Unforseen Circumstances

San Sequoia
Harrington, Malone & Pierce LLP

Iris strode into the bustling law firm, her heels clicking confidently on the polished marble floor. She greeted her colleagues with a curt nod, her sharp eyes already scanning the day’s schedule on her tablet. The office was abuzz with activity, and Iris thrived in the high-stakes environment.

One of the senior name partners, Mr. Garrick Harrington, a tall, handsome man of 58 with neatly combed dark hair and an impeccable suit, approached her desk. “Good morning, Iris,” he said, his voice smooth and professional. “I was reviewing your case notes from the Henderson trial. Impressive work as always.”

Iris looked up, meeting his gaze with a slight flush. “Thank you, Mr. Harrington. Means a lot coming from you.”

Mr. Harrington leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “I’d like to discuss your position over dinner tonight, if you’re free. There’s a new restaurant I’ve been eager to try, and it might be the perfect setting to talk about your future with the firm.”

Iris’ heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. “Dinner sounds great. I’d be honored.”

Mr. Harrington smiled, a hint of charm in his eyes. “Excellent. I’ll have my assistant make the reservations.”

As soon as Mr. Harrington walked away, Iris quickly made her way to the ladies’ restroom. She checked to make sure it was empty before doing a little happy dance, her excitement bubbling over. She felt like she had won the lottery, being noticed by a senior partner like Mr. Harrington. He was handsome, established, and well-liked by everyone. Ever since his divorce from his long-time wife, all the single lawyers in the office had been trying to get his attention, which wasn’t easy. He was always courteous and polite, but nobody ever got a dinner date. But she did. Yes! And to speak about what sounded like a promotion too!? YES YES YES!!

Dinner with the Boss

That evening, Iris dressed carefully, choosing an outfit that was professional yet flattering. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress, then switching to a push-up bra to enhance her cleavage. She wanted to make sure she looked her best for Mr. Harrington.

She stepped out of her guest house, which had its own street access separate from her parents’ mansion. Her father, a former grunge rock star and member of a multi-generational celebrity family, had always ensured a touch of luxury in their lives. Despite his fame and wealth, he and Iris’ mother had maintained a relatively normal and low-key lifestyle, keeping their family grounded while enjoying the comforts of their San Sequoia harbor estate. A sleek town car was waiting for her, and Mr. Harrington was already inside. The driver, dressed in a sharp uniform, stepped out and opened the door for her. She slid into the luxurious back seat next to Mr. Harrington, the scent of leather and cologne filling the air.

“Good evening, Iris. You look ravishing,” he said with a warm smile, his eyes briefly lingering on her before he turned his attention to the driver. “To the restaurant, please.”

“Thank you, Mr. Harrington. I’m excited for tonight,” she replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

“Please, call me Garrick,” he offered, his tone warm and inviting.

As the car glided smoothly through the city streets, they made small talk, talking about Iris’ youth in the prestigious Brindleton Bay before moving to San Sequoia when her parents sold the childhood estate to move closer to Iris older brother and family with Iris and her sister off to college. He spoke about his rise from an inexperienced young lawyer to the legend he now was, sharing a few light-hearted anecdotes. Garrick mentioned the grand opening of the restaurant, ‘Cielo Alta’, they were about to attend. Iris couldn’t help but think about her father, Chase, who had always hated such pomp and circumstance when he was still performing. Unless it was for some celebrity function, whenever they went out as a family, and even to this day, he would prefer simple restaurants. He purposely dressed down and acted as inconspicuous as possible so nobody would realize who he was.

In contrast, Garrick seemed to bask in the attention and reception. As they arrived at the restaurant, the staff’s eyes widened in recognition. The hostess greeted them with an enthusiastic, “Good evening, Mr. Harrington! We’ve prepared a special table for you.”

The staff seemed to bend over backwards to accommodate them, making Iris feel like she was dining with a celebrity. They were led to a prime table with a stunning view, and the maître d’ personally ensured everything was perfect. Iris couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement as she sat down, her heart pounding with anticipation.

He smiled at Iris and asked, “What do you think, Iris? Will this be all right with you?”

Iris looked around and nodded, her excitement barely contained. “Oh yeah, this is more than perfect, Mr. Harrington.”

Garrick Harrington placed his hand on hers, clearly flirting. “Garrick, please. No need for such formalities.” he reminded her.

They enjoyed a lovely dinner, discussing the case and sharing stories. Iris found herself drawn to Mr. Harrington’s charm and intelligence. As the evening progressed, she couldn’t help but feel a growing attraction to him, though she also began to feel a subtle unease. He was much older and almost her dad’s age, which made her uncomfortable.

Toward the end of the meal, Mr. Harrington leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “I’ve been very impressed with your dedication and talent, Iris. I’d like to promote you to Senior Associate. Along with a raise, you’ll have your own office and the opportunity to lead some of our major cases with a team of talented associates.”

Iris’s heart raced with excitement. “Thank you, Mr. Harrington! I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I won’t disappoint.”

Mr. Harrington smiled warmly. “I am sure you won’t. You deserve it, Iris. How about we celebrate with a drink? There’s a wonderful wine bar nearby.”

After dinner, they left the restaurant and got into Mr. Harrington’s car, which was driven by his chauffeur. The city lights of San Sequoia sparkled around them, the hum of traffic and distant laughter of pedestrians filling the air. As they settled into the backseat, Mr. Harrington moved closer to Iris, his intentions becoming more apparent.

“You are such a beautiful woman, Iris, and so incredibly smart, dedicated, talented—the total package. I can’t stop thinking about you,” he whispered, his voice low and seductive. “Why don’t we move this to my penthouse instead? We can open a bottle of Château Margaux and see where the night takes us.”

Iris’s heart raced again, this time with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She was dressed in a chic, form-fitting dress that highlighted her slim figure, her long dark hair styled in an elegant updo, and her bright blue eyes accentuated by light makeup. She looked stunning, and she knew it. Flattered and a bit overwhelmed, she agreed, not fully realizing where this was going.

Garrick’s hand gently caressed her cheek, his touch sending shivers down her spine. He leaned in slightly, his voice low and seductive. “You know, Iris, you have an incredible presence—intelligent, driven, and absolutely captivating. A very rare combination.”

