Stefan pov

Today's the last day at Seattle. The meeting went well and the deal is already on. In a few hours, I'll be back home with Jess and Liam. I have been missing them like hell. I have been face timing her whenever I have time. Liam almost doesn't cry for me anymore.

He's having a blast with Jess alone. I'm already replaced by her and I don't mind it at all. I wish I was there with them. I'm currently packing my belongings into my suitcase. I'm returning early because I'm missing my two favorite persons. I'm suppose to return back tomorrow evening but I want to reach home by this night itself. I'll surprise Jess.

A smile makes its way on my lips when I think about her. I can't wait to get home to tell her that I won't be moving to Seattle any more.

That was mainly why the reason I had to have a meeting arrange here. I had to mainly stop most of the transfer here instead I'll be opening another branch, which I'll be operating from New York itself. I already launch the construction to begin and in a few months, another Black Enterprise Holding Inc will proudly stand.

This time I'm starting another venture from start. It will be totally different from my father's company. My company will operate in communications technologies, manufacturing and investment. Just like my father passed me his company, I'm creating one for Liam as well. Giving it a thought, not just for him. If I have more kids in future which I'm hoping for, then I'll be happy that I will be leaving something for them. 

I tuck the little velvet box securely in my suitcase. It's a gift for Jess. Yesterday, after the meeting, I took a walk and that's when I saw a delicate bracelet. My mind instantly told me to get it for her. It looks precious just like her.  

"Already ready Black?", Eliot asks as he barges inside his room without knocking.

"Can't you knock?!", he snaps. "No I'm not going to that stupid party. I'm already leaving for home."

"Eager are we?", he teases. "Missing that cute little nanny of yours?"

Eliot wiggles his eyebrows playfully making me glare at him.

"Don't leave me to attend that party alone Black", he says with a pout after a few seconds.

"What are you?", Stefan rolls his eyes. "Three?"

"Oh come on man", he groans. "I'll be bored as hell besides you do know Mr Johnsons has personally invited you."

"Tell him I had to leave", he shrugs.

"It's also an opportunity to make some new contacts for the new projects here Stefan", Eliot adds seriously.

I stare at him and sigh. He's right. With the construction of this new business, I needs to make some contacts. Eliot smirks when he looks at me.

"Get your whipped ass ready", he says. "We'll leave in twenty minutes."

My mobile makes a sound indicating that I have a new message. Popping it open, a smile lighten my face. Jess has send me a selfie of him and Liam. Both are smiling at the camera. My heart swells with love for them.

Wait? Love?

I love Liam but what about Jess? Do I love her?

I sit on the edge of the bed and stare at her picture. She's so beautiful. Just looking at her face makes my heart beats faster. I can't wait to tell her how I feel. Maybe with time I can explore my real feelings for her. I feel so confuse because I have never feel this way with anyone before.

Grinning, I read the message she has written along.

"Liam doesn't miss you at all. He loves me more."

Liam definitely loves her more. I can tell by his behaviour. He always smiles and giggles whenever she's around and he doesn't even sleep without her.

I send her a reply.

"You guys really don't miss me at all? :("

Her reply is instant.

"No we don't"

I should not feel dishearted over a text but here I am. Sulking over the fact that they don't miss me at all. My phone makes another sound and this time, I smile.

"We miss you a lot silly. Come back soon."

"Be back soon. Go to bed now."

"Still so bossy over there Black!"

I chuckle and type.

"I'm the boss baby"

"Ugg fine. I'm just going to send Aaron a goodnight message with some kisses then I'm going to sleep ok Sir?"

I frown instanly and a strong sense of jealousy invades my entire body.

"What the fuck Jessica?!"

"Apologize for always bossing me around and them I might not send him any message."

I know she has an evil smile on her face right now. But whatever happens, I won't let her send that ass face any goodnight message and that too with kisses. She should only send me. I sigh and text her.

"I'm sorry for always bossing you around."

"You're forgiven and Stefan one more thing...."

My phone makes another sound.

"I'm the boss baby"

I smile and shake my head a little bit. She can be anything she want to be as long as she stays with us.

2 hours later.......

