Her Return, His Regret

There was an air of awkwardness between Lora and Jason on their way back.

Lora had noticed her lipstick was smudged when she was about to get into the car. She had seen her reflection in the window and her heart raced erratically.

A flare of guilt rushed through her. What would Jason think of her now?

Clearing her throat, she glanced at Jason who was focusing on the road and asked, "Why are you not saying anything?"

Jason arched and eyebrow at Lora and questioned, "About what?"

The words got stuck in Lora's throat. How was she supposed to ask her boyfriend why he wasn't confronting her when he had noticed that another man had kissed her? She furrowed her eyebrows and replied, "Actually, I didn't know Ryan would follow me to the restroom. I-"

"You don't need to explain anything to me, Lora," Jason said, interrupting Lora's words. "I trust you. If something happened, then it could only be Ryan Kingsley's fault."

Lora bit her lower lip as guilt completely filled her heart. What did she do to deserve someone like Jason? He was so kind and nice to her.

She felt Jason's hand on hers and looked up at him.

Jason smiled and added, "I don't care what Ryan does. What I care about is what is in your heart. Do you want to be with him? Even though he's with the woman who plagiarised your work?" "Never," Lora replied without hesitation.

Jason's words made her came back to her senses. What was she thinking back there when she let Ryan kiss her and kissed him back? Did his flirting make her forget who he really was? 'Lora, never forget how he saved Ivy and left you to die. He will always love her and put her first,' Lora told herself in her mind.

Jason smiled at Lora and remarked, "See? I have nothing to worry about."

Lora felt relieved. That's right. Ryan was from her past and he should remain there.

She looked at Jason and promised, "I'll stay away from Ryan and respect our relationship from now on."

They both didn't mention the kiss but Lora still felt guilty about it. Later on when Jason took her home, she looked at him and offered, "Would you like to come up? The twins miss you." Jason's eyes widened slightly. He asked, "Are you serious?"

Lora nodded and replied, "We are a couple now. I don't see why you shouldn't come to my house."

Jason's heart raced excitedly. He could see that his relationship with Lora was changing slowly.

"I'll be happy to..." He trailed, his eyes falling on the female figure standing outside the building. "Looks like Bianca is here."

Lora followed Jason's gaze and sure enough, Bianca who was standing outside the building waved at her.

"Oh no... I'm sorry. I don't think I can invite you up today," Lora remarked, biting her lower lip.

Jason sighed and said, "It's ok. There's always next time. Have fun chatting with your friend."

Lora smiled at Jason apologetically and left the car. She approached her friend and frowned when she saw her face before questioning, "What have you been up to and why do you look like a panda?" Bianca pouted and said, "I have dark circles because I couldn't sleep. Let's talk about it inside... I hope I didn't disturb your time with Jason. He looked like he wanted to go into your house."

Lora shook her head. "No, you didn't.

I want to know what happened to you. I haven't seen you since the launch party and you didn't explain how you became one of the models. Since when are you working with the Kingsley group?"

Bianca had promised Lora that she wouldn't work with the Kingsley group since Ryan had hurt Lora a lot in the past. So, Lora was surprised when she saw Bianca willingly modelling for Ryan's company. Bianca sighed heavily and remarked, "It's part of the reason I couldn't sleep. I messed up."

Lora led her friend into the house and after they greeted the kids, she took her to her bedroom.

"Can you tell me what's wrong and why you look like you've committed a crime?" Lora questioned worriedly.

Bianca was acting strange. She looked like she felt guilty about something.

"That's because I did commit a crime!" Bianca exclaimed. "I slept with the enemy!"

Lora arched an eyebrow. "The enemy? Are you talking about Adan?"

Bianca nodded, her face falling. She replied, "I don't know how it happened. He had invited me to the launch party and arranged for me to wear the centerpiece of the jewelry you designed. I wanted to surprise you, so I accepted to model. Pater on, we went to the club, had some drinks and one thing led to another."

Looking at her friend, she added, "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have gotten involved with your ex's friend. Now I feel like a bad friend." Lora studied Bianca and a lightbulb went off in her head. She knew her well and her reaction meant she could be attracted to Adan. "You don't have to feel guilty. You can date him if you want to," Lora remarked, not wanting her friend to miss out on a chance at love. She frowned and added, "However, you must know that Adan never sticks to one woman. I don't know how it would work. Just be careful."

Bianca smiled and said, "Why are you so sweet and kind? I can't imagine not being your friend. Thank you for not blaming me." She didn't respond to Lora's suggestion and Lora didn't comment on it, letting her friend digest her words.

"Are you sure I didn't disturb you and Jason? Maybe you had plans," Bianca remarked.

Lora sighed heavily and it was Bianca's turn to arch an eyebrow.

"Spill the beans, girl," Bianca urged.

Lora told Bianca what had happened earlier and the latter shook her head.

"I don't understand Ryan at all. Isn't he in love with Ivy? Why is he all over you?" Bianca uttered.

Lora shrugged. "I have no idea but I feel guilty about Jason. He doesn't deserve this... even if I'll never go back to Ryan, I don't think my heart is ready to take in anyone either."

At the same time, little feet walked away from Lora's bedroom door before going back to the kids' room.

"Ethan, Daddy kissed Mommy again!" Ella exclaimed happily and Ethan frowned.

Ella blinked when she saw Ethan's expression. She asked, "Aren't you happy?"

"No. That man is still with that evil woman. Why is he kissing Mommy? It seems he only wants to hurt Mommy...I think it's time we taught him a lesson," Ethan said angrily, his little face contorting in anger