5

Jayson’s POV

I couldn't stop smiling.

Betty finally asked for a divorce. After all this time, I was finally free to be with Jewel without worrying about the contract that had kept me tied to another woman.

I loosened my tie as I walked into my bedroom, then tossed it onto the sofa.

The contract had been clear from the beginning. Betty had to be the one to file for divorce. It was a condition her father had insisted on before agreeing to the business deal with my stepfather.

Back then, I'd thought it was an unreasonable demand. Now, I couldn't have been more grateful for it.

Betty had finally done what I'd been waiting for.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my smile slowly fading as I remembered the look on her face when she'd handed me the divorce papers.

She was so serious, and for once, she hasn't tried to convince me to give our marriage another chance.

The truth was, Betty never deserved the way I'd treated her.

She was a good woman. She took care of the house, made sure everything ran smoothly, and waited for me even when I came home late without an explanation. She rarely complained about my absence, and whenever I needed something, she was always there.

But my heart had always belonged to Jewel.

I leaned back, staring at the ceiling as memories of us filled my mind.

Jewel and I had known each other since childhood. We were inseparable, always finding excuses to spend time together. She wasn't just my best friend; she was the person I imagined spending the rest of my life with.

Even when she left for Canada to study, nothing changed between us. We called, exchanged messages, and made promises about our future.

The distance never made me love her less.

Then my stepfather presented me with the business deal. And at the same time I needed a wife, and Jewel wasn't ready.

Then my father's business partner was willing to sign a contract that would benefit our family, but there was one condition: I had to marry his daughter, Betty.

I refused immediately.

I already loved someone. I wasn't going to marry another woman for business.

But my mother begged me to reconsider. She didn't know about Jewel at the time, and she believed I was throwing away an opportunity that could secure our family's future.

I couldn't bring myself to disappoint her.

So I agreed.

The hardest part was telling Jewel.

I remembered how I asked her to wait for me, promising that the marriage would only last three years. Once the contract ended, I would be free to marry her.

She was hurt, but she'd agreed.

And she kept her promise.

A year had passed since my marriage to Betty. Then Jewel returned to Paris, and all the feelings I tried to keep buried came rushing back.

I couldn't pretend anymore.

I wanted Jewel. And now, finally, I could have her.

I reached for the divorce papers, Betty had already signed where necessary, leaving me to complete my part.

I picked up a pen.

“Best birthday gift ever,” I murmured.

Then I signed.

The moment I was done signing, I took out my phone and opened Jewel's chat.

Me: Let's get married.

Her reply came a few moments later.

Jewel: I can't wait! But you have to divorce that woman first.

I smiled at the screen.

Me: I've signed the papers. Once the divorce is finalized, we're done waiting.

I set the phone down, feeling so happy than I had in months

There was only one thing left to do.

I needed to see Jewel, so I drove to Morris Hotel.

The hotel receptionist greeted me as I stepped inside and handed me the key to our usual room.

“Welcome, sir.”

I nodded before heading upstairs.

The moment I opened the door, Jewel came out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel.

“Baby!”

She rushed toward me, throwing her arms around my neck.

“I missed you,” she whispered.

I held her close. “I missed you more babe.”

She pulled back, studying my face.

“So? Did you get what you wanted?”

I smiled. “Betty signed the divorce papers. I signed them too. Now we just have to wait for everything to be finalized.”

Jewel's face lit up. “Finally!”

She kissed me, and I returned it, grateful that we no longer had to hide our relationship.

“I'll propose properly once the divorce is final,” I told her.

She grinned. “You better do that, I've waited long enough.”

I laughed, drawing her into another kiss.

For the first time in a long while, I felt as though my future was finally within reach.

That night, I stayed with Jewel.

I didn't have to return to the mansion and pretend to be a husband in a marriage neither of us wanted.

***

The next morning, I woke up with Jewel in my arms.

My phone began ringing on the bedside table.

I frowned, reaching for it. And answered the phone call.

“Hello?” I say to the phone.

“Is this Mr. Blackwood?”

“Yes, who's calling?”

“I'm calling from the hospital.”

I sat up. “The hospital? Why?”

“Your wife, Betty Blackwood, was involved in an accident last night.”

I immediately pushed the covers aside. “An accident? Is she okay?”

“She's out of danger, sir. We're monitoring her condition. And fortunately, her unborn child is safe.”

For a moment, I couldn't speak.

“She's… what?”

“Your wife is pregnant, sir.”