CHAPTER 035
AVA’S POV
Jason stood there, looking angry and disappointed. His eyes moved from Miranda’s hand on my arm to her face, and she quickly let go of me.
“Jason, I was just…”
“Apologize,” he said finnly, cutting her off.
Miranda’s eyes went wide. “You can’t be serious.”
“I said apologize,” Jason repeated, his voice cold and firm.
Miranda’s voice was sharp and full of disbelief. “How can you stand up for this woman when I’m your cousin?”
Jason didn’t move. He stayed strong, his voice calm. “She’s my wife,” he said, still glaring at her. “And I won’t let anyone disrespect her, not even my family.”
The atmosphere was heavy with anxiety. My cheeks burned, yet Jason’s words surrounded me like a protective barrier. For the first time in quite some time, I felt secure.
Miranda, hurt by his words, went quiet. Her face was red with shock and embarrassment. Jason turned back to me, his face softer as he reached for my hand.
I took his hand, and he led me to the racks of dresses. He stopped and looked at the one I had picked “It’s good,” he said slowly, “but not good enough.”
My heart skipped. Was he rejecting it?
“This dress suits Miranda better, let her have it,” he went on, his voice still firm. “It’s loud, just like her. Always acting in a vulgar way.”
Miranda’s eyes went wide at his words, but Jason was already moving to another dress.
This one was a deep navy color, made of soft silk, with a fitted top and a smooth knee–length skirt.
The lace details and a little sparkle at the bottom made it look classy without being too flashy.
“This one,” he said, turning to me with a siñall smile. “It‘ suit you better. You deserve something as beautiful as you are.”
His words hit me deeply. I wasn’t just his wife anymore. I was the woman he cared about, the one he wanted to protect. I felt relief like a heavy weight was lifted from my shoulders
Miranda stood there, her face flushed with disbelief and anger as she watched me slip into the dress.
Her eyes were full of contempt. She didn’t say a word as we passed her and left the store, but I could tell she was struggling to hide her resentment.
On our way to the restaurant, Jason reached over, taking my hand in his. “You know, you look even more beautiful lately,” he said, his voice soft and filled with admiration.
“You’re glowing. Honestly, I think you look better with the weight you’ve gained. It’s like you’ve become even more… irresistible.”
His words made my heart flutter. I blushed, squeezing his hand, feeling lighter than I had in days. The warmth of his praise wrapped around me like a hug.
+25 BONUS
CHAPTER OS
If only he knew the reason for the glow!
We arrived at the restaurant, and he opened the doors for me and pulled out my chair. I felt like a queen. Having him next to me was a quiet comfort.
When the walter brought the first dish, an avocado and shrimp salad, I smiled. “This is my favorite,” I said, surprised that he remembered.
Jason smiled back, his eyes warm. “I know,” he said. His fingers brushed mine as he reached for his fork.
That simple touch made me feel calm. I squeezed his hand and he squeezed mine in return before planting a kiss on it, making my cheek burn and sending flutters through my tummy.
“I promise you, I won’t let anyone hurt or bully you ever again. Neither Laura, Miranda, nor anyone else will disrupt our marriage. I promise you that,” he said, his eyes locked on mine, and I could see the sincerity in them.
The Jason I married was back to himself
As we ate, Jason asked about my day. “How’s everything at work?” he asked, his voice truly interested.
I couldn’t remember the last time he asked me about my day like that. It felt nice like things were getting back to how they used to be
His phone buzzed on the table, and he looked at the screen. His face went blank for a second. He quickly put the phone down.
I could see the hesitation on his face. “I’m sorry, Ava,” he said, sounding calm but apologetic. “It’s work, and it’s urgent. I need to head out for a bit.”
“It’s okay,” I said, trying to sound light. “I’ll finish my dinner and head home.”
Jason leaned closer, his lips brushing my cheek, making them pink. “The driver will take you home. I’ll see you later tonight.”
Π
I finished my meal, enjoying the peace that had settled between us.
When I arrived home, I felt a strange wave of drowsiness. Imight have been a result of overeating, or perhaps the pregnancy was making me feel more fatigued than usual.
I soon drifted off, the warmth of the night still enclosing me. After a while, I heard Jason return.
The gentle thud of the door and the noise of him showering filled me with a sense of tranquility. It felt like a silent confirmation that all was well, that I was protected.
When Jason finally came out, I felt the bed dip beside me. He gently rested next to me, his arms wrapping around me as he gave a gentle kiss on my shoulder.
1 closed my eyes, letting myself relax fully into his touch. In that peaceful moment, I made a quiet decision.
tell him about the pregnancy. No more hesitation. It was time
Tomorrow,/!
The next morning, I woke up early, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. Jason was already gone for work, but I felt happy. He had been more thoughtful, more present. I wanted to do something nice for him.
I made his favorite breakfast – scrambled eggs, toast, and coffee. I packed it carefully, planning to surprise him at
work
When I got to the office, it was quieter than usual. As I walked toward Jason’s office, I smiled.
But when I got close to his door, I noticed it was slightly open. That was strange. Jason never left his office door
E
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CHAPTER 035
open. My heart raced.
I moved closer, opening the door further, and my breath caught when I saw her.
Laura was sitting in Jason’s office, acting like she belonged there. My chest tightened, and the peace I’d felt earlier shattered.
Why was she here?
Jason was seated at his desk, avoiding my eyes. He appeared unsettled, his hand rubbing the back of his neck.
And there was Laura, seated comfortably, legs crossed, wearing a self–satisfied smile.
I couldn’t hold it in anymore.
“What is she doing here?” I asked, my voice shaking, though I tried to sound steady.
“Oh, Ava,” Laura said, her voice smooth and unaffected. She didn’t seem bothered by my presence at all. “Good morning.
I ignored her and turned to Jason, my heart racing “Jason,1 said, my voice sharp with frustration “What is she doing here? You fired her.”
Jason didn’t look me in the eye. Instead, he rubbed the back of his neck again. He looked torn like he didn’t know how to explain this.
Laura stood and walked closer to me, before Jason could say anything, she spoke, her voice dripping with venom. “Where else can the CEO’s secretary be if not by his side?” she whispered, leaning in close to me.
My breath caught in my throat, and I couldn’t utter a word
CHAPTEROOM
+25 BONUS
CHAPTER 036