The car ride to his penthouse was filled with a charged silence, the city lights casting fleeting shadows across their faces. Garrick’s hand rested on her knee, his thumb gently stroking her skin, a subtle yet intimate gesture that made her heart race. As they arrived at his luxurious building, a doorman greeted them with a polite nod, and they made their way to the private elevator.

The Boss’ Penthouse

The elevator ride was swift, the soft hum of the machinery the only sound as they ascended to the top floor. When the doors opened, Iris marveled at the breathtaking view of the cityscape from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The twinkling lights of San Sequoia stretched out before them, creating a romantic and almost surreal ambiance.

Garrick poured two glasses of the exquisite Château Margaux, and they clinked their glasses in a toast to her promotion. They moved to the plush sofa, the soft glow of ambient lighting casting a warm and intimate atmosphere. As the wine flowed, so did their conversation, with Garrick’s charm and confidence becoming more and more intoxicating.

Before she knew it, his hands were on her again, his touch sending shivers down her spine. He leaned in for a passionate kiss, swept up in the moment she responded eagerly, her previous apprehensions melting away. His hands began to explore her body, and she found herself willingly going along with his advances.

Just as they were about to move to the bedroom, Iris excused herself to freshen up. She slipped into his elegant, luxurious bathroom and looked at her slightly disheveled self in the mirror. Her hair was coming loose, and her lipstick was worn off and smeared. She clearly looked somewhat intoxicated but still sober enough to know what she was about to do. She took a moment to straighten her hair, then pulled out her lipstick to reapply it.

As she was applying the lipstick, her phone lit up in her clutch. She put down the lipstick and pulled out the phone to see who it was. The screen displayed a notification: “On This Day 3 years ago…” It was a series of photos of her and Jasper from a beach vacation they had taken together to Sulani. They were both smiling, looking carefree and deeply in love.

The memory hit her like a tidal wave, and the spell was broken. The idea of being with Garrick now felt wrong on so many levels. She quickly gathered her things and darted out of the bathroom, her mind racing. As she exited the bathroom, she saw Garrick, now with his designer suit jacket draped over a chair, his tie open and hanging loosely around his neck, and the buttons of his shirt undone, pulled out of his trousers, looking confused and surprised.

“Iris, what’s wrong?” he called after her, but she didn’t stop. The sight of him made her want to escape even faster. She pushed the elevator button repeatedly, as if willing it to arrive faster. When the doors finally opened, she stepped inside and pressed the ground floor button until the doors were finally sliding together, her heart pounding in her chest.

As she exited the building, the doorman and security guard gave her concerned looks, but she didn’t stop. She ran through the streets, the cold night air stinging her skin. Down some streets, she leaned against a wall, trying to catch her breath, as she pulled out her phone, staring at the notification. She pulled up the photos from the notification, her thumb gently rubbing over the image where Jasper stood smiling, shirtless and tan, cheering at the camera with a colorful drink in a coconut, complete with an umbrella and flower decor. She jumped when someone addressed her.

“Are you all right, Miss?” she looked up into the worried face of a couple passing by.

“What? Oh, uh … yeah, I’m fine,” she stammered, her voice wavering as she realized she had been crying. “Thank you,” she added, trying to muster a weak smile. Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her like a freight train. She doubled over, clutching her stomach, and before she could stop it, she was vomiting on the sidewalk. The concerned couple looked appalled, one muttering to another, “Come on, she’s just trashed.”

Hurriedly, she turned her back to the street and dialed a number, her hands shaking, waiting for her big brother, Connor, to answer. He always seemed to know what to do, and she needed his strength now more than ever.

“Connor, it’s me. I need you to come get me, please. I am downtown, near the Embarcadero.”

Minutes later, Connor pulled up beside her. Iris quickly got into the car, still crying, and barely able to speak. “Just drive, please. Just get me out of here,” she managed to say through her tears. She leaned her head against the car window, her eyes trailing out, watching the city lights blur past. Her desperation and sadness were palpable, and she felt a sense of relief as the car started moving.

Connor nodded, concern etched on his face, and drove away, giving her the time and space she needed to calm down. As they drove through the city, he glanced over at her, his protective instincts kicking in. He reached over and gently touched her arm. “Iris, what happened? Are you okay? Did someone … hurt you?”

Iris flung herself against her big brother’s wide shoulder, seeking comfort. Connor wrapped his right arm around her protectively. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “No, no one hurt me. It was just … a really bad night. I am such an idiot, Con-Bear. I screwed up bad on so many levels. I don’t want to talk about it right now, but thank you for coming to get me. Just take me home, okay?”

San Sequoia
Harrington, Malone & Pierce LLP

The next day, Iris walked into the office, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. She knew she had to face Mr. Harrington and address what had happened. When she received a call from his assistant asking her to come to his office, she took a deep breath and made her way there.

Mr. Harrington greeted her with a warm smile, but she could see the hint of concern in his eyes. “Iris, please have a seat. We need to talk about last night.”

She sat down, trying to maintain her composure. “Mr. Harrington, I … I want to apologize if I gave you the wrong impression. I respect you greatly, but I couldn’t go through with it. It’s just not who I am.”

Mr. Harrington sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Iris, I’m the one who should apologize. I misread the situation and overstepped. I hope this won’t affect our professional relationship. You’re an incredible asset to this firm, and I’d hate to lose you over such a … misunderstanding.”

Iris felt a weight lift off her shoulders. “Thank you, Mr. Harrington. I appreciate that. And I want you to know that I accept the promotion you offered if that is still on the table. I’m committed to my career and to this firm.”

Mr. Harrington smiled; a sense of relief evident in his expression. “Of course, the promotion is yours, you earned it and deserve it. I’m glad to hear that you are still so dedicated, Iris. Let’s put this behind us and focus on the great work ahead.”

As she left his office, Iris felt a renewed sense of determination mixed with incredible relief. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was ready to prove herself and continue climbing the ladder of success.

San Sequoia
Summit Bay Health Center
April 1st

A few weeks later, Iris was driving to work when her smartwatch buzzed with a reminder. “Annual gyn check-up at 3:00 PM,” it read. With an annoyed sigh, she made a mental note to head to the hospital later that day.