"Stop sulking Black", Eliot rolls his eyes.

"I'm not sulking", I say quietly and stare at my drink.

"You have changed man", he laughs. "Jess has tamed you."

My lips curls into a little smile when I hear her name.

"I can't wait to get out of here", I blurt.

"You're acting like a child", Eliot teases. "Looks like you need a nanny as well."

I need only one specific nanny.

"Did you know Cara is here?", Eliot asks suddenly.

I shake my head. I really hope my mother didn't send her again this time. I had seen her five missed calls earlier but didn't bother calling her up again. Somehow I know what she's up too.

"Makes as if you didn't see her Eliot", I say quickly. "I really hope my mother didn't send her here."

"Hey Stefan", I hear her voice and wince slightly.

Shit! She already saw us!

"Her Cara", I greet her.

"Oh come on! Don't behave so formal", she says and kisses me on both of my cheeks. I cringe inwardly when I realize there are reporters who are watching us like hawks.

Don't get me wrong. Cara is a good person. It's just that I don't want to lead her into thinking that one day we might be a couple.  I already have my eyes on a certain someone.

"Hey Eliot", she greets him happily.

"Hey Cara", he smirks. "You look gorgeous as always."

"Thank you", she blushes and looks at me.

"What are you doing here?", Eliot asks.

"Oh I came with one of my friends."

I sign internally. Atleast my mom didn't told her that I'm going to be here.

"Esme told me that you're going to be here so I thought of meeting you", she elaborates with a hopeful smile.

I thought too soon!

Why mom why?! I really have to speak with her. She's leading this poor girl into thinking that we can be married someday. I keep telling her that I have no interest for marriage but she keeps on playing the matchmaker.

"And why did you want to meet Stefan?", Eliot asks teasingly.

I glare at him. How I wish I could just punch him right now!

"Oh...erm..I just wanted to see if he's fine", she blushes again.

"Well do see if he's fine", Eliot chuckles. "I'll just meet some people and be back."

Eliot! You fucker!

I glare at him while he leaves but he just laughs it off.

"How's little Liam?", she asks softly, looking genuinely concern for my son.

"He's fine", I smile while remembering the photo which Jess had sent me earlier.

"Can I meet him again?"

"Of course. You can meet him", I reply.

"You didn't call me after our lunch date", she says in a low voice. "May I know why?"

I knew this question was coming.

"I was busy", I say and gulp my drink.

"I understand."

"Cara", I sigh. "I don't know what my mom told you but I want you to know that nothing is going to happen between us. We will remain just good friends."

Her eyes flashes hurt but I have to tell her the truth. I don't want her wasting time on me when she can clearly find someone who will really love her.

"Is there someone else?", she demands slowly.

I want to deny it but no words seems to be forming in my brain when I see Jess's smiling face in my brain. I can hear her melodious laugh in my ears.

"Is it that girl who was at the park with you?", she continues probing. "I saw how your eyes had light up when you saw her."

"Cara......"

"It's okay Stefan", she smiles but I can clearly see the hurt on her face. I wonder what my mom told her.

"I'm really sorry Cara", I say. "I don't know what my mom told you and I apologize on her behalf as well."

"Don't. It's okay. We can still be friends right?"

"Of course" I smile.

"Great", she says and orders a margarita for herself.

I take a sip of my own drink and take a glance at my watch. Five more minutes and I'm out of here.

"Stefan Black!", I hear my name and turn around to see who is it.

"Mr Johnsons", I say.

"Glad you could make it", he says. Soon we get indulge in business related topics when I hear Cara crying.

I turn my head to look at her.

"Are you okay?", I ask her. She nods slowly. Her face is fluster and she looks totally drunk.

"Christ Cara how much did you drink?", I demand and cringe when I see the multiple empty shots.

"Only one", she giggles and leans completely on me.

"Is she your girlfriend?", Mr Johnsons asks.

"No", I reply and add to her, "Where is your friend?"

"I don't know", she pouts. "Why can't I be your girlfriend?"

"Cara you're drunk", I say calmly. "Please tell me with whom you came here so he can take you home."

