It had been weeks of healing and bonding for Amari and Jason. For once, she let herself feel again.
That morning, Jason went to get a cup of coffee when the doorbell rang. He glanced at the face scanner. It was a man in his 40s. A middle-aged man in a crisp, charcoal suit. With a familiar face.
He opened the door.
"Mr. King! What brings you here?" Jason asked, surprised.
Mr. King raised an eyebrow, looking unpleased, like he didn't like him being there. He pushed passed Jason, stepping inside uninvited.
Amari stepped out from the hallway, her robe loosely tied, hair tousled.
She froze.
Her voice dropped. "What are you doing here?"
"I wouldn't need to be here if you answered or replied to my messages," he said. Atmosphere immediately turned tense.
"How have you been? His eyes flicked toward Jason. Seeing him here, I take it that the past storm wasn't big enough to wash him off the shore.
Amari scoffed. "Funny. If someone heard you, they might actually think you cared."
"That's no way to talk to your father in front of a guest," said Mr. King coolly, settling into the sofa like it was his own. "A cup of tea wouldn't kill you."
Amari rolled her eyes and walked into the kitchen.
Jason excused himself and slipped into the bedroom. Ever since that night Amari got that text message from that caller "HIM". He had wanted to secretly investigate, but he decided to trust her instead and let it be. Surprisingly they "HIM" is actually her father.
Amari returned. "Here's your cup of tea.
He took a sip, nodding. "You make good tea... Just like your mother."
"What are you really doing here?" Amari asked. "It's certainly not to sit around and reminisce. so get to the point."
Moments later, Jason emerged, dressed, composed.
"Well, this was… unexpected," Jason said lightly, grabbing his phone. "Mr. King, it was nice seeing you. Had no idea Amari was your daughter. I mean, the world only knows about your son." "I'll take my leave," he added, walking to Amari and pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
"I don't know what sparked your relationship," King said to Jason. "But you'd do well to listen to your father and find comfort elsewhere... because this one," he gestured toward Amari, "is a sinking ship."
Jason's expression was unreadable. He bowed politely. Then smiled softly at Amari and walked out.
Mr. King turned back to his daughter.
"You're doing well," he said. "But let's be clear. After everything that's happened, we're severing all ties. You're not to contact me or anyone from the family again."
Amari scoffed. Like I was ever allowed to be in contact. She added.
"You can't be with Jason," he continued. "He's part of a conglomerate family. The world watches men like him and the women they love. If your identity gets out, it could affect the company's image. Nobody would care who my bastard daughter is. Only my infidelity would interest them.
He paused, as if expecting understanding.
"You still have your job," he added. "Just keep doing your thing. Quietly. Stay out of the headlines. Lay low until this all dies down."
Amari stared at him, a flicker of something breaking behind her eyes.
He stood to leave. But was stopped by her voice.
"I used to hope," she whispered. "That maybe if I worked hard enough, you'd see me. That one day, you might walk me down the aisle."
She laughed bitterly. "But that was just wishful thinking." wasn't it?"
Her eyes lifted, defiant, fierce.
She stepped toward the door, opened it wide.
But not to worry "Father". I won't be a bother to your family and image anymore. Besides I don't have your last name, so who I date and what I do with my life is none of your business. She gestured at the door.
"Run back to your perfect family, Mr. Anthony King. And have a happy life."
For a moment, he was unable to lift his feet. He opened his mouth but didn't know what to say. He gave a sigh, Then stepped out.
The door shut behind him with a final, resounding click.
Amari leaned against it, her breath shaking. Tears threatened, but she held them back.
There was no interference in their relationship in weeks. No ominous phone calls, no veiled threats. But silence wasn't peace. It was strategy.
The much anticipated interview, the one where Jason planned to finally make their relationship public was fast approaching.
In the quiet luxury of Jason's penthouse, they spent a blissful evening together.
At midnight, Jason left in a hurry after a phone call.
Morning sun filtered through the curtains, gently waking Amari. She turned, expecting the comfort of Jason's embrace, but the space beside her was empty and cold.
She reached for her phone. It was 7am. She tried calling him. No answer.
Maybe he went ahead to prep for the big day. Smiling, she convinced herself it was nothing. She prepared for work, her heart light with hope.
Later that day, at her apartment. Amari made tea and curled up on the sofa. The TV flickered to life.
There he was. As majestic as always. The interview had begun.
Her heart swelled. That is her man. She thought to herself.
The female host leaned forward with a smile. Asking the question of the day.
"Jason you've been spotted being all cozy and affectionate with a lady, though her face wasn't visible in the photos. Is it true, you are in a relationship? Are you in love? Who's the lucky woman?"
Jason hesitated for a moment. Looking straight into the camera as if he was staring at Amari. Turned to the host, giving a faint smile. Then proceed to answer.
The photos and being cozy, yes. Being in a relationship, No
I'm not in any romantic relationship." He replied. Expression unreadable.
Amari sat up, her breath caught in her throat.
"I did think and wish for it to work out," Jason continued. his fists clenched on his lap. "But it ended before it began. He paused. Then continued. I'll also be resigning from acting.
My sincere apologies for the disappointment. He said looking straight into the camera again. As if the apology was meant for a particular individual and not his fans watching.
He bowed. The interview ended.
While the internet was in chaos and Jason's manager in shock about his impromptu resignation.
Amari dropped her cup. It shattered on the floor.
She called him. He picked up.
I had thought it was strange when I woke up and you were already gone. But this... her voice trembled.
Amari. Everything I said... it's the truth," Jason said, his tone flat, unyielding. "There was never going to be a happily ever after for us. The sooner we accept that, the better. I hope you find someone who brings you peace and stability." Bye Amari.
Before she could say anything the line went dead.
Amari collapsed to the floor, breathless, her world caving in.
On the order side as Jason dropped the call...
You made the right choice son, said his father. Even though you didn't do exactly what I asked.
The night before, the phone call that made Jason rush out was from his father. Telling him to come home immediately if he really wanted to save Amari from what was coming. Jason knowing him too well wasted no time.
His father had told him to announce Stella as the lady in the photo and as his fiance during the interview, or Amari will be arrested and sent to jail not just for illegal substance use, but as a dealer.
Twenty years, Jason. That's the kind of time they'd throw at her. Your choice: save her, or be with her."
Of course he'll save her. His father knew that.
But it would be evil of him to acknowledge another woman besides her.
Back at the penthouse, Jason roared into his pillow, clutching his chest as if his heart were physically breaking.
"I'm sorry, Amari," he whispered. "Better hurt by words... than destroyed by me".