in the dark; he had to know.Inside, the house was quiet, still. I found him in the living room, flipping through a document absentmindedly, lost in his own world."Jack," I said softly, and he looked up, a gentle smile crossing his face."Sophia," he replied, setting the magazine aside. "Y

Jack paced back and forth, the weight of the situation sinking in, his face a storm of emotions—fear, anger, helplessness. Every step he took seemed heavier than the last. The room felt thick with tension as I watched him struggle to grasp the reality of it all. Finally, he stopped, running a hand through his hair, and looked at me, his eyes darkened with worry."Rachel is dangerous, Sophia. If she goes through with this… If she tells your mother, or anyone, it would ruin everything," he said, his voice filled with dread. "...everything we’ve tried to protect."I nodded, barely able to speak. "I know, Jack. I thought she was my best friend."He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "We have to find a way to stop her. If she’s threatening to expose us, she’s not going to stop until she gets what she wants.""And that’s what scares me," I admitted, feeling my own anxiety rise. "She’s unpredictable, and I don’t know what she’s really after, Except for my Alex." I said rolling my

The phone rang twice before Alex answered, his voice cool and guarded.“Sophie,” he greeted, as if expecting my call."Alex," I managed, struggling to keep my voice steady. "Look, we need to talk—alone. Please. Just give me a chance to explain why this…this whole thing you’re doing is wrong."A pause on the line. “There’s nothing to explain. You know what’s at stake.”“I know, but… isn’t there any way you’d reconsider?” I forced down my pride, appealing to whatever part of him might still have some shred of decency. “You and I—we were close once. You don’t have to go through with this.”His sigh was faint but enough to make me hope he was wavering. “You think I haven’t thought about that?” His voice was unexpectedly tight, as if my words had struck a nerve. “I have reasons for what I'm asking.”“Then explain those reasons to me,” I pressed, clinging to the opening. “If you want me to really do this, help me understand why you’re asking me to betray Jack.”There was a pause, and I coul

The text from Alex tightened the knot in my stomach, making my hands tremble as I clutched the phone. Three days. It was a short deadline for a choice that could unravel my life, my family, everything.I spent the rest of the morning feeling trapped, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts. I’d told Jack, and that was a relief, but now Alex knew I had only a few days to comply. If he found out I’d broken his warning and involved Jack, there was no telling how far he’d go to carry out his threats.That evening, Jack returned from a long day, looking more tired than usual. I watched him move through the house, noticing the weight of this new truth sinking into him. When he finally approached me in the living room, there was a strange determination in his eyes.“I spoke to Margaret,” he said, his voice steady but strained. “She lied. Alex is not my son.”I felt a mixture of relief wash over me. "Really?"Jack nodded in response as he took a seat beside me, exhaling deeply as he rubbed h