Moment of Heartbeat

Chapter 3

Christmas Day dawned without a single snowflake drifting in the air, nor any reindeer prancing about. All that fell was a cold, penetrating drizzle that had begun in the afternoon and showed no signs of letting up by evening.

Jake Carter was in a foul mood.

His family had been busy for days, preparing for the holiday. The house was bedecked with an array of dazzling lights, colorful ribbons, and beautifully wrapped gifts piled high everywhere. To Jake, it was all just "an eyesore."

With the person he most wanted to see not coming, he would much rather hide in his room all day, lost in books, listening to music, or simply sleeping-anything but participating in the festivities.

The Carter family had grown accustomed to the younger son's sullen demeanor. Mia Carter, his sister, was his polar opposite; as soon as she got home, she buzzed around, meddling in everything from outfit choices to party guest lists, ensuring that no detail went overlooked. Her endless opinions kept the entire family spinning in a whirlwind of chaos.

By evening, everything was ready, just waiting for the guests to arrive for the Christmas party. Mia, dressed in a vibrant red velvet dress and draped in a white fur shawl, burst into Jake's room like a fiery comet.

"Hey! Hey!" she called out several times, receiving no response. With determination, she marched over, yanked off his expensive stereo wireless headphones, and shouted in his ear, "What are you doing hiding in here? Get dressed and get ready to meet the guests!"

"I'm not a call boy, so why do I need to meet anyone?" Jake replied with an expression as flat as a pancake, brushing her hand aside and putting the headphones back on, completely ignoring her.

"Why are you being so cold? You're just a kid, but you act like an old man!" Mia kicked him lightly. "Come on! I'll help you pick out an outfit. Dress sharp; a lot of people are coming just to see you!"

The little old man continued to ignore her, lost in his music and flipping through a magazine.

Suddenly, the magazine was yanked from his grasp.

"Cooperate with me a little! Aaron is bringing his cousin Anna over; he wants to meet you. You better not make a sour face, got it?"

Aaron was Mia's current boyfriend, and Jake couldn't stand him. He thought his sister had the worst taste.

Jake merely huffed in response, still refusing to engage.

Mia quickly chose a light beige sweater and dark gray trousers for him, which had a scholarly vibe-simple yet classy. She tossed the outfit onto him. "Hurry up and change!"

Jake stood up, flicking his fingers. His dog, Cake, who had been gnawing on a rubber toy by the bed, perked up immediately, his dark eyes shining. When Jake grabbed the leash, Cake jumped up and dashed into the hallway, excitedly circling around-his brother was taking him for a walk!

"Jake Carter! Come back and change! It's raining outside! Jake Carter!" Mia fumed, stomping her feet as she chased him downstairs. "What's wrong with you today? You're so uncooperative! Did someone upset you?"

He flung the door open and stepped outside, leaving behind the beautifully decorated, warm, and lively home.

In the drizzling rain, Jake Carter wandered around with the panting Cake. The sky was dim, and the streetlights and garden lights gradually flickered on. He and his dog paid no mind to it. He deliberately avoided encountering the guests, strolling around for ages, not wanting to return.

His clothes were getting wet, and mud splattered his jeans. Raindrops clung to his thick eyebrows and long lashes, but Jake Carter didn't care.

He didn't know how far he had walked or how long he had been wandering until he finally found himself back near home. The lively noise from the house made the quiet, private road feel especially lonely. Rows of flashy, expensive cars lined the driveway, showcasing the guests' wealth and taste.

Jake casually glanced over until one car caught his eye-

A convertible?

He only knew one person who would drive a convertible in this weather.

But hadn't she said she couldn't come to the Carter family's celebration? Didn't her father come to see her?

Jake's heart began to race, his gaze sharp, searching around.

And there she was! A wave of joy engulfed him, almost making him gasp for breath.

In the rain, a delicate figure leaned against the rear of the car, all alone.

Jake Carter strode toward her without hesitation.

Feeling someone approaching, Sophia Anderson looked up, their eyes meeting.

Before she could even dodge, everything fell into those young, sharp eyes.

This time, no makeup or eyeshadow could hide her expression; her bright, large eyes shimmered with tears, her delicate face betrayed confusion over whether it was rain or tears that stained it.

"Sophia?" Jake Carter exclaimed, gripping her slender shoulder. "What are you doing here? What happened? Are you okay?"

The concern in his tone and the deep worry etched in his handsome features made Sophia's eyes water again, her nose turning red.

How could someone look so beautiful even while crying? Her pitiful appearance made Jake's heart ache as if it had been torn open.

"Don't, don't cry. Did your father bail on you again?"

His simple question struck a nerve. Sophia's lips trembled, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

Seeing her cry like that left Jake at a complete loss. He clumsily wanted to comfort her, to clarify what had happened, but it only made things worse, making it more awkward.

She was trembling. He didn't know if it was from sobbing or the chilly rain, but regardless, feeling utterly helpless, Jake Carter pulled her into his arms.

He held her tightly, her warm tears soaking into his neck and shoulder.

"I... I don't know where to go..." she murmured brokenly between sobs, intensifying the pain in Jake's chest.

Cake, too, whimpered beside them, nudging Sophia's leg with his nose, as if trying to comfort her.

"Come to my house; you'll always be welcome there," Jake promised, his voice low but resolute.

"But... everyone's at the party, having so much fun... I don't want to..."

"There's no one there; I'm not at the party," Jake tightened his grip, trying to warm her.

Her clothes were drenched from the rain, her hair was soaked, clinging to her face. Her pale complexion lacked color, and she shivered slightly in his embrace.

A fierce protective instinct surged within him; if he could, Jake would hold her like this forever.

But the cold rain showed no sign of letting up, and Cake was growing restless at their feet. If this continued, they'd all catch a cold. He gently said, "Let's go inside; you need to change and dry your hair."

As if waking suddenly from a dream, Sophia Anderson jolted and realized the situation.

She and Jake Carter were embracing in such heavy rain!

No matter how warm it felt, Sophia still struggled to escape from the strength of his hold.