That afternoon at 3:25 PM, Iris found herself at the hospital, sitting impatiently on an uncomfortable examination table in one of those annoying gowns in her gyn’s office. She crossed her arms, feeling a mix of unease and discomfort. Normally these things took 20 minutes, she’d be getting dressed by now, but today it seemed to drag on. The door opened, and to her surprise, her brother Connor walked in, looking every bit the professional in his white coat.

“Seriously, Connor? I thought it was weird when Dr. Thompson stormed out like a bat out of hell mumbling something about second opinion, but couldn’t they get someone else? How bad is my downstairs that they send in the big wig to tell me? I don’t want to be here in the first place, but I DEFINITELY do not want to share this moment with my big brother!” Iris said, her voice carrying a melodic and expressive quality that made every word sound heartfelt.

Connor sighed, taking a seat on one of those rolling stools doctors use in exam rooms, positioning himself across from her. “I am here as a doctor, not your brother and not as the Chief Medical Officer either. I was consulted by Dr. Thompson because she found some irregularities in your tests. She wanted a second opinion, as she is supposed to, and she came to me knowing you are my sister and how you react to certain adversities. Of course, usually policy dictates otherwise regarding doctors with relationships to patients. When I looked at the file, I overrode procedures. I knew I had to handle this personally.”

Iris’ mind raced. “You’re scaring me. Irregularities? Is it cancer? Or ovarian cysts like Bri’s? I mean we’re twins … and unlike her it wouldn’t bother me all that much to get rid of the things that make me have to worry about birth control in the first place.”

Connor shook his head, his expression serious. “No, Iris. We need to remove your IUD as soon as possible.”

Iris’ eyes widened in disbelief. “What? No! I’m a single woman in a big city. I work hard and I want the option to play hard if the mood should strike, and I definitely want easy protection. Is this really necessary?”

Connor, the Chief Medical Officer at the hospital, looked at her seriously, his warm and soft voice steady. “I don’t know how to tell you this, but you don’t need to worry about that anymore. Not for a while.”

Iris’ voice rose in panic. “Huh?! What do you mean?”

Connor revealed, his voice gentle but firm, “You’re pregnant, Iris. We have to remove the IUD immediately before it hurts the fetus.”

Iris’ eyes widened in disbelief. “WHAT!? Is this some sick April Fool’s joke?! Oh, I am onto you now, you little asshole. Nice. Really had me going for a sec. Idiot! This is NOT funny. Not at all! Douche!” She tried to get up and grab her clothing, but Connor, bigger and stronger than her, gently but firmly made her sit back down.

Connor sighed, understanding her disbelief. “I know it’s hard to believe, and I wish it were a joke, but it’s not. Look at this,” he said, pulling out her medical file and showing her the test results. “The tests were run multiple times, and they all came back positive. You really are pregnant.”

“Connor, that is impossible! Dr. Thompson made a mistake. Re-run the tests again anyway! I have had IUDs since I was old enough to … well … you know. They never failed! I have them checked religiously. Placement has always been perfect. It’s impossible!” Iris stared at the results, her mind racing as she realized it really didn’t seem to be a joke, as her brother would have been bending over laughing his infectious hearty laughter now. She could make out enough to see this was indeed her file, and the evidence was clear as day. She deflated.

Connor nodded sympathetically. “I thought the same thing, but I am afraid not. The images are clear as day, and the blood test came back positive for pregnancy too. No mistake, Iris. Sometimes pregnancies can go unnoticed in the early stages, especially if you attribute any symptoms to stress or other factors. But you need to take care of yourself and the baby now. We’ll remove the IUD and make sure everything is okay.”

Iris’ voice rose in panic. “Connor, I can’t believe I have to tell my brother, the genius doctor this, but in order to be pregnant you have to have sex, which I decidedly did not have. I am telling you; Dr. Thompson made a mistake! But fine, you don’t wanna believe me, then well, schedule me for a procedure. End this imaginary pregnancy, just to make you happy. I don’t want kids! What am I supposed to do with a baby, you know my work schedule, not to mention the relationship status! Seriously!? So, if you can’t admit this hospital screwed up, fine, I’ll humor you, but leave the IUD where it is and have a fake abortion for the fake pregnancy then. Don’t sit there, go and get me that appointment! Go! I don’t have time for this nonsense. Seriously! I should sue you and this medical center for wasting my time with a misdiagnosis when I am telling you, it is literally impossible.”

Connor tried to calm her, his warm and soft voice steady. “Iris, please calm down! While I have to run more tests to pinpoint better, from what I can tell from the images, you are just past the three-month mark where ending the pregnancy is still legal. I am sorry, I know your feelings on this, but this is a risk we always take when engaging in such activities. No birth control is flawless, not even perfectly placed IUDs. Look, you have all of us. We’re not leaving you high and dry. I know, your career and all. Just stay calm, we’ll figure this out. Mom and dad are retired, they are helping Bri with Bonnie, they used to help us with Chris before he turned 13, going on 30 and knows everything better than any adults, they’ll help you too.”

Iris felt the room spin. She did NOT want kids, she blurted out, “Connor, I don’t know if this is supposed to be some elaborate prank, but read my lips, I can’t be pregnant. I have a life, a career, and honestly no bandwidth for this bullshit. This can’t be happening. Besides, I haven’t slept with anyone! I got close once, I admit that, but I ran before we could go there, but that was only a few weeks ago. You know that; you picked me up. You can’t get pregnant from making out, so this is a mistake. Has to be!”

Connor looked confused too. “Iris, I get it, but you need to stay calm. No, kissing doesn’t cause pregnancy, so there has to have been someone you did a little more with than just that. Maybe that old guy, your boss, maybe he rufied you? Or someone else did? At a club or a party or something. Iris, I am dead serious here, you ARE pregnant. No mistake. No error possible. No joke. No prank. I wouldn’t joke about this.”

Iris’ voice was frantic. “Calm?! CALM!? You are sitting there telling me I am pregnant! ME?! How? Immaculate conception is a thing now? I am not mommy material. Plus, I didn’t have sex with literally anyone. I am telling you Con-Bear, this is a mistake! The last time I did it with anyone was many MANY months ago. So, NO! Definitely a mistake. Run the tests again!”

