Caroline’s POV
"How are you feeling,beautiful?" Ruby asked with a gentle smile as she entered my apartnt.
"I’m okay, Ruby. Thanks for coming to check on ." I replied.
"How are you really feeling?" she pressed, her eyes searching mine.
"Terrible," I admitted, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "Draven is about to marry one woman while keeping another as his mistress. And worse, I think the woman I saw him with might be the one he’s been searching for all these years."
"Carrie, I talked to hottie," Ruby said, looking sowhat uncomfortable. "I need to tell you sothing for your own good. And for my brother’s too. Draven truly loves you. His engagent to Ella isn’t just about the baby,here’s more to it."
"What do you an?" I asked.
"Ella and her father Howard threatened to harm you if Draven didn’t agree to marry her for the baby. Rember those death threats you received? Ryan told Draven is investigating whether the child is actually his." Ruby took a deep breath before continuing. "As for the woman you saw kissing him today, that’s complicated, but what I know is she’s an ex-girlfriend. Draven doesn’t have feelings for her."
I sighed. "But he’s still entangled with these won either way."
"Yes," Ruby nodded. "I know I shouldn’t say this, but... you’re dating my brother Jax now, yet you’re still in love with Alpha Draven, aren’t you? And Ryan assured he loves you too."
She reached for my hand. "Look, I know you’re being honest with Jax, but honestly, you’re never going to forget Draven. Be honest with yourself and end things with my brother before he gets hurt even more."
"Ruby, I’m so sorry. It was never my intention to hurt him. I really thought I could fall in love with Jax. He’s amazing!" I felt terrible about the situation.
"I know," Ruby smiled and pulled into a warm hug. "I thought you might too. But after seeing you today, I’m certain you won’t."
"Are you upset with ?" I asked.
"Of course not, friend! Like I told you, my brother knew what he was getting into. But now, sort things out with him."
After our talk, I took a shower and joined the girls in the living room. They had ordered pizza and ice cream, and we spent the evening eating and chatting.
After a night with the girls and their advice, I felt determined and refreshed. I knew I had difficult conversations ahead, but talking to Jax would be the hardest. I didn’t want to hurt him. I planned to have an honest conversation with him before Eleanor and I left on our trip.
I was lost in my thoughts when my phone rang. It was Jax. Strange,he’d never called this early before. I answered and heard his voice.
"Beautiful Caroline, how are you?" His tone was light and casual. "I heard you weren’t feeling well yesterday."
"Hi, Jax. I’m better, thank you. How are you?"
"Thinking about seeing you," he replied.
"When?"
"Like, now? Since Liam is at daycare, I thought I’d take the chance to talk with you."
"Okay. Do you want to et you sowhere?"
"I’m heading to your place now. See you in a bit. Kiss."
Jax hung up and I waited anxiously. Half an hour later, he arrived at my door carrying a tray of chocolate chip muffins and two cappuccinos. He greeted with a kiss on the forehead—different from our usual quick kisses on the lips since we’d started dating.
"Brought these for us to have coffee while we talk," he said with a smile.
"You think of everything!" I smiled back.We sat on the couch and I searched for the right words.
"Why is it so hard, Carrie?" he asked, taking a sip of his cappuccino.
"What do you an?"
"Why is it so hard to tell you’ve made a decision?"
"Did Ruby say sothing to you?" I asked, feeling a flash of concern.
"Yes. Because I pestered her until she told why you felt sick yesterday. She had no choice." His expression softened. "And she told I should be a gentleman and bow out. So that’s what I’m going to do."
"I don’t understand, Jax."
"Yes, you do." His eyes t mine with quiet resignation. "I ca to say goodbye. You love Draven, and it’s a very strong love. I don’t stand a chance against that. Especially since he loves you too. So, I’ll be a gentleman and step aside. I’m going to spend so ti in California with my parents.My father really needs at the company, so it’s a good ti to go there.
"Carrie, I also want you to know that I’m not sorry for loving you."
My wolf whined softly,she felt bad too.We both liked Jax, just not in the way he deserved.
"Jax, I don’t even know what to say. I tried, I swear, but..."
"I know, beautiful. I just ca too late, right?" He smiled, though the sadness in his eyes was evident. "Will you give a goodbye kiss?"
I nodded, and Jax leaned closer, joining our lips in a sweet kiss, gentle as always. His tongue touched mine almost reverently. After kissing , he gave one last beautiful smile and left.
I called Ruby crying and told her what happened. She tried to comfort , saying everything would be okay, that Jax would find the right person.Then I sent a ssage to our group chat to let all the girls know what had happened.
Eleanor had already booked our flight tickets.We decided not to tell the girls our destination, fearing they might be questioned by Draven.
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