The Meeting

Jared looked up, meeting her gaze with a sincerity that took her breath away. "I've had to work twice as hard as others because I had no backing. Every step I climbed, I earned on my own. But if someone offers me a ladder—especially the father of the woman I love—I'm not too proud to take it. Why should I complicate my life unnecessarily for the sake of pride? My priority now is you and our child. If accepting help means I can focus more on what truly matters, I'll do it without hesitation. Arthur understands that, and so do I."

Jerica felt her heart skip a beat. "Wow," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. She was deeply moved by his words, by the vulnerability he was willing to show her.

Jared nestled closer, his head resting against her chest, his hand tracing lazy patterns on her side. "I'm not going to push myself to the point of breaking and risk losing you," he added softly. "I can't live without you."