Chapter Five
Jason placed the breakfast brought by Karen on the kitchen counter before resuming his work. He was preparing breakfast before she came in, so he just had to continue with that. Karen watched him and she was confused.
“What are you doing?” she asked and the latter looked at her. “Preparing breakfast,” he replied. “What happened to the one I brought you?” “Well, I was already preparing one before you came. Didn’t expect me to go to work with an empty stomach, did you?” Jason asked but Karen scoffed. “So you’re not going to eat it?” she questioned, her voice colder than normal and her eyes squinted. “Of course not. I don’t want a certain tigress yelling how useless I am.” Jason chortled before pouring the eggs into the frying pan. “What do you mean? Have I ever screamed about how useless you are before?” Karen asked and Jason looked at her with raised brows. He didn’t speak as he expected her to figure it out. ‘Silly girl. You do that almost all the time.’ he said to himself but didn’t say after sparing her a glance. “Anyways, how’s grandmother?” He asked but Karen simply tucked her hair on her ears. “Go and ask her yourself. She said and she didn’t bother. The room was silent, except for the sound of frying eggs. “You haven’t told me what you’re going to do with the breakfast I brought you,” Karen asked again but Jason smiled instead the food he was cooking was ready and he served it on a plate. “I’ll eat it of course…” he claimed before smiling at her, “…and you’ll be eating my home-cooked food.” upon hearing this, Karen’s heart skipped a beat and a vein popped from her head. “Over my dead body. I won’t be eating that food that has probably been poisoned.” She spat but Jason couldn’t be bothered with her dramatic behavior. If there was something he found joy in, it was in teasing Karen. To him, she looked cute when she was angry and fuming. “Come on. Why would I poison my wife,” he claimed. When Karen heard this, she was a bit stunned. Yes, she was married to him but she didn’t like him. But being reminded of that sometimes filled her with both happiness and displeasure. Why didn’t she like him, even though she couldn’t point that out? She just found him annoying.Jason took a spoon of his newly prepared food and inched closer to Karen. “Now open wide…” he said but Karen shot him an even colder look, even though red hues appeared on her cheeks and neck. It was evident that she was embarrassed. Even with this, Jason didn’t stop.
Suddenly, the unexpected happened. Karen slapped the spoonful of food away from Jason’s hand before getting up abruptly. “And what do you think you’re doing, Jason? Do you think these foolish acts of yours can let you get closer to me? It seems like you don’t know your boundaries at all. I was only here because my grandmother asked me to. I don’t care what happens to your useless ass. You could go die for all I care. I don’t give a fuck what you do with that breakfast.” she yelled before bursting out of the room. Jason was so completely stunned by her behavior that he didn’t even know what to do anymore. After a few seconds of shock, he looked at his food and took a spoon before putting it in his mouth. “This is delicious. I’m glad she didn’t eat it. I would’ve missed out on my cooking.” he uttered before gobbling up the food. While he looked oblivious to what had just gone on, he was burning with anger inside him. ‘Why did she have to waste that spoon of food? That one spoon could go a long way in some people’s lives.’ he thought to himself. After finishing his food, he prepared himself and went to work. He carried the food Karen brought along with him and gave it to an old man on the streets begging for alms. Even though it was Mrs. Jamie who prepared it, Karen’s attitude had already vexed him completely. ********** Jason worked in a Bakery restaurant in the city. His good cooking skills mostly came from one of his fellow employees. After what he learned from Mrs. Jamie, Eddie taught him a few more ways to cook and how to bake too. As of now, he was working as hard as he could and was using his earnings to keep himself alive and under a good roof. However, rather than see it as a source of living, he found his job as a way to not get bored staying at home. He wasn’t the type to live a rich and extravagant life. He loved simplicity, simplicity with spice. He had the choice of staying in the Marco mansion and an amount was given to him by Mr. Marco before he died, but he barely touched it. Even when he did, he would return the