(Freya's POV).
"Yes, I'm sorry, Becca." My voice slows down as I talk to Becca on the phone, feeling guilty that I suddenly left her behind and told her to take care of the boutique. I called her with Jason's cell phone because he asked me to leave my cell phone at Devan's house. That’s why he couldn't track us.
"I don't know when I'll be back, but we'll keep in touch for work matters. And I'm sure you can do well," I said.
"You don't have to worry. I'll do my best for the boutique," Becca said from the other side of the phone.
"Thank you, Becca. While waiting, I'll raise more money. And while waiting, I'll also hand over the boutique to someone else. If you want, you can go after me and work with me again."
I smiled when I heard your enthusiasm.
"Alright. I'll call you back later," I said before I ended our call as I saw Jason walking over to me.
"Are you done?" he asked in a concerned tone.
"Yes. In the meantime, I asked Becca to take care of the boutique. I can't possibly close it down because it's my only source of income." I handed back his cell phone and smiled at him. "Thank you, Jason."
"If you need any other help, don't hesitate to let me know."
I nodded. "You've already helped me a lot. I don't want to trouble you anymore."
"Freya, I did it because I wanted to. You know that I love you. I want to do whatever makes you happy and turn around to love me." He grasped my hand and I felt guilty about the feelings he had for me because I still couldn't answer his love question.
"Jasonー"
"I told you there's no need to answer in a hurry. Think about it, or ... just open your heart again to someone new." He gripped my hand even tighter as I tried to let go. "I may seem harsh when I say this, but your relationship will never work. So, can you forget him and start opening your heart to me? Give me a chance, Freya."
I paused. I didn't know what to say. A while ago Jason was just a jerk who played me, but now he was my protector. The one who was always there whenever I was in big trouble. He's a kind and understanding man.
I should have loved him, but my feelings for Devan didn't go away that easily. All those years I loved him, how could I forget him so quickly?
But Jason has been so good to me. Ready to wait, even though he knew this would be very hard for him to bear.
"All right," I whispered. Nodding my head. "I'll give you a chance."
"Y-you're serious?" I could see his happy face, which somehow rubbed off on me and made me smile too.
"Yes."
"Oh, God. Freya ... I never imagined you wouldー"
"Jason, don't," I interrupted as he was about to hug me. He was too excited. "I'm still Devan's wife."
"So, what? He's not even a good husband!" I gasped as he hugged me tightly. Ignoring my protests and rebellion as he held me, imprisoning me with his strong arms.
"Jason." I tried to push him away, but his embrace grew stronger. My strength was no match for him.
"Just for a minute. One hug will be enough for me," he whispered, dropping his chin on my shoulder. I could feel his warm breath, his heart beating very fast, in sync with mine at the moment.
I have no idea where this relationship will end, but I hope for a good ending. Although it might take a long time until I can love Jason completely.
But, loving him, giving him a chance, and trusting him. I hope it's a good decision I've made. Once again, giving my life to the man who promised to protect me.
I unconsciously cried in Jason's arms. Remembering every sweet word Devan had ever said to me. A promise that he would always love and protect me, but in the end, it was all bullshit for his revenge.
"Hey, hey, Freya ... are you crying?" He pulled away from his embrace and looked at me with a worried look. "Did I hurt you? Did I push you too hard?"
I shook my head with a smile. I felt his gentle, warm fingers wipe my tears from my cheeks.
"Then why are you crying?"
"I was just too emotional," I said. Too emotional from thinking back to my stupid-looking love. It was obvious Devan didn't love me, but I still made my choice for him.
He hugged me tightly again. Running his hand through my hair felt soothing. I closed my eyes and returned his embrace.
"Jason," I whispered.
"Hm?"
"Thank you for everything. And sorry that you had to wait for me."
"Even if it does take years, I'll still wait for you."
I looked up to see his face and I saw he was smiling brightly. And somehow, I felt calm. The anxiety I'd been feeling since earlier disappeared.
I had my eyes on him. I felt him pull my body tighter into his embrace. One hand touched my chin, gazing at me intently, a gaze so deep as the ocean that it seemed to wash me away in its powerful waves.
My heart pounded so hard as he brought his face closer. Our breath met, hot, sending out strange vibrations. I closed my eyes as his lips landed on mine. So soft, so careful as if he didn't want to make a mistake.
My hands squeezed his shirt nervously as he pressed his lips to mine. It was like that for a few seconds, until I felt him crush them, feeling how soft and comfortable his lips were. It was a different treatment I was getting from Devan.
But this was wrong ... I shouldn't have done this when I was still Devan's wife.