Divorce With Benefits: A Second Chance At Love
Chapter 153: Fair or Unfair

Chapter 153: Fair or Unfair

Leaving the hotel, Jared went directly to Alexander, the man Jerica affectionately regarded as her brother. The two shared a strong bond of mutual respect, and Jared was grateful for Alexander’s unwavering support.

As soon as Jared arrived at the sleek, high-security building where Alexander’s office was located, he thanked him for the drones he had supplied to Arthur Sutherland’s security team.

Alexander smiled, his tall and imposing frame radiating a calm yet commanding presence. "The drones are just tools, Jared. It’s your foresight that made them effective," he said, gesturing for Jared to sit.

Arthur Sutherland, being somewhat old-school, had initially dismissed Jared’s insistence on integrating advanced technology into their security systems. Arthur believed that anything could be hacked and saw it as an unnecessary risk. Jared, however, had argued that in situations where seconds could mean the difference between life and death, having technological superiority was non-negotiable. After considerable discussion, Arthur relented, and tonight’s events validated Jared’s point.

Jared took a moment to reflect on the trust Arthur had placed in him, even if reluctantly, and how that trust had likely saved his life.

Once Jared was back in his car, he called Alexander in his private phone. He couldn’t discuss everything in the office because he knew that there were eyes and ears everywhere. The line connected immediately, and Alexander’s steady voice greeted him, "Jerica is safe."

Jared smiled faintly at the reassurance but stayed silent as he heard footsteps on Alexander’s end. It was clear Alexander was moving somewhere private, away from prying ears.

After a moment, Alexander’s voice dropped slightly, signaling the gravity of what he was about to say. "The Glover family’s primary assets in this country will be frozen and charged with treason tomorrow. If you’re planning to make a move, now is the time."

Jared absorbed the information, his sharp mind already piecing together the next steps. "Thank you for putting your career and life on the line for this, Alexander," he said earnestly.

Alexander’s voice softened, a rare warmth cutting through his otherwise stoic demeanor. "Anything for my Jerica," he replied.

Oddly enough, hearing Alexander refer to Jerica as "his" stirred no jealousy in Jared. He understood the depth of their familial bond. Besides, Jared felt secure in his wife’s love. Jerica was carrying his child, a testament to their unwavering commitment to each other. She was his rock, and he hers.

"Thank you again," Jared said sincerely before ending the call.

When Jared returned home, he slipped through the door as quietly as possible. Jerica was in the living room, engrossed in her laptop. She had developed an unsettlingly sharp edge in recent weeks, perhaps fueled by her pregnancy hormones. Unlike the stereotypical cravings or sudden mood swings, Jerica’s emotional shifts had manifested in her becoming ruthlessly strategic.

By the time Jared crossed the room, she looked up at him and said, "I’ve drafted seven more ways to take down the Glover family. All legal and effective."

Jared chuckled despite himself. Her determination and intelligence never ceased to amaze him. Sitting beside her, he placed a calming hand on her arm. "Jerica, I admire your drive, but the Glover family is still connected to your mother’s side. Severing those ties completely could create complications we don’t need."

Jerica sighed, her sharp gaze softening just a bit. "You’re right..."

Although Jared said that he knew that Philip’s actions have gone too far. Even Arthur won’t stay silent after this. Arthur had called for a meeting the next day. It would be a crucial discussion, likely mapping out their collective strategy for dealing with the Glovers.

Jared leaned closer, resting his hand gently on Jerica’s slightly protruding belly. Though she wasn’t showing much yet, it was enough to remind them of the miracle growing within her. "Let’s focus on us for tonight," he murmured softly, his voice warm and reassuring.

Jerica smiled, a soft glow illuminating her face as she leaned her head against his broad shoulder. She closed the laptop with a quiet click, setting it aside. Jared wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, and began to gently rock her. It was a small, intimate gesture that made her feel cherished and safe.

His hand lingered over her belly, feeling the faint warmth of life beneath. The doctors had assured them the baby’s growth was progressing normally, though Lydia, Jerica’s mother, still fretted constantly, praying for the baby to be perfect and healthy. Jared had no doubts, but he couldn’t ignore the subtle worry in Jerica’s eyes. He knew where it stemmed from—her experiences growing up with an autistic brother. She and Jared had vowed to love their child no matter what, but he shared her silent hope for the blessing of a healthy baby. It wasn’t a selfish wish, just the natural longing of parents eager to give their child the best start in life.

"Do you feel the baby’s kicks yet?" Jared asked softly, his voice filled with quiet anticipation.

"No," Jerica replied, pressing his hand a little firmer against her belly. "It’ll be another month or so before that."

Jared hesitated, instinctively pulling his hand back slightly. "I don’t want to hurt you... or the baby," he said, his brows furrowing in concern.

Jerica pouted, taking his hand firmly and placing it back on her belly. "You won’t hurt us. Just see if you can feel anything," she said with a mix of encouragement and playfulness.

Jared smiled nervously and let his hand rest against her belly, his palm warm against her skin. He focused intently, waiting, hoping for some kind of movement or sign of life. After a long, still moment, he shook his head. "No," he admitted softly, though there was no disappointment in his tone.

Jerica placed her hand over his and gave him a reassuring squeeze. "It’ll come soon," she said with a soft smile. "You’ll be the first to know."

Jared looked at her, his gaze filled with affection and awe. "I can’t wait," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her forehead tenderly.

Jerica’s lips curled into a cheeky smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"What?" Jared asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at her expression.

"I lied," she said, her voice teasing.

"Hmm?" Jared tilted his head, intrigued.

"You won’t be the first to feel it," she admitted, her grin widening. "I’ll feel the baby’s kicks first. You’ll only get to feel them in the third trimester!"

Jared gasped dramatically, his brows furrowing. "No way! That’s so unfair," he exclaimed, his tone a mixture of playful indignation and disbelief. "You’re lying, aren’t you?"

Jerica shook her head, laughing at his reaction. "I’m not lying. That’s just how it works. The mom always gets the first special moments."

Jared huffed, crossing his arms like a petulant child. "Well, it still doesn’t seem fair," he grumbled, but his eyes sparkled with affection.

Jerica giggled and reached out to tug at his arm, pulling him back toward her. "Oh, come on, don’t be like that. You’ll feel the kicks eventually, and it’ll be worth the wait."

Jared was quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then he nodded, his lips twitching into a small smile. "You know what? It is fair," he said finally.

Jerica raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden change in tune. "Really? What made you change your mind?"

"Well, you’re the one who’s going to go through all the hard work of carrying our baby and giving birth," Jared said, his voice filled with admiration. "It only makes sense that you get to experience all the special things first. You deserve all the good feelings that come with it."

Jerica’s heart swelled at his words, and she leaned forward to kiss him softly. "You’re too sweet, you know that?" she said, her voice full of affection.

She always knew the one everyone called a "beast" would be a lovely kitten showering her with affection.

"I love you," she said, closing her eyes.

"And I love you too," he said.

Hearing that sweet sound, Jerica fell asleep, not knowing that the Sutherland family just heard a shocking news.