amount like he was loaning the money and paying it back. Jason wiped the sweat beads off his forehead before looking at a tall lady by his side. She was wearing an apron just like him, but unlike him, her body and hands weren’t covered in flour. “Boss… mind if I take a break?” he requested and the man turned to him. “Sure. Just don’t take too long.” The Boss exclaimed and Jason excitedly left the kitchen. He ordered a milkshake, as that would help him cool off the heat in his body. “As a worker here, should you still be buying your shakes?” Mary, the receptionist at the counter said. Her long black hair was tied to a ponytail and her sharp blue eyes were quite alluring. She gave off a cheerful demeanor, quite contrary to Karen. “Well, if that was the case, wouldn’t the restaurant lose money a bit?” Jason smiled and the girl rolled her eyes. “Always the good and abiding one.” she complimented before giving Jason his milkshake. The latter was just about to take a sip through the straw but his eyes met with the eyes of somebody. Someone familiar, yet distant. Someone he knew all too well, but at the same time, no longer knew. The person too saw him. It was a man in a white suit and putting on a pair of black shades. He took off his shades before giving Jason an arrogant smirk. The latter could not help but frown. “What’s he doing here?” he muttered to himself while he clenched his fist tightly. Old memories began to flow into his head again, making him even angrier than he already was. Of all people, this was the last person he’d ever wish to see.Chapter Six Jason couldn’t begin to fathom the reason for this person coming here but he sighed and regained his calm demeanor. However, the cold look didn’t leave his face and he kept his eyes on the man in a white suit. Mary noticed the sudden change in his expression and wondered what was going on. She traced his eyes and saw the man in a white suit, but she didn’t recognize him.“Hey… you okay man?” She asked but Jason sighed.“I’ll be right back.” He said before shifting the milkshake towards her.“What? Why don’t you just take this with you…” She uttered but the latter didn’t seem bothered. She pouted before grabbing his milkshake and wanted to place it inside the fridge, but she decided to take a sip.“Hmm… this tastes good,” she uttered before deciding against putting the milkshake inside the fridge and drinking it instead. Her mood had also brightened.Meanwhile, the man in the suit walked into the restaurant and took a seat. He ordered a few things from a good-looking w
Chapter SevenIt was a bit early in the morning as Jason was just about to go to work. He did not have breakfast he intended to grab brunch by afternoon. Just as he prepared to put on his shoes, he heard a knock on his door.“A visitor this early? I wonder who that is,” he said before walking towards the door and opening it. However, he saw a familiar but unexpected face looking at him coldly and standing by his front door.“May I come in?” Karen asked and Jason sighed. He wasn’t one to keep grudges, but he was no longer going to remain the same to her. He would normally want to invite her in and have a brief chat with her, even though he was already late for work, but not today.“Nope. I’m just about to go to work.” He said and the latter frowned. She simply groaned inside herself but didn’t complain.“I brought you breakfast again.” She said but Jason sighed.“Well, you’re gonna be eating it on your own because I’m not hungry,” he said before going back inside to pick up his bag and
Chapter Eight It would be an understatement to say that Karen was stunned by those words of his. She was completely caught off guard and suddenly, she couldn’t help but think about him. She looked at his calm but still serious face and a tint of admiration surfaced in her mind, even though it was only for an instant. ‘He considers me a priority to him and my safety matters. Why though? He could simply just let the assassins kill me. After all, they were most likely sent by my brother and I think he knows this too. Yet…’ She thought to herself and pursed her lips.“Keep your eyes sharp, Karen. Don’t act like I’m holding you hostage.” His voice jolted her out of her thoughts. She wanted to flare up and turn this into a small argument but remembering that there were assassins after Jason, she just kept quiet.“I don’t get something though. Since they’re after you, why don’t I just go home while you deal with them… or let them deal with you…” She suggested but Jason shook his head.