Connor leafed through his files again, his forehead wrinkled. “Iris, I get that you don’t wanna talk about it, but there is no use to run the tests again, we did run them three times, cos I didn’t believe it either. You are much further along than you might realize, not all that uncommon in young women, especially for the first time, and you are athletic and fit, so I am not all that shocked at that part. Like I said, this is off the records until I can run more tests, but I’d say you are somewhere at around 13-16 weeks, maybe, so conception would have been in early January, maybe late December. Somewhere around that timeframe. Ring any bells?”

Iris stared at Connor. “No! Like I said I haven’t slept with anybody in many many months. Not since I dumped …” She sharply inhaled, eyes wide, hand covering her mouth as the realization hit her. “Oh my God! OH! MY! FUCKING! GOD! NO!! NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!” Iris totally flipped out now, repeating the word over and over, holding her head, while shaking it, until Connor dropped her file on a desk and tried to hold on to her, steadying her, pulling her hands from her face to make her look at him.

“Iris, what? Come on, sis, you clearly remembered something. I already know the facts, you definitely are pregnant, so if I am gonna be an uncle again, I wanna know who the father is. Talk to me girl!”

Tears running down her cheeks now, as she ran through the entire roster of human emotions, Iris couldn’t speak, just stared at her big brother from wide eyes, as the memory hit her like a ton of bricks. She was having a total nervous breakdown, a real state of shock in the clinical sense. Connor was on high alert, as his sister didn’t cry. Not normally. But she did now.

“Iris …?”

“I gotta go!” Iris bolted from the room, her bare feet slapping against the cold linoleum as she sprinted down the corridor, her hospital gown flapping behind her. Connor, a former football player with a tall, broad-shouldered build, immediately took off after her. His long strides quickly closed the gap between them.

“Iris, stop!” Connor called, his voice authoritative but laced with concern.

Patients, nurses, and other doctors turned to watch the unusual scene unfold—Connor, the Chief Medical Officer, chasing after his sister in a hospital gown. Iris’ cheeks burned with embarrassment, but she couldn’t stop. She needed to get away, to process everything.

Just as Iris reached the reception desk, Connor caught up to her. His strong arms wrapped around her, halting her frantic escape. She turned into his arms, sobbing hard. Connor quickly pulled off his doctor coat and wrapped it around her, shielding her from the stares.

“Iris, you’re not dressed to leave that room,” he pointed out gently, as she pressed up tightly against him, sobbing so hard, she could barely breathe.

He quickly called out to one of the nurses who had been staring. “Get me a dose of Promethazine, please. She’s in clinical shock and needs something to help calm her down. Exam Room 204.” His voice lower and softer at his sister, he said, “Come on Iris, let’s get you back to the room and we’ll talk.”

Iris blushed deeply, the reality of her situation hitting her. She deflated, the fight draining out of her, and allowed Connor to wrap his arm around her shoulder, gently leading her back to the room. His lab coat was too big on her, but it covered her otherwise exposed parts in the hospital gown she was wearing. Despite his efforts, the stares continued to follow them.

Once they were back in the room, Connor closed the door and leaned against it, crossing his arms until a knock interrupted. He opened the door and accepted the medication on a small silver tray, declining the nurse’s offer to assist. “Thanks, I got it. Hey, find Dr. Thompson and have her come back here for an IUD extraction, STAT! Nobody else, I will assist if needed.” The nurse responded promptly, “Yes, Dr. Cameron. Right away.”

Once he had given Iris the injection, her now laying back on the exam bed, Connor took her hand in his, stroking it softly. “I just gave you a mild sedative that also helps combat nausea for when we remove your IUD. While we wait, start talking,” he said, his voice gentle but firm.

Iris stared at the ceiling, her mind racing. “Connor, I don’t know what to say. I’m scared. I don’t want to be pregnant. I can’t have a baby. My career, my life… I can’t do this! I don’t want kids! I never wanted kids! I still don’t! I don’t know what to do with a baby!”

Connor’s voice remained warm and reassuring. “Iris, it’s okay to be scared. Happens to every parent. I need to know whose baby this is. If you don’t want to talk about it right now, fine, but we will talk about it eventually. The medicine should kick in soon, and then Dr. Thompson will remove the IUD, and we’ll make sure everything is fine.”

Iris nodded numbly, tears streaming down her cheeks. The sedative began to take effect, calming her frayed nerves. She felt a wave of drowsiness wash over her, making it easier to relax.

Dr. Thompson returned with a brief knock on the door and a compassionate smile. Connor briefed her on the situation with lowered voices, while Iris stared at her hands, halfway zoned out with shock and the mild effects of the sedative. “We’re going to remove the IUD now. Just try to relax; you’re in good hands.”

Connor stayed by her side, holding her hand tightly. The procedure was quick but uncomfortable. Iris winced as she felt a tugging sensation, but Dr. Thompson was gentle and efficient. Throughout the process, Connor kept a steady stream of reassuring words, his presence a comforting anchor for her.

Finally, Dr. Thompson removed the IUD and placed it on the tray. “It’s out. We’ll make sure everything is fine.”

Iris lay back on the exam bed, feeling a mixture of relief and overwhelming emotion. Connor squeezed her hand gently. “You did great, Iris. Now, we’ll get you the maternity pass to ensure you get the care and support you need throughout your pregnancy. And I need you to listen to me. You have to go to your appointments. We already got a late start on this, and I know you don’t want to be a mom, but we need to make sure the baby will be okay. Copy?” Connor nudged Iris, who had been sobbing quietly. “I need to hear you say it, Iris.”

“Uh huh,” she pressed out.

Del Sol Valley
Hargrave Haven
April 2nd

Iris took a deep breath, steeling herself as she exited her car. Halting again before slamming the door shut, she approached the Hargraves’ luxurious mansion in the prestigious De Sol Valley hills. The air was crisp, and the scent of blooming jasmine filled her senses, providing a small moment of calm amidst her turmoil.

Hargrave Haven was a luxurious, two-story home with a modern architectural design, large windows, and balconies. The front of the mansion featured a gated entrance with a driveway leading to the garage. Parked in the driveway were an elegant classic Rolls-Royce, a stylish Mercedes-Benz convertible, and a sleek Tesla Model S. Decorative lights adorned the gate, and fountains flanked the driveway, adding to the opulent appearance. Tall palm trees and other lush greenery surrounded the property, creating a serene and picturesque environment. Atop the mansion was a rooftop pool area, complete with an outdoor bar and sun loungers, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and entertaining.