"Why not me Stefan?", she asks in a murmur suddenly. "Why you are not choosing me? Am I not good enough?"

Mr Johnsons is still watching us and I cringe mentally. This is so awkward.

"I'll see you later", Mr Johnsons says and leaves.

"Tell me Stefan", she murmurs and one tear slips from her eyes. "Please."

"You're a good person Cara", I console her. "Any man will be lucky to be with you."

"I just want to be with you", she slurs and hook her arms around my neck.

"Cara please behave yourself", I say while trying to make her sit down but like a second skin, she just clings on me. People are already staring at us. I hope no reporters click our photos.

"I liked you since high school Stefan", she murmurs. "But you never noticed me. When I finally decided to tell you, you already had Ana."

She buries her head in my chest and sniffs.

"I kept waiting and when your mom told me that maybe now we can be together, I was so happy."

"I'm sorry Cara. My mother should not have led you on", I say and taking a glass of cold water, I make her drink it.

"I thought we can be a really happy family with Liam", she whispers in melancholy.

"Please Stefan", she stands suddenly and holds my suit jacket. "I really want us to be together."

"Cara.."

I can't even complete my phrase because next thing I know, she kisses me.

I stiffen and try to push her gently away. She's drunk. I really don't want to embarrass her in front of everyone.

"Yayyy", she shouts happily suddenly. "We are getting married."

I watch in horror when everyone closer to us start clapping happily. I look at the crowd and spot Eliot clapping as well with a smirk on his face.

What a fucking best friend I have! Fucking asshole!

"Cara calm yourself please", I say trying my best not to snap at her. It's not her fault. She's just drunk.

"Cara", a woman gasps suddenly and pulls her from me. But she's still not letting go of my jacket.

"Cara leave him", she snaps. "I really apologize Mr Black. She never behaves like this."

The woman pulls her away and I see a few reporters approaching me. I quickly make my way to the exit and leaves from there. Getting out I heave a sign of relief. I can't wait to get back home.

I feel bad for Cara. I didn't knew she had feelings for me since high school. She's the kindest and sweetest person I know. I really hope one day she finds someone who will really love her. As for my mom, I have to have a serious talk with her. She should not have lead her like this. Now she's heartbroken.

I hear a deep laugh from behind.

"Shut the fuck up Eliot", I snap.

"Damn that was funny", he laughs and suddenly sobers up. "I really hope Jess don't see pictures of both of you kissing because your whipped ass will be dead."

"Fuck", I say under my breath.

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Jess pov

I groan when I feel another wave of pain in my lower abdomen. I have been in pain since morning. I think this month I'm going to have my period. Thinking about it, I'll be getting it after seven months. I think it's because Stefan is making sure I'm eating a  healthy balanced meal three times a day.

I groan when I feel pain in my boobs as well. They are swollen and hurts like hell. Suddenly, I feel a rush of anger towards Stefan. This is happening because of him. It's his fault. If he had not make me eat these food then I would not have been suffering right now.

"Don't be ungrateful Jess", I say to myself. "You should be glad that he cares so much about you."

Tears start rolling down my cheeks when I think about him. He takes care of me so much and I miss him. Damn I hate this mood swings!

One minute I want to kill him then suddenly I'm missing him.

I hate periods so much!

I go through my toileries to check if I have pads but there are none. I have to rush to the pharmacy quickly.

I have to visit my mother's grave as well. It's her birthday today.

"Mary", I say when I enter the kitchen. "Can you look after Liam for a few minutes please? I'm going out."

"Of course", she smiles and her face morph into concern suddenly. "Are you fine Jess? You look pale."

"It's the devil visit of the month", I say.

"I'll make some warm soup for you so that you can drink it when you return back. It'll make you feel better", she says in a motherly tone.

"Thank you", I say with tears forming in my eyes. She takes care of me so much as well. Just like my mother would. I miss her so much.

"Why are you crying my child?", she asks and pats my cheek gently.

"I don't know", I smile through my tears. "Period mood swings I guess. Let me leave before I really start crying."

I leave quickly from there and ask Peter to drive me to the pharmacy. Once there I take whatever I need and head to the counter. After paying I turn to leave, but bumps into a woman.