Chapter Nine“How…. How did you do that?” Karen inquired but Jason wasn’t really in the mood to answer.“Long story. We need to get out of here.” He replied before pulling her hand and leaving the restaurant while staying crouched down. However, Karen’s mind was a mess. She was completely shocked by Jason’s ability. To her, she was so terrified to the point of seeing Jason as a savior who would get her out of this mess.‘He… he sensed those assassins before anyone could and he even fought three armed men and killed one of them. He’s skilled in combat. It’s almost like he has been trained.’ She thought before taking a glance at Jason’s face. The smooth facial contours and the depth in his eyes made her wonder, ‘Who the hell is this guy? What could he have seriously been through while our entire family was criticizing him?’ these thoughts ran through her mind but she did nothing but obey him. After all, it felt like she could only be saved by this man.They got out of the restaurant and
Chapter Ten Jason winced in pain as he pocketed his gun. He had been holding back due to Karen being with him and he didn’t want to fully unleash his abilities before her. Now that she was gone, he could finally switch to his killing mode. However, he looked at the wound on his shoulder and for some reason, the bleeding wasn’t stopping, only slowed. ‘Damn it… if I don’t treat this soon, I might as well be a goner. Imaging dying by bleeding to death… not exactly the kind of death I hoped to have.’ He laughed bitterly before returning to the tunnel. This time around, he walked on the tracks instead and used the darkness to his advantage. ‘To them, I’m running away. But they’ll be shocked to realize that I’m waiting here for them.’ He claimed before slowing down. He made sure not to use a flashlight, as that would put him at a disadvantage. Rather, he adapted to the darkness and he knew fully well that his pursuers would use flashlights, making him spot them as soon as he
Chapter 11Who the fuck did the boss ask us to eliminate? Hank was confused. For a moment Hank was in a crossroads of decision and wondered if he should go home, or try to kill this mysterious man for the boss. As he was still dwelling in his thoughts, Jason fired a bullet intentionally on Hank who ran for his life. Knocking down people on his part as he exited the subway back to the road above, he fled into the busy road.“Coward” Jason mustered under his breath amidst all the pain from his wonder which he had managed to endure the pain and the flow of blood.Getting to the top spot of the train station, he fell and one of the train station guards saw him and rushed to help him. Let me take you to the hospital mister, the guard said. Jason, Took his phone from his back pocket, and with a little strength said “Call my wife”. The guard with confusion replied “I don't know your wife”“Sir, can you hear me?” the guard asked, his voice steady but laced with concern.Jason nodded weakly,
The air was thick with the scent of jasmine as Karen stood on the veranda of the grand Marco estate, her heart heavy with the burden of her unspoken words. It had been months since Karen and Marco had truly spoken, and even longer since the incident in the train station. The tension between them was palpable, but Karen was ready to tire to adjust things with her husband.Karen had spent the last few weeks trying to reach out to Jason, who had distanced himself, retreating into the solitude of his apartment in the city.She had called, sent messages, even written him letters—each one filled with the hope that he would come back to her, back to the life in the estate.But Jason remained silent, his pain and doubts holding him back from returning to the place that held so many memories, both beautiful and painful.She knew the reasons for his hesitation. The Marco family was not just any family; the fighting, legacy, power, and expectations weighed heavily on Jason’s shoulders.But recen
Rose sat at the edge of the long dining table, staring at the empty chair at the other end. The silence of the room pressed against her chest as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.The grand chandelier above, with its crystal drops sparkling under the afternoon sun, cast fragmented light across the polished mahogany table. It was the same table where the family used to gather for dinners, laughter echoing through the walls. Now, it was just her and the weight of a conversation that had yet to happen.She ran her fingers along the embroidered edges of the linen tablecloth, her thoughts drifting back to the day when everything changed. It was sixteen years ago, but the memory remained as vivid as if it had happened yesterday. Jason, her eldest son, had stood tall, his eyes filled with a stubborn determination that matched her father do the terrible thing to them.Henry, Jason’s grandfather, had issued the ultimatum with the cold finality of a man who had spent his life b
