Chapter Twenty Nine
Jason’s office was a fascinating mix of modern and ancient decor. The room was spacious, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light, and sleek modern furniture that blended seamlessly with the more traditional elements.
One wall was lined with shelves, filled with books and files neatly organized and stacked alongside ancient artifacts and swords. The shelves were made of dark, polished wood and had small, intricate carvings etched into the corners.
The desk was a large, solid piece of furniture made from a rich, dark wood. It had a leather blotter and an ornate inkwell, as well as a computer and several stacks of papers and files. On either side of the desk, there were two tall, narrow bookcases filled with more books and ancient artifacts.
The most striking feature of the room was the collection of swords and blades that adorned the walls. These weapons were beautifully crafted and looked as if they had been taken from some of the greatest battles in history. There were medieval broadswords, Japanese katanas, and even a few ancient Greek hoplite spears.
Despite the abundance of weapons, the room still had a comfortable and inviting feel. The walls were painted a warm, neutral color, and the lighting was soft and warm, casting a cozy glow over the space.
Jason’s office was a unique and intriguing space that perfectly reflected his interests and personality. It was a mixture of modern and ancient elements that created a space that was both functional and visually stunning.
Aiden found Jason in his office, buried in work. He cleared his throat to get his attention, and Jason looked up, surprised to see him there.
“Aiden, what brings you here?” Jason asked, setting his pen down.
“A favor, actually,” Aiden replied, taking a seat across from him. “I have a friend who is organizing dinner today and I was wondering if you would come to dinner with us tonight.”
Jason raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “And who is this friend?”
“Janet,” Aiden replied, watching Jason’s face carefully for any sign of recognition.
“Ah, Janet,” Jason said, nodding. “She’s a sweet girl.”
“Well, she would love to get to know you better,” Aiden said, hoping that he was convincing enough.
Jason chuckled. “I don’t do love, Aiden. You know that.”
“I know, but you never know what could happen,” Aiden said optimistically. “Besides, it would mean a lot to Janet if you came.”
Jason sighed, looking down at his desk. “Aiden, you don’t know what you’re asking. I have a dark past, a complicated history. I’m not the kind of person you want around someone like Janet.”
“I know about your past, Jason,” Aiden said, leaning forward. “And I still think you’re a good person. You deserve happiness, too.”
Jason looked up at him, his eyes narrowing. “Do you know what I did, Aiden? Do you know what I’m capable of?”
Aiden leaned back in his chair, taking a deep breath. “I know that you blame yourself for what happened to your wife, but you need to stop. You didn’t kill her, Jason. The person responsible is the one who pulled the trigger.”
Jason’s eyes widened at Aiden’s words, and he looked down at his hands, clenching and unclenching them. “I could have protected her,” he whispered. “I should have protected her.”
“You couldn’t have known what was going to happen, Jason,” Aiden said firmly. “And blaming yourself isn’t going to bring her back. You need to let go of the guilt and the pain and try to move on. Janet might be able to help with that.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Jason was silent for a few moments, lost in thought. Finally, he looked up at Aiden, a small smile on his lips. “Okay,” he said. “I’ll come to dinner tonight.”
Aiden grinned, relieved. “Thank you, Jason. You won’t regret it.”
As Aiden left the room, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe this dinner would be the start of something new for both Janet and Jason. Only time would tell.
Chloe couldn’t help but feel nervous as the night approached. She had put so much effort into this dinner, and she desperately hoped it would be a success.
Chloe’s fingers moved nimbly as she prepared the ancient meal. She had spent hours poring over old cookbooks, researching and selecting dishes that would transport her guests back in time. The air was rich with the scent of exotic spices and roasting meats, and the sound of sizzling pans filled the room.
The table was set in the lavish dining room, with an ornate candelabra at the center of the table casting a warm glow over everything. The walls were adorned with ancient tapestries depicting scenes of battles and conquests, and the intricate patterns of the Persian rug beneath their feet made them feel as though they were dining in a palace.
As the guests arrived, they were greeted with the sight of a table laid out with gleaming silverware, delicate crystal glasses, and elegant porcelain plates. The first course was a savory lamb stew, slow-cooked to perfection with a medley of fragrant herbs and spices. Next came a salad of crisp greens and juicy pomegranate seeds, drizzled with a tangy dressing that danced on the tongue.
For the main course, Chloe had prepared a succulent roasted chicken, marinated in a blend of honey, vinegar, and saffron. The meat was tender and juicy, with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that made their taste buds sing. The sides were just as impressive, with platters of golden rice pilaf, steaming roasted vegetables, and fluffy naan bread.
Finally, for dessert, Chloe had created a decadent saffron and rosewater pudding, topped with a sprinkling of chopped pistachios and pomegranate seeds. It was creamy, floral, and the perfect end to their ancient feast.
As they ate and conversed, Chloe watched as her guests savored each bite and enjoyed the ambiance of the lavish dining room. She was happy to have created such a memorable evening, filled with delicious food, great company, and a glimpse into a bygone era.
Chloe watched as Janet and Jason awkwardly made small talk. She could tell that Jason was uncomfortable, but she also saw something else in his eyes. There was a glimmer of something, maybe interest, that made Chloe’s heart skip a beat.
Chloe watched as Janet and Jason made small talk, trying their best to get to know each other. Janet looked stunning in the dress Chloe had helped her pick out, and Jason was dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders.
Chloe tried to focus on the conversation, but her mind was racing with anticipation. She couldn’t help but wonder if Jason was feeling the same spark that she had seen in his eyes earlier.