Chapter 72 An Unlucky Pair

Chapter 72 An Unlucky Pair
Kingston's Pov 

“Fine. Let's do this,” Jace finally accepted my offer to drop him off. 

It was a miracle that he agreed to do this with me. I always know him to be very stubborn. He makes it difficult to influence his decision-making policy. 

I never thought he'd ever have anything to do with me any more. I would rather not blame him for hating me.

I accused him of being responsible for Amira's kidnapping until I discovered the real truth. I am more than lucky enough that he didn't file a lawsuit against me.

The law court would have forced me to give up half of my assets to cover the shame which I have brought to Jace's reputation.

“But on the condition that you wouldn't speak to me until I arrive at my destination. If you dare raise your voice at me, I'll be forced to descend from your car regardless of how dangerous the road is. Are you willing to accept the terms?” Jace stated his terms before agreeing to let me drop him off at his house.

“Sure, I can do that. Sealing my lips isn't a big deal. I promise not to say anything that will upset you.” I accepted his terms without a second thought. It didn't take me too long to decide on that.

It's the price I have to pay for humiliating him in the past. I am ready to become his slave for tonight if that's what it will require to clear my conscience.

How on earth will I sleep peacefully at night, knowing that there's someone out there that I have wronged? I might as well live with the guilt for the rest of my life.

As we drove to Jace's home, I felt tempted to speak. I had a lot to say to Jace that I can't keep to myself. 

“So, have you…” I made the first move to speak until I was forced to take a break. 

I keep stalling at every attempt to move my lips. It hasn't happened to me before. 

But somehow, I promised Jace that I wasn't going to bore him with my long talk just to ensure he got inside my car.

I am not willing to break that promise now. I also don't want to be snubbed. 

I hate to be rejected. I can't deal with it. I may be forced to retaliate against Jace should that happen. 

“That's my home over there. We just arrived at my destination,” Jace points to a depleted building as he asks me to stop the ride.

It was a long journey. I can't remember the last time I went on a trip like this.  

More like I was travelling to another state. Although, I wasn't angry. The risk is worth it. 

This is going to be the last time I'll be engaging in something like this. I consider it Jace's luckiest day. 

It's my first time visiting Jace's home, and it feels weird. It seems like a different planet entirely. I never knew that slums like this exist in this part of the world.

I find the environment quite disgusting and uncomfortable. If I hadn't driven down here, I would have doubted that any sane person would choose to reside here. 

I wouldn't wish for my worst enemy to raise a family in a dangerous place like this. It will definitely negatively impact the children's lives. I am surprised that Jace didn't end up as useless as Douglas. 

Jace has a phobia of alcohol and tobacco. That shows that his parents did a good job by raising him in the right way. 

“Why did you choose to reside here of all places?” I launched the question at Jace. 

“It could affect Jessie's growth and mentality. Don't you think so? You really need to consider relocating to a better place,” I suggested. 

Curiosity is getting the best of me. I would rather not develop a panic attack knowing that Jace is capable enough to satisfy my curiosity effortlessly.

I thought I was doing Jace a good favour with my advice until he ignored my question as though it were irrelevant to him. 

All I got in response was an awkward stare that suggested that he wasn't happy with my question.

I read the handwriting on the wall and knew where to draw the line.  I made a big mistake that should have been averted.

If he really wanted me to know, I wouldn't be asking from the onset without worrying my head over it. 

“I'm sorry for prying into your personal affairs.” I just had to apologise to complete the goodwill I had started. 

“I was just being curious and bothered about you. I mean, you once worked for me,” I illustrated my reasons for asking even when it is clear that Jace isn't interested in my explanation. 

“Thank you for the ride. I am not taking this for granted. You saved us from a potential danger out there. We would still be stranded out there if you hadn't come through for us. Jessie and I are genuinely grateful for your intervention” Jace extends his heartfelt gratitude to me. 

It felt like a dream to me. I never thought he would have ever acknowledged my free ride. 

I thought he was still mad at me when he refused to speak to me throughout the ride. 

His good heart motivated me to go an extra mile just to please him. Such a personality deserves a handsome reward. 

“Hold on a second while I get you something,” I stopped him just as he was about to leave.

He wasn't too happy that I stopped him, “What's the problem? I thought we were done with this conversation?”

“Not so fast. Trust me, this will be worth your time,” I vowed to Jace just to buy myself more time. 

I refused to reveal my next to him. I had to avoid ruining the excitement. Quickly, I tore a part of my chequebook and wrote on it.

“I need you to have this,” 
I handed the check to him 

“And please don't say no to me. That will break my heart. You know it's wrong to reject a gift, don't you?” I begged him. 

Without being told, I knew I was going to have a big problem forcing him to accept it.

Jace has never been driven by greed or material things. His level of integrity cannot be overemphasised. 

He earned my trust and loyalty when he turned down the offer to assist Douglas in kidnapping my daughter.

Even when the life of his family was on the line, Jace chose to stick to his sincerity. Not everyone will act the way Jace did.

“What's this?” He awkwardly asked me. 

He keeps flipping the check without even reading the contents of the check.

“How about you check it out and see for yourself?” I implored him. “As I said, I meant no harm,”

I have never begged anyone to accept my money before. But with Jace, I am ready to make an exception. He certainly deserves the best thing life can offer to anyone.

“This is twenty thousand dollars, isn't it?” Jace exclaimed in surprise after carrying out a check on the check. .

“Why are you giving me this? I didn't do anything to deserve it. I'm sorry, I'm going to reject it. I'd only accept it if you explain the reason behind your benevolence,” Jace declined an opportunity of a lifetime to bounce back on his feet again.

He keeps exhibiting unquestionable character. He's starting to make me envy him.

If I were in his possession, I would never reject such an amount of money for anything in the world.

I wasn't surprised by his rejection. All those times he worked for me, I didn't tip him off for once. Even when I sacked him, he didn't get any compensation from me. 

“Jace, take it, Jace. Let's not miss out on this glorious opportunity to save Mum's life. You are quite aware that we need it for mum's medication. We are broke. We can't even afford her self-medication that costs a penny.” Jessie chips in.

I never knew he was paying attention to us all along. I was more than impressed with him. 

“Don't speak next time, Jessie. I don't recall seeking your opinion. 
It's wrong to interrupt an adult conversation. How many times do I need to teach you this basic knowledge before you understand?” Jace scolded Jessie for dropping his two cents. 

No offence to Jace, but Jessie has a better sense of reasoning than Jessie. He's putting his family first above every other thing. If only Jace would replicate the same mentality.

“You need to listen to Jessie, Jace. The kid is making sense. We both know that you need this more than ever before, and you cannot deny it,” I supported Jessie, but in a mature manner.

I don't want it to seem like I'm ganging up with Jessie to make Jace look miserable.

“Oh, boy,” Jace exhaled. “I can't believe this is happening,”

I am forcing Jace to make a tough decision. I don't feel bad about it when my intentions are genuine. 

“Thank you for this. I bet my mum will love it,” Jace appreciated me after he accepted the check from me.

I felt accomplished like I just won a lottery ticket. For once in my life, I just did something right.