The air was thick with the scent of jasmine as Karen stood on the veranda of the grand Marco estate, her heart heavy with the burden of her unspoken words. It had been months since Karen and Marco had truly spoken, and even longer since the incident in the train station. The tension between them was palpable, but Karen was ready to tire to adjust things with her husband.Karen had spent the last few weeks trying to reach out to Jason, who had distanced himself, retreating into the solitude of his apartment in the city.She had called, sent messages, even written him letters—each one filled with the hope that he would come back to her, back to the life in the estate.But Jason remained silent, his pain and doubts holding him back from returning to the place that held so many memories, both beautiful and painful.She knew the reasons for his hesitation. The Marco family was not just any family; the fighting, legacy, power, and expectations weighed heavily on Jason’s shoulders.But recen
"Ben, are you okay?" Hilary asked, his voice low and steady.Ben let out a shaky breath. "Not really. I have no idea what's going on. They dragged me out of my own home in front of my family, accusing me of stealing our damn painting. It doesn't make any sense."Hilary leaned forward, his eyes scrutinizing Ben's face. "I need you to be completely honest with me. Is there any possibility that you could be implicated in this? Any dealings, communications, anything that could be misconstrued?"Ben's eyes flashed with indignation. "Of course not! Why would I steal from my own family? That painting means as much to me as anyone else."Hilary nodded, considering. "They're claiming to have evidence—financial records, communication logs. Any idea where that could have come from?"Ben hesitated, thinking hard. "No. Unless... unless someone planted it. I mean, I handle a lot of the family's business dealings, but nothing illegal. Someone must be setting me up."Before Hilary could respond, ther
The atmosphere in the Ravenelli dining room was already tense, but the sudden intrusion of the LAPD turned unease into utter chaos.As the police officers filed into the ornate room, their uniforms starkly contrasting against the opulent decor, the family members froze in shock. The lead detective, a stern-looking woman with sharp features and piercing blue eyes stepped forward, holding up a badge."Good evening. I'm Detective Laura Martinez with the LAPD. We're here for Ben Ravenelli," she announced firmly, her gaze scanning the faces around the table.Ben, who had been nursing a glass of red wine and a wounded ego from the earlier confrontation, looked up incredulously. "What the hell is this about?" he demanded, pushing back his chair and rising to his feet.Detective Martinez's expression remained impassive. "Mr. Ravenelli, you're under arrest for the theft of the Monalisa portrait and conspiracy to commit fraud. Please turn around and place your hands behind your back."Gasps fil
The Ravenelli Estate stood grand and imposing, its vast gardens meticulously maintained, with towering trees casting long shadows over the manicured lawns. Jason Ravenelli walked beside his mother, Mrs. Rose Ravenelli, his wife Karen on his other side, as they took in the sight of the estate. It had been years since Jason had set foot on this land, ever since his grandfather had cast him out. The memories of that day lingered, but today, he felt something different—something almost akin to hope.Mrs. Rose pointed out various parts of the estate as they walked. "The east wing has been completely renovated," she said, her voice tinged with pride. "We added a new library, and the garden has been expanded. You remember how your grandfather loved his roses."Jason nodded, his eyes scanning the familiar yet changed surroundings. "It’s different, but it still feels like home."Karen smiled, squeezing Jason’s hand. "It’s beautiful, Mrs. Ravenelli. I can see why you’re so proud of it."Mrs. Ro