Inhaling deeply, she opened the gate, which creaked slightly as it swung open. She walked up the towards the front door, her footsteps echoing against the pavement. She reached the front door, an elegant, fancy structure with glass panels. Taking another deep breath, she rang the doorbell, and the chime echoed melodiously inside. She saw a shadow approaching, and Jasper’s handsome face peeking through the glass gave her a strange jolt of electricity.

She hadn’t seen him since that fateful night, avoiding him, and he had been busy with his acting career of late, missing several family gatherings. Now, everything felt like it was crashing down around her.

Jasper opened the door, his expression shifting from surprise to wary amusement. His voice, warm and rich, resonated with a melodic quality. “Wow, something I never thought I’d see again at my doorstep. Lemme guess, you heard my parents went on a weeklong cruise and you came to club me to death like a baby seal? Before you do, remember, the entire property is under video surveillance.”

Iris remained serious, her voice carrying a melodic and expressive quality. “Not in the mood for jokes, Jasper. Can we talk?”

He raised an eyebrow, sensing the seriousness in her tone. “Wow, this must be serious. Not one single insult? Are you feeling alright? Need new batteries?”

“Look, I am sorry to barge in on you like this. I would have called, but figured the way things are between us, you wouldn’t pick up anyway, nor want me here. Can I come in, please? I’ll be quick.”

Rendered speechless by her demeanor, he stepped aside to let her in, shutting the door behind her with a puzzled expression. The sound of the door closing echoed in the spacious entryway, adding to the weight of the moment.

When she turned to him, her face serious, he tried to hide his own worry and discomfort with more jokes. “So, why are you here? Thought of more ways to tell me I sucked and how much of a waste of skin you think I am? Could have been a text or an email. Didn’t have to drive all the way out here for that.”

“Jasper, are you dating again?” Iris pressed out. She hated how needy it made her sound, but she couldn’t help it. The words escaped her mouth the minute she thought them.

“Umm, none of your bee’s wax? What is this about, Iris? You didn’t drive out here for another episode of unfounded rage, right? You are acting more than strange. Are you on something? Or did you seriously snap? I don’t know what clinically insane looks like, but I think you are pretty close. I think I better call your parents or the Con-Bear, cos this is more than uncomfortable…” he said, half-joking, half-genuinely concerned, while pulling out his phone from the back pocket of his white linen pants.

Iris’ composure finally shattered. She broke down, tears streaming down her face as she covered it with both hands. Jasper’s eyes widened in alarm. Slipping his phone back in his pocket, he led her to the dining table, pulled out a chair for her and guided her onto it, immediately kneeling beside her, taking her hands in his and looking into her eyes, confusion and concern etched on his face. “Hey, hey, it’s okay. What’s going on? Talk to me.”

She tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat. Jasper leaned in closer, his voice soothing and resonant. “Iris, whatever it is, we got this. Just breathe. Come on, girl, you are seriously freaking me out now.”

The warmth of his caring ways and the familiarity of his scent brought a fleeting moment of comfort. The dining table was set by large windows, offering a panoramic view of the Del Sol Valley skyline. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue across the room. She used to spend so much time with him here, and now, sitting at this table, it all felt so far away. Even though he was right there, everything they used to have seemed out of reach.

After a few moments, Iris managed to calm down enough to speak. “I can’t… I don’t know how to say this. I don’t know what to do anymore.”

Jasper pulled back slightly, looking her in the eyes. “Okay, here’s what we’ll do. I am gonna get you some tissues, then I’ll make us some coffee. Remember, coffee fixes everything for any Cameron. And then we’ll chat. Okay? It’s all good, Iris. We got this. I got you.”

Taking a deep breath, she wiped her tears and tried to steady herself. Jasper stood and headed off, returned with a box of tissues which he placed in front of her, pulling a few out, and began to gently dab around her face until she took them from him to finish, while he rose up and headed to the kitchen. “I’m going to make us some coffee now. I’ll be just over here and will be right back.” he said in his melodious, light and youthful, but still manly voice.

Iris watched him move around the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, until more tears came up. When he returned with two steaming mugs, he handed one to her with a gentle smile. “Here you go, just the way you like it—black, with a dash of cinnamon and a tiny splash of almond milk.”

The fact that he still remembered exactly how she took her coffee made her find it extremely sweet, causing her to burst into another fit of sobs. Jasper quickly sat down the mugs and wrapped his arms around her, whispering calming things. “Whoa, if even coffee makes you cry now, I think I better call an ambulance.”

Jasper gently slid some of her long dark hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear, his touch comforting and tender. When he finally managed to calm her enough, Jasper slid down on the chair at the dining table next to hers. Both picked up the mugs to take a sip when Iris blurted out, “I’m pregnant.”

Jasper’s eyes grew wide, and he coughed, choking on the coffee. He spat it out in shock, spraying coffee all over the table. The mug slipped from his hands, falling in almost slow motion. It bounced off the edge of the dining room table, splashing coffee everywhere until it hit the wooden floor with a shattering sound.

Clearly in a state of shock, Jasper mechanically got up to grab a dustpan and brush from a nearby cabinet in the open-plan kitchen. He began to clean up the mess, his movements robotic. Iris joined him, crouching down, their hands touching as they picked up the shards. Their eyes met, and Jasper’s voice came out croaky and barely audible. “Who?”

Iris’ voice trembled, barely a whisper, as she replied, “You.”

Jasper dropped the dustpan and brush, staring at Iris, who nodded with sad eyes. He fell backwards in awe, landing on his butt, wrapping his arms around his knees while leaning forward, staring at her in utter shock. The expansive windows behind him framed the breathtaking view of Del Sol Valley, but his focus was solely on Iris.

Jasper’s voice was filled with disbelief. “How? I haven’t touched you in forever … Is this some kind of belated April Fool’s joke? Oh, come on now, Iris, that’s low! Even by your standards! I can take all your usual drive-bys, but this is a little too extra!”

Iris shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “No, Jasper. It’s not a joke. I’m really pregnant, and it’s yours.”

