After freshening up, Jared joined his parents in the grand dining room, where the ridiculously long table seemed to swallow them whole. He wondered why they bothered with such a large space when it was just the three of them.
His sister's absence was felt deeply, especially during breakfast. She was in Australia, and he missed her dearly. Without her sharp wit and sarcasm, the meal felt dull and strained.
"Morning, Dad. Morning, Mum," Jared said, taking his seat at the opposite end of the table where his father sat.
As he settled in, his mom smiled warmly but his father grunted in response , his face stoic. His relationship with his father was strained.
The butler poured fruit juice into a cup in front placed in front of him and he nodded curtly. "That's enough Gerald, Thank you."
"So, Jared, Kieran informed me that you took a 3-month leave to travel to Maryland. What's going on there?" His father asked suddenly. His father's tone was neutral, but Jared knew better. He could almost hear the wheels turning in his father's mind, the suspicion and skepticism simmering just below the surface.
Jared's mind raced as he tried to come up with a plausible explanation.
"Uh, it's for the case. I was told I needed to be in Maryland as a representative for the company."
His father's skepticism was evident. "Well, you don't. Kieran is handling that."
"I am aware, but I still want to be there to oversee the progress firsthand and influence it where I can."
His father's expression turned stern. "Influence? Isn't that Aaron's job?…I don't want your name tied to any more scandals."
Jared clenched his jaw, biting back his retort. The room fell silent, and he could sense the awkwardness emanating from the maid and butler.
His mother intervened, her hand reaching out to touch his father's arm. clearing his throat, Marcus Seplan continued, "Ahem….You can go, son. I expect to be briefed on the progress." With that, he stood up and left the dining room.
Jared's mom came over and sat beside him, squeezing his shoulders reassuringly.
"You know he didn't mean any of that Jared, He means well."
Jared forced a smile, feeling a mix of emotions. "It's alright, Mum. It's fine."
As he watched his mom's concerned expression, Jared knew he was definitely getting his own place when he returned from Maryland. He knew what he needed– space, freedom, and a chance to breathe without his father's expectations suffocating him.
Janine pulled up to her house, navigating the familiar curve of her driveway with ease. As she reached the door, she leaned over to gather her kids' backpacks and scattered belongings from the backseat. Manfred and Hannah were already climbing out, chattering excitedly about their day.
As Janine stepped out of the car, she noticed a sleek black car parked on the opposite side of her driveway. She wasn't exactly a car enthusiast, but something about the vehicle's glossy finish and sporty lines caught her eye. She vaguely thought it might be a BMW. As she followed her kids into the house, she searched her purse for the keys to the front door, she opened the door and as she was about to walk in, a voice called out behind her.
"Janine?"
Stunned by the sudden audience, She spun around to see who had called out her name.
Then she saw him. Jared. Jared Seplan. Standing in her driveway. Janine's eyes roamed all over his face, taking in his appearance. He looked disheveled, his hair looked like he'd been running his hands through it, his tie loose around his neck and his bloodshot eyes seemed to be pleading with her, saying unspoken words.
Her heart racing, Janine stood frozen, unsure of what to say or do next. Her eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.