"What's on your mind, Jason?"Karen turned to face him, her expression soft but concernedHe sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just... everything's different now. Being the Ravenelli heir—it changes everything. I don’t even know where to start."Karen reached out, gently placing a hand on his arm. "You start by facing it head-on. You’ve always been strong, Jason. You can handle this."Jason looked at her, appreciating the calm resolve in her voice. "I haven’t been back to the estate since Grandfather cast me out. It feels like a lifetime ago.""Maybe it’s time to go back," Karen suggested. "You’re the heir now. That estate is yours, along with everything that comes with it."He hesitated, memories of the old man’s harsh words echoing in his mind. "What if they haven’t forgiven me?"Karen smiled gently. "You don’t need their forgiveness. You’ve earned your place. It’s time to claim it."Jason lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as the early morning light filtered through the
As the night unfolded, Jason sat on the edge of the bed in their elegantly decorated bedroom, the weight of the evening’s revelations pressing down on him. The room was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, casting flickering shadows on the walls, but the warmth in the air did little to ease the coldness he felt inside.Karen, with her golden hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, moved quietly around the room, her movements graceful and purposeful. She was dressed in a delicate, silky creamy lingerie set that clung to her curves, emphasizing her ethereal beauty. She had chosen it carefully, hoping that tonight, after everything that had happened, she could be the one to soothe Jason’s troubled soul.She approached him slowly, her bare feet barely making a sound on the plush carpet. Jason looked up as she neared, his eyes filled with a mixture of exhaustion and wariness. He had always been able to read Karen like an open book, and tonight, despite her soft demeanor, he couldn’t shak
A dancer had been entertaining him for a while, her laughter light and flirtatious as she tried to coax a smile out of him. But Ben's thoughts were far away, lost in the storm of emotions that churned within him. As the minutes ticked by, his patience wore thin, and the dancer's attempts at seduction began to grate on his nerves."Come on, Ben," she purred, leaning in close to whisper in his ear. "Why don't you let me take your mind off things?"But instead of responding to her advances, Ben's hand shot out, gripping her wrist tightly. His eyes were dark, filled with a volatile mix of anger and desperation. "Touch me," he demanded, his voice rough and slurred from the alcohol. "Make me forget."The dancer's eyes widened in fear as she tried to pull away, her playful demeanor vanishing in an instant. "I can't," she said, her voice trembling as she looked around for help. "Please, let go."But Ben's grip only tightened, his anger rising like a tidal wave. The events of the night—the rev
The night was growing late, and the revelers in the Marco estate’s grand ballroom were finally beginning to filter out, their excitement over the shocking revelation still buzzing in their conversations. Jason, however, had retreated to his private quarters, away from the eyes of the guests and the burden of his newfound status. The emotions of the evening weighed heavily on him—relief, confusion, and the simmering anger at how his life had been manipulated without his knowledge.As he sat on the edge of his bed, lost in thought, there was a sharp knock on the door. Before he could respond, the door swung open, and Jared Marco, his brother-in-law, strode in with the kind of arrogance that made Jason’s skin crawl. Jared was dressed impeccably in a dark suit, but the sneer on his face ruined whatever charm he might have otherwise possessed.“Jason,” Jared drawled, his tone thick with sarcasm, “or should I say, *Mr. Ravenelli*? Congratulations are in order, aren’t they? You’ve really out
My son, Jason Ravenelli, is the rightful heir to the Ravenelli Empire.”The silence that followed was deafening. Every eye in the room was on Jason, who still hadn’t moved, and still hadn’t fully processed the enormity of what had just been revealed. He had always known he was different, that he didn’t quite belong in the Marco family, but this—this was beyond anything he had ever imagined.Karen, her initial shock giving way to a wave of happiness and pride, grabbed Jason’s hand. “Jason,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “you’re the heir. You’re the Ravenelli heir.”Mrs. Marco, who had been watching from a distance, felt a sense of relief wash over her. For years, she had carried the burden of knowing the truth, of keeping the secret that Jason was not truly her son, but the son of the Ravenelli family. She had grown to love him as her own, but the weight of the deception had taken its toll. Now, at last, the truth was out, and she could finally breathe.As Jason stood there, stil