MEETING JASON

The drive back home was quiet, but the tension between Rory and Victor was thick. Ami had fallen asleep in the backseat, her small fingers curled around the hem of her dress. She had played so hard at the amusement park, giggling, painting, and running from one game to another. But Rory’s mind had been elsewhere. And now, as they pulled into their estate, the unease settled deeper into her bones.

Victor carried Ami inside, tucking her gently into bed. He brushed a kiss against her forehead and adjusted the blankets before switching off the lamp. Then, he turned to find Rory standing by the window in their bedroom, staring out into the dark streets below.

"Did you see it again?" His voice was low, but there was an edge to it.

She nodded without turning. “It was just at the park. The same black car. It wasn’t parked close, but I noticed it.”

Victor exhaled sharply and ran a hand through his hair. “This is the second time. If it’s the same one from our first night back in London…” He trailed off, walking up behind her. “Then whoever it is must be up to something.”

She turned to him, her arms crossed over her chest. “I think so, too.”

Victor placed his hands on her shoulders, his grip firm, reassuring. “Did you get a good look at the driver? Anyone inside?”

Rory shook her head. “The windows were tinted. But whoever it is they’re watching us.”

Victor’s jaw clenched. “First, it was the company attack, then the scandal, and now this. All of this is not a coincidence.”

“I know.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “But who is behind it?”

He was silent for a moment, thinking. Then, with a sigh, he pulled her closer. “Jason?”

She hesitated. “It could be. But then again, it could be someone else entirely. Victor, I feel like we’re missing something; I am supposed to meet with him tomorrow, so why would he be trailing us? It all feels like—” She swallowed, struggling to put her thoughts into words. “Like we’re focusing on the wrong enemy.”

Victor’s arms tightened around her. “It may be, but still we need to be careful.”

Rory exhaled, leaning into his chest. “I don’t want Ami to be in danger.”

“She won’t be,” Victor said firmly. “I’ll make sure of it.”

She pulled back, searching his eyes. “What are you thinking?”

“I’ll have someone look into the car. And starting tomorrow, I want extra security around us.”

She bit her lip but nodded. “Alright.”

Victor cupped her face, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek. “You don’t have to handle everything alone, Rory. Whatever this is, we’re in it together.”

For the first time that night, she let out a slow breath. “I know, I just hate feeling this powerless.”

He smirked slightly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You? Powerless? That's hardly the case.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled. “I mean it, Victor. Something is coming, I can feel it.”

His expression grew serious again. “Then we will be ready for whatever it is.”

Rory nodded, but deep down, she wasn’t so sure.

The next morning, Rory got out early and drove to the office, six bodyguards secretly followed her. Victor had made the arrangements for extra protection for his wife and child since the crisis started. Men who were fiercely loyal and who were skilled in martial arts.

With a final glance at her phone to confirm the time, Rory stood up, smoothing the creases of her tailored suit. She had opted for a simple black dress with a sharp blazer today, her heels clicking on the polished floor as she walked toward the elevator. Ms Lee was always on top of things, but today was one of those days when Rory had to take control herself.

Rory sat in the backseat of her black luxury sedan, staring out the window as the city sped by. The usual hum of the busy streets, the honking horns, or the chatter of pedestrians all faded into the background as she replayed the past in her mind. She could still remember the way Jason’s face had looked the last time she saw him, the hurt in his eyes, the way he had turned away after he confronted her regarding his father.

"Are you sure about this?" Ms. Lee’s voice cut through the quiet moment, her voice coming from the front seat.

Rory blinked, pulling herself back to the present. "I have to do this," she answered, her voice steady, though she couldn’t help the slight tremble that coursed through her. "We need to talk. We need to fix this before it spirals any further."

The car pulled up in front of an upscale café. It wasn’t too far from her office, but the location felt oddly private. Rory stepped out, smoothing the hem of her dress, the cool evening air against her skin. As she walked toward the café, her mind was filled with all the things she needed to say to Jason, but she wasn’t sure if words would be enough.

Jason was already there, sitting at a table by the window. He looked exactly as she remembered, tall, with dark, tousled hair, his expression as guarded as ever. But there was something else now, something that she couldn’t place. Anger or some lingering resentment, she wasn’t sure.

He stood up as she approached, his eyes meeting hers, though he didn’t smile.

"Rory," Jason said, his voice steady, almost cold. "Long time no see, it's good to see you again."

Rory hesitated, feeling the weight of the moment. "Jason... I owe you an apology," she started, her voice soft. "For everything, for using you the way I did, and for all the hurt I caused. I’m so sorry."

Jason’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t interrupt. He simply stared at her, as if waiting for something more.

"I didn’t realize the damage I was doing," Rory continued, her eyes searching his face, hoping for some sign of understanding. "I thought I was doing the right thing by seeking revenge for my father until I found out the truth. But I hurt you, and I’ll never be able to undo that."

He finally sat back down, his fingers curling around the coffee cup in front of him. "You’re right. You hurt me, and for a long time, I hated you for it. But I’ve had time to think. I’m not as angry as I used to be." He sighed, glancing away briefly before meeting her gaze again. "But that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten everything that happened."

Rory swallowed hard, taking a seat across from him. "I don’t expect you to forgive me. I just want you to know that I’m truly sorry for what I did. I was selfish, and I used you in a way I should never have."

Jason’s lips twitched as if debating whether to say something, but in the end, he just nodded. "I guess we’ll see if your actions match your words."

Rory’s heart raced. "I’m trying, Jason. I want to make things right. I want us to move past this if we can."

For a moment, there was silence between them, the weight of everything unsaid hanging in the air. Rory couldn’t help but wonder if this conversation was the beginning of something new or the final chapter in a story that was already too broken to fix.

Then Jason spared a few simple words. “We can if you are ready to right your wrongs.”