The soothing sounds of sea waves filled Kaitlyn's room, creating a peaceful atmosphere untouched even by the glint of morning rays through her window.And yet, she giggled as soon as she felt her little one kick inside her."So energetic, aren't you, my love?" she asked, rubbing circles on her tummy with her eyes still closed."My son's kicking already?"A voice suddenly echoed in the quiet room, making Kaitlyn gasp as she shot up, completely awake. And as soon as her eyes were fully open, she caught a glimpse of Dean sitting on her bed as if it were his own."Dean?! What are you doing here? H-how did you get in?" Kaitlyn nervously asked, scanning the room for a possible entrance. She couldn't find any but the door, which was the only way into her room."I have my ways, love," he defensively answered.He suddenly reached out to Kaitlyn's pregnant belly, making her flinch and back away, preventing him from touching her."Please, let me," Dean pleaded.Kaitlyn, still hesitant, pulled do
"Alright, Dean. I'll come with you. Just ensure nothing happens to him," Kaitlyn's voice trembled as she struck a deal, her sole focus on protecting Kyle.The warmth of Kyle's kindness lingered in her heart, refusing to let her rest, knowing he was already ensnared in her personal struggles. Sacrificing her own happiness, she sought assurance that Kyle wouldn't suffer. Wrestling with the weight of her decision, she acknowledged that stubbornness might force Dean to adhere to his plans.Dean, crossing his arms, scrutinized Kaitlyn suspiciously at her sudden agreement. "No funny business?" he sought reassurance.She sighed, looking away. "I don't have a choice now, do I?" she mumbled, eliciting a chuckle from Dean, who appreciated her subtle rebellious tone.He clasped her hands, as if everything was finally falling into place. "You won't regret your decision. I'll make you the happiest," Dean vowed, sealing his promise with a kiss on her hand."Well then, I'll wait for you in the car.
In the wake of Kaitlyn's departure, he found himself immersed in a sea of emotions, struggling to comprehend why she chose someone else despite his profound love. Days became a monotonous routine, spent in solitude while he questioned the turning points that led to the unraveling of their relationship.His thoughts echoed the sentiments of a person who longed for a tangible reason to anchor his heartbreak. The internal conflict manifested in a desire for a clear wrongdoing, a betrayal that would make the process of moving on less complex. Yet, the reality remained that she did nothing wrong; she simply chose a different path.As the days turned into nights, he found himself immersed in fantasies that painted her as the antagonist in his narrative. In these fleeting dreams, the pain seemed more bearable, as if casting her as the villain would somehow alleviate the ache of loss. Yet, the waking hours brought him back to the stark reality-she was the best he had, and the path to healing
In the quiet of her bedroom, Kaitlyn, now well into the end of her second trimester, stood before the mirror. The gentle circles she traced upon her swollen belly bespoke a bittersweet reality. The swell of life within her was not met with the anticipated joy, but rather an ache of longing.As her reflection stared back, Kaitlyn couldn't escape the haunting absence of Kyle. Her thoughts, like tendrils of concern, reached out, seeking the echo of his existence. Amid the physical changes she underwent, an emotional void persisted. The silent plea lingered in the air: a desire to know of Kyle's endeavors, a hope that the passage of time hadn't eroded the memory of their connection.Sighing, Kaitlyn settled onto the bed, a space that once cradled solitude but now shared with Dean, her ex-husband who had reclaimed his place. The notion of Dean's love, which could have been a source of boundless joy, now cast a shadow of sorrow, the separation from Kyle looming large.A yearning to resist,
Days rolled on, and Kaitlyn felt trapped in her self-imposed isolation. The quiet in the house mirrored the conflict inside her. She wanted comfort but was held back by shame when it came to talking to Fiona, who had always been there for her. The mistakes she'd made in the past cast a dark cloud over the present.In the midst of her solitude, Kaitlyn decided to face her struggles alone, delving into her emotions on her own terms. It wasn't about dodging responsibility but an honest attempt to shield her loved ones from her internal storm.Something within Kaitlyn urged her to accept her fate, not just for her sake but for the child growing within her. Despite feeling a lack of strength, she was determined to find a source of resilience.Choosing to gather herself, she opted for a stroll around the house's garden. The fragrance of flowers and the tranquil scent carried by the wind worked as a balm for her troubled heart. In the midst of uncertainty, nature provided a temporary refuge,
Dean, dragging a chair, sat in front of Kaitlyn. She, still quiet from the trauma, held her own hand, questioning why she called him. In her mind, she debated whether she deserved the pain or not, considering herself the reason Jane couldn't have Dean for herself."Hey... It's alright. I'm here," Dean whispered, kissing her forehead. However, Kaitlyn could only manage a quick scoff of laughter, finding amusement in her own situation. She looked at Dean."Here, let me," Dean offered, attempting to wipe the blood off her lip, but she budged."It's fine. I'm fine," she denied his help."Thank you for coming to rescue. I want to sleep. You can go back to work now," she told him without emotion, standing up, only to be stopped by Dean's hand grabbing hers."I'm sorry," he apologized sincerely, causing a twinge of pain and guilt in her heart."There's no need to apologize, really. I understand her outburst. I was at fault. I'm sorry," Kaitlyn apologized, taking all the blame she believed sh
"Kaitlyn, dear. You almost gave me a heart attack. Please don't do that again," Maria warned, her voice tinged with genuine concern, as she dried Kaitlyn's feet. The warmth of the towel contrasting with the residual chill of the water.Dean, busy drying Kaitlyn's hair, remained quiet, his silence echoing the weight of the recent scare. Kaitlyn, realizing the impact of her actions, bowed her head, her guilt palpable. She hadn't intended for them to think she was contemplating something as serious as drowning.In the end, she apologized softly, her words hanging in the air with a mix of regret and vulnerability. "I'm really sorry..." she sighed, nervously playing with her hands, the room filled with a sense of tension."You can go, Maria. I'll handle the rest," Dean ordered in a serious tone, creating an atmosphere of subdued tension that made Kaitlyn uneasy. Maria nodded, understanding the shift in dynamics, and exited the room.Dean sighed as he sat beside her, unexpectedly placing hi
Kaitlyn settled on his lap, attempting to behave despite feeling a bit uneasy under the watchful eyes of Dean's secretary and the potential discomfort of her own weight."Dean, don't you think I should just sit on the couch?" she whispered awkwardly, sensing her discomfort."I'm uncomfortable," she honestly admitted, earning a chuckle from him.Dean gently fixed a strand of her hair, tucking it behind her ears. "Alright, love. Do whatever you want," he responded, though she still felt uneasy with the endearment he used for her.Kaitlyn gracefully moved away from Dean's lap and settled on the couch, finding a comfortable spot. As she played with the tips of her hair, the secretary, who had been observing Kaitlyn, flinched when Dean cleared his throat to gain her attention.Dean inquired about his personal assistant, Trina. "Where's Trina?" he asked."She's probably at her desk fixing your schedule, sir," the secretary promptly replied."I see," Dean acknowledged."Sir, we've received n