Jasper’s mind raced as he tried to process the news. “But… how? We haven’t been together in months. I am a proud man, but even I have limits with my little friend. It doesn’t reach from here to San Sequoia! News to me that fucking with each other they way we have been doing verbally over the past months can get someone knocked up.”

Iris took a shaky breath. “New Year’s Eve, Jas. You probably don’t even remember that; we were both so damn drunk. All those years of us going at it like rabbits, but that is the day it has to all come down on us. Took me a while to connect the dots. I asked Connor to … you know … schedule a procedure, but I just missed the cut-off for that, my luck. Timing checks out. It’s early April, I am just over 12 weeks along. It’s yours. Don’t know gender or anything, was thinking maybe you wanted to find out together.”

Jasper’s face twisted in anger. “You expect me to believe this? After all the crap we’ve thrown at each other? This is a new low, even for you, Iris. Get out. Now. I am so over this shit already. What the fuck have I ever done to you to be like this?!”

Iris didn’t move, her tears falling silently. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and sincerity. “Jasper, I know we don’t get along, trust me I don’t want to be here, especially not with those news, I haven’t fully processed it myself yet, I’ve known less than 24 hours now, but it’s real. I wouldn’t joke about something like this, and you know it. I would insult you till you curl up in a ball, but I wouldn’t do this to you. It’s real. Please, just believe me.”

Jasper paused, his anger faltering as he took in her tear-streaked face. Iris never cried, and she certainly never looked this vulnerable. He asked one more time, his voice softer, almost pleading. “Are you serious, Iris? Is this really happening? Please do NOT lie to me now. I would never be able to forgive you.”

Iris nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, Jasper. It’s really happening. I’m pregnant, and it’s yours. Facts.”

Jasper’s shoulders slumped as the reality of the situation sank in. He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a long sigh. Iris crawled to her purse, her movements slow and deliberate. She dug out an ultrasound printout and her maternity pass, handing them to Jasper with trembling hands. “Here. Call Connor if you still don’t believe it, he was the one who told me. I only found out yesterday myself, during some routine exam.”

Jasper took the items, his eyes scanning the ultrasound image and the maternity pass. His disbelief slowly turned into acceptance as he looked back at Iris. “Iris, I… I don’t know what to say. Or do. Or how to react. I got nothing here.”

Iris managed a small, sad smile. “Neither do I. But we’re gonna have to figure this out, Jasper. We can’t avoid it. Too late to do anything about this.”

Jasper’s voice was filled with disbelief. “I gotta ask this, is there another baby daddy option?”

Iris sighed, looking down. “No. You’re the only one.”

Jasper’s eyes narrowed slightly, his tone becoming more insistent. “Are you sure? Sometimes they are off on the timing and …”

Iris looked away, tears welling up. “Jas! I would remember sleeping with someone else. There was nobody before or after you. Just YOU.”

She covered her face with her hands and started sobbing again. With a deep sigh, Jasper sat up on his knees and wrapped his arms around her. She wrapped hers around him in a desperate way, sobbing into his shoulder.

Iris’ voice was muffled and filled with regret. “I am so sorry, Jas. I fucked it all up. And now we’re both fucked. I have no idea how this is even possible. And why now? I literally just got a kickass promotion, I made Senior Associate, I get the good cases now and I lead a team. And now THIS?! I mean, seriously?! Not to mention our mess.”

Jasper’s voice was gentle but resigned. “Well, guess we both screwed up. That’s why you shouldn’t have sex with the ex. Especially drunk. We really screwed the pooch here in the most royal way possible.”

Iris pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes. “Jas, look at me and be honest, I mean it, I am begging you to tell me the truth. Is there someone else now? Are you seeing someone? Has there ever been another chick while you were with me? Any of them? Please be honest. I just really have to know.”

Jasper pulled away slightly too, shaking his head again. Raising his eyebrows, he told her firmly, “No.” His tone was genuine.

Iris swallowed hard. “Even after … after we … separated? I mean, you’ve been single for like five-ish months now.”

Jasper nodded slightly, his voice calm and resonant. “I am aware. I don’t know, Iris. I just haven’t felt it. I mean, I admit, after you gave me the boot and I realized you weren’t changing your mind, I went to parties, I flirted, I made out. This isn’t for lack of offers or opportunities, but I was just not into it. Of course, I missed being with someone, companionship, intimacy, you and I were together for 10 years, but I have two healthy hands and a good imagination for the loneliest of nights. That’s the truth. Pretty lame for a man-whore, huh? Then again, considering my career is really starting to take of, I gotta be careful whom I dip my joystick into, or it can backfire badly. Now you. Dish it up, I feel like I deserve to know my successors.”

Iris fell back on her butt too, her voice filled with anxiety. “There isn’t anyone. I came close once, but… You’ll think I am the biggest bitch ever, total cliché.”

Jasper crawled over and plopped down next to her, handing her the maternity pass and ultrasound photo. “Too late, already do.”

She looked over at him, saw him smirk, couldn’t help but smile a little too while shoving him. “Asshole.”

Jasper chuckled. “Well, I wouldn’t be the only one in this room. So, who is he?”

Iris sighed. “Why, Jas? It’s not gonna make any difference now, will it?”

Jasper shrugged. “I am thinking about it anyway, might as well have the truth, so I can quit making him up in my head. I wanna know what he has that I don’t.”

Iris took a deep breath. “Nothing. It’s not about that. And… it’s Garrick Harrington.”

Jasper’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Harrington? Your boss?! The old fuck? Please tell me he has a younger son with the same name!”

Iris shook her head slightly. “Nope, and he’s not THAT old…”

Jasper’s voice was filled with disgust. “He’s almost as old as our parents! Eeew, Iris! Desperate much?!”

Iris nodded, feeling a wave of shame. “Yes, I know, I know. It’s just, everyone at the office is obsessed with him, especially after his divorce. Handsome, wealthy, successful, accomplished, but he picked me for a date. ME, Jas. Made me feel special. Told me about my promotion and raise, I was walking on air, thought I won the lottery. And when he suggested going to his penthouse after dinner, I went.”

