Chapter 35 - Security in Numbers

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Jason's phone buzzed on the bedside table, rousing him from his slumber. Groggily, he reached for it, squinting at the bright screen. The message was from his parents. They were asking if they could visit. 

A warm smile spread across his face as he read their words. It had been too long since he'd seen them.

Turning toward the sleeping form of Kass beside him, he gently shook her awake. "Hey, Kass," he whispered, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "My parents want to visit. What do you think?"

Kass stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Her gaze met Jason's, and for a moment, the heavy weight in her eyes seemed to have lifted, replaced by a glimmer of curiosity. 

"Your parents? That sounds nice," she replied, her voice still carrying the faint traces of her recent struggles.

Jason nodded, relieved by her response. "I thought it might be a good idea for you to meet them. They've heard so much about you."As he began typing a reply to his parents, he couldn't help but hope that their visit would bring more positivity into their lives, especially Kass's.



Jason and Kass dedicated the entire morning to preparing the house for the arrival of Jason's parents. The sun's rays streamed through the windows as they went about their tasks. They cleaned meticulously, leaving no corner untouched, ensuring the house was immaculate. Anne, with her knack for organising, joined in and brought her expertise to the cleaning mission. The house became a canvas of warmth, anticipation hanging in the air.


As the afternoon sun cast long shadows on the front lawn, a sleek black limo gracefully pulled up to the curb. Jason's parents, a well-to-do couple who moved with an air of regality, emerged from the car. They looked as though they had just stepped out of a magazine cover, their designer outfits and polished demeanor making a statement. Their luggage, which seemed to multiply with each visit, was carried with precision by a couple of their impeccably dressed chauffeurs.


Kass, feeling a mix of excitement and a touch of nervousness, stood by the front door, ready to welcome them. She had heard so much about Jason's parents and hoped to make a lasting impression. As they approached, she was met with genuine, warm smiles, and her initial worries began to dissolve. Jason's mom enveloped her in a loving hug, her warmth almost overwhelming, and his dad offered a firm handshake.

 ''Honey! It's wonderful to meet you!'' the mom excaimed.

Jason's dad, a mischievous glint in his eye, couldn't resist the opportunity to playfully embarrass his son with a light-hearted childhood anecdote. 

"You know, Kass," he began with a sly grin, "Jason used to be such a picky eater when he was a kid. He'd only eat the crust of his sandwiches, and we'd always have to cut them off for him."

Kass chuckled, finding it endearing and charming how a simple childhood quirk could be brought up at a time like this. Jason, though slightly flustered, smiled and shook his head, a mixture of familiarity and affection evident in his response.The warm welcome and the family's playful interaction put Kass at ease. She appreciated how Jason's parents made a genuine effort to connect with her, and she found herself growing more comfortable with the idea of having them around.


The evening had a magical quality to it as they all went to a lavish restaurant, one of the finest in the city. Kass couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the opulence of the place. The sparkling chandeliers, the soft piano music in the background, and the aroma of gourmet dishes being prepared in the open kitchen all added to the grandeur of the occasion. She had never experienced anything quite like this in her life.


Jason, always attentive, sensed her awe and took her hand under the table, offering her a reassuring smile. It was a simple gesture, but it meant the world to Kass as it helped her feel more at ease in this new and extravagant environment.


As the evening progressed, and after savoring a multi-course meal that seemed to never end, the conversation turned to more serious matters. Jason, with a composed and determined demeanor, delved into the affairs of Kass's father. He recounted their adventurous journey, the risky escapades, and the recent terrifying encounter with the intruder. Jason's parents, Andrew and Jennifer, listened with shock and deep concern.


Andrew was the first to take action. He pulled out his phone, excusing himself from the table, and made a call to the head of the police department. He outlined the entire situation and requested their assistance in tracking down the dangerous individual who had threatened Kass's life.

Kass felt a wave of relief wash over her as she realized that these powerful and caring individuals were now fully involved in her safety. She leaned into Jason as he put his arm around her waist, her anxiety finally beginning to recede after the traumatic near-death experience.


Jennifer, with a warm smile, reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. She presented it to Kass, who opened it with trembling hands to find a stunning rose gold heart necklace adorned with intricate designs and real crystals. Kass gasped in delight, and Jason lovingly fastened it around her neck. The necklace complemented her eyes and the beautiful white dress she had chosen for the evening.

Jennifer chuckled and mentioned how she had always wondered what it would be like to have a daughter. Jason's slight frown was met with playful laughter as Jennifer assured him that her love and appreciation for him were unwavering.

When Andrew returned to the table, he reported that everything was in motion. The police department would deploy additional forces to comb the area and scrutinize CCTV footage. They would also provide extra bodyguards, as Oliver alone clearly couldn't ensure Kass's safety.The meal concluded on a sweet note, and they all headed back to Jason's manor. 


Once there, Anne approached Jason and Andrew with a worrisome discovery. She showed them a handwritten letter that had been posted through the letterbox. Inside were several images of Kass taken without her knowledge, a disturbing and eerie reminder of the lurking danger.

Jason and Andrew decided not to share this with Kass or Jennifer to spare them unnecessary worry. Andrew took the letter and handed it to a butler with explicit instructions to forward it to the head of the department and request a DNA test.


As the night unfolded, they decided to have a movie night. They watched a thrilling horror film together, and the suspenseful scenes had them all on the edge of their seats. After the eventful movie, they retreated to their respective rooms.


In the tranquility of their room, Jason tenderly pulled Kass into his chest, wrapping his arms around her with a sense of security. He gazed into her eyes and asked, "Do you feel alright tonight?" His fingers traced soothing patterns through her hair.Kass, feeling a rare sense of peace, leaned into his embrace and replied, "I'm so glad your parents are stepping in." Her voice held a note of relief and gratitude.Jason chuckled softly, the warm sound resonating in the quiet room. "My parents are quite determined," he assured her, "and they've taken quite a liking to you. I think my mom won't stop talking about you now."


Kass couldn't help but smile, feeling a warm, bubbly sensation inside. A mother figure in her life was something she had longed for, and the thought of being embraced by Jason's family filled her with a sense of belonging. 

As they settled into their comfortable bed, wrapped in each other's arms, Kass drifted into a deep and peaceful sleep, knowing that there were people who truly cared for her, and that love and protection surrounded her from all sides.

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