Chapter 104: Chapter 104

After that, Jason had slept fitfully, bothered by alot of things.

He did not know how to face Vera, though that was little compared to other things he had to think about.

He did not know if he should take Nancy's advice and have another DNA test conducted elsewhere so that he would not need to insult Dr. Manuel at least until he confirmed that the first test had been doctored.

His sister would not agree to that, she would feel that it was an insult to Phoebe's womanhood and indeed to all women in general.

He also did not know what to make of Nancy.

He would have sworn that she loved him but with the recent developments, he just could not believe that she actually cared about him and it was killing him slowly.

The next day, very early as he heard movements, he knew instantly that Vera was preparing to leave.

He went into her room after knocking and being invited in.

'Vera, could you forgive me for how I acted last night? Tell me how I can make it up to you and if it is within my powers, I will surely do that', Jason said.

'Will you really indeed? I doubt that but tell me, who is she?' Vera asked.

'Who is who?'

'The woman who has hurt you this way? The woman you were punishing last night'.

'There was no one. I was just stressed and angry because of a business deal but I shouldn't have taken it out on you and for that, I am very sorry'.

'Jason, you know you are not being truthful. What do you suppose I'll do with the information? I just want to know who she is. Is it not within your powers to tell me that much at least?'

'It is one of my employees. I did not know how it happened but I started developing feelings for her. I tried to squash it, I avoided her but the more I did that, the more we were thrown together and right now, I know I care about her deeply and I thought she felt the same but last night at the end of year party at my company, I saw another man kiss her passionately and she also left with the man before the party ended. There could be only one explanation for that.

I have been hurt before and I had tried to guard my heart but she managed to break through my defences and I thought she was different but she just showed that she is just like the rest, present company excluded of course'.

'If the present company is excluded then why not start to care for me that way? I thought you were a cold fish. I never thought you could live again. Most probably, I could have tried harder to win your heart but it is obviously too late now'. Vera said feigning seriousness.

'Are you serious? I didn't know you felt that way, you know. Damn!'

'Mind your language. A lady is present. And do not fret. It is not like that at all. I was just kidding. But have you really found out if she really left with him to do anything sinful or the guy was just being a gentleman and giving her a lift home? You know, mist times men jump to conclusions. They are really blind and can't see what is staring them in the face', she said, her heart in her eyes.

Vera knew that at the time they started dating that Jason was not ready to commit to any relationship but she had kept hoping but Jason had never looked at her that way and it had hurt her but she compensated herself with the memories of the times they had been together.

Recently though, Jason had not been asking her out on dates or calling her up as often as he used to and she had wondered at it.

She heard that his ex wife was back and had wondered if she was the cause but she could not be sure.

She had been so happy when he had called her up last night and had broken off another engagement just to be with him, only to experience what was akin to rape with no feelings and it hurt badly but she was not going to show him that because she needed no pity from him.

'Instead of jumping to conclusions, why don't you ask her what the man means to her like a friend talking to another friend?

You could also ask the man what his intentions towards the lady in question was so that you are clarified because right now you are in the dark and you just might be reading the whole scenario wrongly.

If I had not asked you what I did, I would have felt that you had suddenly started hating me or that I had done something that got you pissed but I am glad I was not the cause of your distress. So please take the advise of a friend and try and find out what is actually going on'.

'If it was a lift home, what about the kiss? It was not just a friendly kiss you know?'

'I do not know about that. It was a party and you could have been mistaken but like I said, I was not there and so, do not know but still find out exactly what happened. Look into her eyes as she speaks to you and even if you feel you cannot believe her words, her eyes cannot lie'.

'I think that I shall. Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. It has rolled off a burden from my chest. You are indeed a friend', he said hugging her.

'That's what friends are for. No need for thanks but right now, I have to leave'. Vera said wanting to get away from his embrace because it was affecting her more than she cared to show and she did not want to be just a friend to him, she wanted much more and hearing his words and knowing that it was too late, she wanted to burst into tears like she had cried herself to sleep last night but she held her emotions in. She could not possibly break down in front of him, not now.

'But you have to wait and have breakfast's.

'No. There isn't any need for that. Bye, Jason'.

'If there is anything, you need, anything I can do for you, don't hesitate....'

'Of course I'll call. Thank you and please forget about what happened. Don't let it bother you. I thoroughly understand and not only have I forgiven you, it never took place '.

'You are too generous,Vera. Where have you been all my life?'

'Right in front of you but you never saw', she said and laughed to divert him from the seriousness of her words.

'Thanks all the same. Let me call you a cab or even ask my driver to take you home'.

'That will not be necessary. I am expecting a Christmas gift from you though as one friend to another of course'.

'Of course. Take great care of yourself. I'll be in touch'.

Vera nodded but she knew that things had taken a different turn and though they had not had a love relationship before at least from his point of view, he would not want to have any intimate relations with her anymore.

She went down the stairs and walked home, the tears rolling uncontrollably from her eyes.

Who wouldn't want to be with Jason, aside from the fact that he was rich, he was always very considerate, kind and sincere. And at the thought, she sobbed harder.