Her Best Second Chance

Chapter 30: The Sting of Deceit

~Jaspers POV~

I beam with pride as my clients sign the papers for their new home, I sink back in my chair, their joy infectious. Handing them the keys to their fresh start, tears well up in their eyes, mirroring my own heartfelt smile.

'There's no feeling quite like knowing you played a part in creating someone's perfect haven, built from scratch, exactly to their specifications.'

I bid them congratulations, watching them walk away, keys in hand, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment. Knowing I played a part in yet another successful home, brings me immense satisfaction.

Pulling out my next project, the clock ticks on - 4:03 - but my mind is elsewhere. Twisting in my chair, I struggle to concentrate on the house plan before me, Serena's presence lingering in my thoughts.

Picking up the phone, I dial her number, the anticipation building as it rings twice before her warm voice fills my ears, a reminder of what drew me to her from the beginning.

A tentative "Hello" whispers through the line, her voice trembling ever so slightly, betraying a hint of nervousness.

The question hangs in the air "How are you?" as she takes a moment to gather her thoughts, the brief silence speaking volumes and I know something was wrong.

A soft "good" escapes her lips from the other side following a sigh.

Moving on, I ask about the baby, and suddenly, the line falls silent. "Serena?" I call out, my voice tinged with concern, as I sit up straight, my attention piqued. Her response, "There is no baby," leaves me stunned, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

I'm taken aback, my mind racing.

"What do you mean there's no baby?" I ask, recalling the pregnancy test she shared with me just days ago. "What happened?"

Her words are a punch to the gut.

"You didn't want it, so I got rid of it." I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of confusion.

"What did you do?" I ask, desperate for clarity on the devastating choice she's made.

"You had an abortion," I whisper, the words feeling like a betrayal. The silence that follows is oppressive, punctuated only by my own heartbeat. "Serena!!!" I shout, my voice echoing off the walls, as I demand answers.

A faint "yes" escapes her lips, followed by a haunting repetition. I immediately end the call, my heart heavy.

"She killed the baby," I whisper, disbelieving. "How could she destroy something so precious and innocent?" I remain seated, my skin crawling with disgust at her actions

'How can someone's heart be so cruel as to harm an innocent life?' my mind rails in disgust, consumed with anger. 'Is she truly capable of such wickedness?' I wonder, recoiling from the thought. I had wanted to help her, despite the child not being mine, but now her actions have ruined my day. I hiss in disgust, grabbing my belongings and clocking out early, unable to bear the thought of staying any longer.

'I will just have to make up the hours tomorrow.'

~*~

~Author's POV~
*Trusting you is my decision, proving me wrong is your choice*

As Arzhel steps through the door, Serena's tears halt momentarily, her gaze flicking towards him before returning to her lap. She sniffs, her shoulders shaking, before looking up at him with red rimmed eyes.