"I'm sorry", I say and but roll my eyes when I see Ashley.

What a fucking day!

"Hey nanny", she smirks. "You better be sorry!"

I feel a another wave of pain in my abdomen and wince.

"Shut the fuck up!", I snap before I can even control myself.

"You really think Stefan likes you huh", she says while giving me a judging look from top to bottom.

"Well let me tell you something nanny", she smirks again. "You're in for a big surprise."

"What are you talking about?", I ask. I badly want to smack that smirk away.

No Jess, violence is not the key!, I repeat in my head.

"Just wait", she laughs.

"If it's about liking someone else, atleast it's still not you", I blurt and watch in satisfaction when her face contorts into fury and jealousy.

"You still won't be anywhere close to him as you wish. Stefan won't stoop to your level so get out of my face now!"

I walk away in anger and ask Peter to take me to the graveyard.

"Why are you going there?", he asks, looking at me through the rearview mirror.

"I'm going to visit my mother", I murmur.

"Will you be fine on your own?", he asks softly.

"Yes", I give him a reassuring smile.

Once I reach near the grave, I place my mother's favorite flowers on her tomb. She loved peonies.

"Hey mom", I greet her and take a seat down. "Happy birthday."

I always speak with her tomb whenever I visit her, telling her what's been going in my life. Last time, I told her about Liam and Stefan. Even though she's not here, I feel like she listens to me.

"How are you? I'm sorry I'm not coming often. Uni has been busy and soon I'm going to graduate. I'll make you proud mommy. I miss you so much."

Tears start dripping from my face and I wipe them quickly.

"No I won't cry today. It's your birthday. I hope you're celebrating with the angels up there."

I look at the blue sky and smile. I know she's watching me from above.

"My stomach hurts so much mom. Mary said she will make soup for me. She's so kind. Just like you. Whenever I see her, I think about you. You know Liam is growing up so fast. He already got two teeth. He's so adorable mom. I love him so much. Stefan is away for business for a few days. I miss him too."

"I still don't know if he recognizes me from two years ago. Do you think he knows it's me? I don't think so", I answer my own question.

"I wish he doesn't leave mom", I continue after a while. "It hurts when I think that soon they will be gone. I don't want to be alone."

"Stefan is way out of my league though. I don't think I'll be good enough for him because he's so handsome, rich and powerful. I'm just being practical you know. I am confident and love myself but he's still out of my league no wonder his stupid ass called me ugly two years ago. But it's okay. I forgive him."

"Mom you don't know what just happened?!", I gasp. "I met Ashley. You remember her right? The one I told you. She had thrown hot coffee on my face. I think she is obsesse with Stefan."

I tell my mother everthing. I make sure I give her all the tea she's missing in my life.

"I don't like her mom", I groan. "I know you used to say it's not kind to say this but she's a total bitch. I know you don't like me saying the 'b' word as well but I can't help it. Can't you make her scare? You should haunt her."

I start laughing.

"That will be so fun. But I know you're too kind to actually haunt someone. Oh mom! How I miss you. Can't you come back? I know I ask this everytime I come here but I miss you so much. I miss you taking care of me. I miss you playing with my hair. I miss you feeding me. I miss your hugs and kisses mom. I miss your lullaby. I miss sleeping in your arms. I miss your voice."

My throat constricts with pain and my voice starts cracking.

"I'm all alone here mom. Father still hates me so much. He used to hit me. I still don't know where he is. But I don't blame him. I took you away from him. You were the love of his life. It's all my fault. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for that mom. I hope you're not angry with me. I hope you don't hate me like father."

I break down suddenly and bury my face in my palm. "I wish I never insisted for you to take me out on that day mom. I really hate myself for this."

A strong breeze pick up but I keep on crying. I wrap my arms around myself and keep apologizing.

"Please don't hate mom", I cry.

Just then the breeze picks up the speed more and messes my hair in the process. I feel a gentle pat on my head, soothing my hair and raise my head instantly.

"Mom?", I look around but find nobody. I let my eyes fall on grave once more. I miss her like hell. I