Jasper sighed, his jealousy evident. “Oh, come on! You ARE special, you don’t need some old geezer to tell you that. Of course he picked you. You’re half his age, sharp as a whip and absolutely stunning, not to mention Chase Cameron’s kid. As ancient as he is, our dads’ band’s earliest tunes from back when they all were still in college were probably what he nailed his first girlfriend to in the backseat of his daddy’s horse and carriage just after the wheel was invented, and long before our older siblings, let alone you or I were even a glimmer in our parents’ eyes. So, duh. Dude’s ancient, not blind. And we’re absolutely sure it’s not his baby?”

Iris nodded firmly. “Yes, I am sure. On account of I never had sex with him.”

Jasper’s voice softened. “Huh? You want me to believe a dude like him took a chick like you to his penthouse to play cards? Puh-lease! Was he out of boner pills?”

Iris took another deep breath, feeling the weight of the confession. “Okay, here’s the truth. I mean, I pretty much bared my soul to you already, what’s a little more, right? Yes, I went with him, knowing what he wanted and he did try. I was gonna go along, until I got a notification on my phone of our Sulani trip 3 years ago. You and I, we looked so happy then. I just couldn’t go through with it. I freaked out and bolted. Called Connor to pick me up. I was gonna resign, but he admitted he went too far and asked me to stay. Been a couple weeks and so far, so good.”

Jasper’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you serious? I literally cockblocked you? HA! Priceless. Can’t make this shit up, man!” He let out a relieved laugh, the tension in his shoulders easing. “I can’t believe it. That’s actually hilarious.”

Iris couldn’t help but smile a little, despite the gravity of the situation. “Yeah, well, it wasn’t so funny at the time. Jas, I am not joking. I know I messed up in the worst way. I don’t know why it took me this long to be able to acknowledge it, but I do. I had the best and let him slip away. I know I treated you like shit and you have every right to hate me. But know it was because I was so afraid of losing you, I thought I would anyway, so I cut you loose instead, thinking it would hurt less.”

Jasper let out a deep sigh. “Well, let me know how that worked out for you, cos it really sucked for me. So, now what?”

Iris shook her head, feeling lost. “If I only knew. I don’t even know why I came here. Guess I felt you should hear it in person. I can’t fix this anymore. Too late. We’re gonna be parents, like it or not.”

Jasper let out a deep sigh. “Well, about half a year or so ago this would have been pretty cool news. Now, it’s just a clusterfuck. I mean, you hate my guts, how is co-parenting supposed to work now? I just accepted a new role, headliner in a new movie. I’ll be traveling a lot. Can’t get out of it anymore, breach of contract and all, they make their crap airtight. If I try to bail, they’ll financially strip me and my parents naked down to the bone, and I’ll never get another role for as long as I live. You know, you’re a lawyer.”

Iris’ voice was filled with curiosity. “I don’t hate your guts, Jas, that is what I am trying to tell you. And congrats. Looks like both our careers finally are taking off at the worst possible moment. So, how long will you be away for? Where to? What movie?”

Jasper’s voice was filled with excitement. “Probably about 6 months to a year, on and off, different locations. I’m playing a secret agent in an international espionage thriller. This is the big one, Iris, the role I have been waiting for. That whole Bourne franchise will be kiddie play after my new one comes out. We got top names, best CGI, top locations, this is gonna leave a mark. And my name and face will be all over it.”

Iris forced a smile, trying to be supportive. “I am happy for you. I mean it. Seriously, congrats.”

Jasper sat up on his knees to face her, placing his hands on her knees. “Yeah, back at you. About time they moved you closer to the top. Look, I am not ditching, you know me better than that. I’ll be around, in between shoots. They’re never continuous just a few weeks, maybe a month, at a time, then I’ll be back. I am not abandoning you.”

Iris’ voice was filled with relief. “Thanks, Jas. And Jas … I really am sorry. I honestly thought I was losing you to your career. You’re amazing, you know that, other girls see it too. I just knew that you can do better than me.”

Jasper couldn’t help but smirk, though he said nothing.

“What?!” asked Iris confused and mildly irritated by his cryptic reaction.

Jasper’s voice was filled with amusement. “Nothing. I am enjoying this tremendously. Listen to you. I forgot what you sound like when you are nice to me.”

Iris shook her head slightly. “I should be nice to you. You are taking this a lot better than I expected. I figured you’d kick me out or something. Well, you kinda tried.”

Jasper’s voice was filled with curiosity and humor. “I thought you were messing with me. I would never kick you out when you really needed me, you know that. So, do we know the gender? Is it twins? Triplets? Quads?” he snickered, she shoved him.

Iris couldn’t help chuckling. “Shut up!” trying to suppress a giggle at his amused face mixed with relief knowing he was taking this so well. “I don’t know. I didn’t ask. I didn’t care. Looks like one baby to me, but hard to tell. Then again, they thought I was a single baby, until mom popped out Bri after me, so who knows.”

Jasper’s voice was filled with surprise. “Who all knows?”

Iris nodded, her eyes distant as she processed everything. “Just Connor and you for now. My gyn is at his hospital. It’s closest to home. When she noticed… well… the news, she went and told him. She’s not supposed to but he’s her boss and just took over. I swore him to secrecy, you know, doctor-patient confidentiality. He said Mom and Dad will find out if I start missing my appointments.”

Jasper’s voice softened, a rare gentleness replacing his usual sarcasm. “All right, when’s the next appointment? I’ll go with.”

Iris raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. “What? You at an Ob/Gyn? That’s creepy. I don’t want to go there to begin with, but now with my ex, who can’t stop cracking stupid jokes? Who does that? You have never come to my gyn checkups until now.”

Jasper shook his head slightly, his tone sincere, leaning closer to her, his eyes locking onto hers. “You’ve never been pregnant until now. And why is it weird? You see dads at such things all the time. I mean, I helped get that baby in you. Afraid I’d see something I haven’t seen before? Seriously now? Iris, you and I shared a bassinet together. We were bathed together as babies. We were together for a decade. And we used to be engaged. Girl, I have seen every inch of you by now. Plus, that’s my baby too. If I’m gonna be a daddy, I’m gonna be the real deal, there every step of the way. Oh yeah, I’ll be THAT kind of dad.”

Iris took a deep breath, absorbing his words. The room was silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning. She knew Jasper was right, but the thought of him being there, seeing her so vulnerable, was overwhelming. Yet, there was a certain comfort in knowing he was willing to step up and be present for their child. It was a side of him she hadn’t seen in a long time.

IIris couldn’t help but laugh, a small, genuine sound that broke through her anxiety. “Is it okay if I hug you?”

Jasper’s voice was warm as he opened his arms to her. “You don’t have to ask. Come here…”

They held each other tightly, the connection between them undeniable despite their history of animosity. Iris buried her face in his neck, inhaling deeply. His scent was intoxicating—something good, manly, expensive, and familiar. It brought her comfort, as if she was trying to inhale him, to hold onto this moment. She got emotional again, tears streaming down her cheeks as she whispered near his ear, “I really pissed away something good, didn’t I?”

Jasper sighed, his voice gentle, his chin resting on her head. “Such a romantic. And yeah, you did. I am one of the good guys, Iris. Acquired taste, maybe, but I’m not that kind of asshole mothers and fathers warn their daughters about. Thought a lifetime of me would have made that clear. Guess hindsight is 20:20, huh?”

Iris pulled back slightly, looking at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of resentment. “Look, Jas, Jackson doesn’t seem like the type, but even he cheated on Bri. Would you have ever thought that? And he’s just some cute country hick, tucked away on some ranch nobody in their right mind would go to, so not everyone’s cup of tea. And then look at you, Mr. Perfect, handsome, famous, rich. I mean, how is me worrying about that so hard to understand?”

Jasper raised an eyebrow, conceding the point, his expression softening. “Firstly, I think we need to cut Jackson some slack there. He didn’t just wake up one day and decide to stick his Tab A into Taylor’s Slot B, she’s a special kind of bad news. But I don’t roll that way. You know that. Just because I could, doesn’t mean I would. I honestly think if 28 years with me didn’t make that clear, then nothing I could ever do or say will.”

Iris bit her lip, her voice hesitant, the uncertainty clear in her eyes. “Jas, where does all this leave us now? I’m just gonna come straight out with it: I know I fucked up, I hurt you badly, and I am a total bitch. But I realized it all. I can fix it. I can do better. I can trust you. Any chance it wasn’t too late yet? Would you even consider, you know… giving me another chance? I swear I learned my lesson.”

Jasper was flabbergasted by the way she acted, looking at him from wide eyes like an innocent little girl who broke a precious vase, not the snarky assertive woman he knew.

“Look Iris, a lot has happened. THIS right here is a lot. I need some time to process all this first. I don’t want to go making promises in the spur of an emotional moment I won’t be able to keep. For now, I think we made solid progress with you not trying to rip my head off on sight, and we’ll work on the rest. This isn’t a no, but also not a resounding yes. Okay?”

He got up, holding out his hand to help her up.

“Do you still love me, Jas?”

Jasper took a deep breath, his eyes meeting hers. “Now that’s the dumbest question yet, Iris. Open your eyes, girl. I never stopped loving you. But love isn’t enough to fix everything, we already learned that from Bri and Jackson. You and I need to rebuild trust and figure out how to co-parent. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m willing to try if you are. But no promises. I am not that type of dreamer to think you coming here being all cute and sweet, telling me all the right things, along with the fact we accidently make a baby, fixed everything that has been going wrong for almost a year now. That would be setting us up for failure. But I think we have a fighting chance.”

Iris nodded, her eyes filled with determination. “Right. I don’t know if you even wanna hear this, but I love you, Jasper. I never stopped either. I made a bad decision, out of jealousy, and it took me a long time to realize it, not to mention admit it.”

Jasper gave her a small, genuine smile. “Yeah, I got that part loud and clear. I don’t want you to keep knocking yourself down. I made mistakes too, and I know it. Takes two to be in a relationship, but for us, it also took two to screw ours up. Maybe we can start by agreeing if we are unhappy with the other again, we’ll bring it up, not let it fester. You know, that whole see something, say something idea. I wish the circumstances were different. Baby incoming and both our careers taking off does make this expert level for a game we just started learning the rules of.”

Iris sighed, her voice softening. “I need to tell my parents. I know yours are away, but you should too.”

Jasper nodded, his expression thoughtful. “All right. I was gonna talk with Mom and Dad later anyway, so they can showboat how fun their cruise is. How about I drive you home, ‘cos you should not be driving, girl, as emotional as you are. We’ll Skype my parents, after rounding up the rest of the family, and then drop the bomb on all of them. That’ll be fun. At least Connor already knows everything.”

Iris’ eyes widened slightly. “Umm, not quite. Connor knows I am pregnant, but not by whom.”

Jasper winced, running a hand through his hair. “Ah shit. That’s gonna leave a mark. He’s gonna chase me around the block, to bend me in ways my body isn’t meant to bend. I just know it.”

Iris chuckled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Well, Bri will be chasing me, ‘cos I don’t like kids all that much and totally refused to watch hers, thinking I would never have a kid. She’s gonna kick my ass so bad if I roll up with baby news now. Oh, my God, my life is such a disaster.”

Jasper laughed, the sound echoing through the room. “I’ll be sure to have someone film that, you two chicks trying to run in your heels. Bri is the sweetest thing, unless you piss her off, then she’s kinda like a gremlin fed after midnight when the sprinklers come on. It’ll be like a reality TV show, ‘Pregnant and Panicked.'”

Iris couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “Great, just what I need. My life turned into a viral sensation. So even the last idiot will know I have no self-control when wasted.”

Jasper grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Hey, at least we’ll have and provide some entertainment. It’s what I do, literally my bread and butter as an actor. And who knows, maybe we’ll get a sponsorship deal out of it. ‘Running from Responsibility’ brought to you by the makers of sensible flats.”

Their laughter filled the room, a brief moment of levity in the midst of their turmoil. Iris got serious, looking at him with a mix of longing and regret. “God, I missed you.”

Realizing she was getting emotional again, she looked away and started to get up to grab her purse. Jasper reached out and pulled her back, his grip firm but gentle. She crashed against him, into his lap and he kissed her, the world around them fading away as they held onto each other, finding solace in their shared embrace.
Iris felt the warmth of his body, the strength in his arms, and the undeniable familiarity of being so close to him again. It was a heady mix that made her feel both safe and vulnerable. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment, as if trying to etch it into her memory forever.