Divorce With Benefits: A Second Chance At Love-Chapter 145: Meeting Harold

As Lydia and Arthur walked back into the house, the tension in the room was palpable but slightly softened. Lydia’s expression was subdued but resolute, and Arthur’s was carefully neutral, offering an unspoken olive branch.

"We should head back soon," Arthur said, his tone calm and non-confrontational. "But if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call us."

Lydia glanced at Jerica, her eyes filled with unspoken emotions. "I meant what I said," she added, her voice softer but no less determined. "I’ll do whatever it takes."

The next week passed in a mix of subtle progress and tentative hope. Jared and Jerica stayed at the ranch house, taking time to settle into the environment and adapt to the shifting dynamics with her biological parents. She called them, once every two days and she didn’t know what to say.

Midweek, they finally visited the doctor, where their suspicions were confirmed: Jerica was indeed pregnant. The doctor’s calm but thorough explanation of her nutritional needs and how to care for herself during pregnancy left Jared taking meticulous notes. His seriousness made Jerica smile, though she teased him about turning into a mother hen.

As part of her visit, Jerica also decided to undergo a second test to confirm her earlier cancer scare. She needed certainty, even if it meant facing difficult truths. Jared stood by her side, unwavering, his silent strength speaking louder than words.

After their appointments, they decided to indulge in lunch at a fancy restaurant in town, flanked discreetly by security. Jerica wasn’t entirely used to having a security detail shadow her movements, but it was a necessity now. The meal was delightful, and for a moment, she could almost forget the complexities of her life.

As they stepped outside, laughing at a joke Jared had cracked, a sleek, familiar car pulled up to the curb.

The doors swung open, and out stepped Harold.

"Harold!" Jerica exclaimed, her surprise morphing into joy as she hurried forward. She hadn’t expected to see him here, and her happiness at the sight of him was unmistakable.

Harold smiled broadly as he approached her, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Jerica! Are you okay? I’ve been worried about you," he said, his voice tinged with relief. His hand brushed her cheek as if confirming she was truly there, unharmed.

Jared stood a step behind, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, but his sharp eyes missed nothing. His small frown betrayed his wariness, though he kept his demeanor calm. He didn’t particularly like Harold but Jerica had told him Harold was an important person in her life. For that reason alone, Jared would endure his presence.

Harold’s gaze flicked to Jared, giving him a once-over before darting to the security detail surrounding them. His smile faltered slightly, confusion evident as he took in the scene.

"It looks like you want to talk," Jerica said, her tone gentle as she caught Harold’s expression. Without hesitation, she led him back inside the restaurant, Jared silently following behind them.

His protective instincts flared, but he said nothing instead of staying close and observing. Harold might be important to Jerica, but that didn’t mean Jared had to let his guard down. Not yet.

Jerica and Jared followed Harold into a quieter section of the restaurant, a private nook where they could talk without interruptions. As they settled in, Harold began recounting the events that transpired after the kidnapping. His voice was steady but carried a weight of emotion as he described the lengths he went to in search of them.

He detailed how he uncovered a lead connecting Arthur Sutherland to Philip Glover, only to faint from shock upon seeing them together. Harold explained that he had been reassured Jerica and Jared were safe, though the trauma of the ordeal lingered.

The lead security for Jerica leaned close to her ear and murmured, "Mr. Braddock tried really hard to locate you. He even broke off his engagement and left his family."

Jerica’s eyes widened, and she turned her gaze to Jared, who followed her look toward Harold. Harold, catching their attention, flushed deeply as if he’d been caught in an embarrassing secret. He cleared his throat awkwardly, shifting his focus to Jared.

"I asked Uncle to help locate you," Harold admitted, his voice low but resolute. "He refused. Not even a flicker of concern crossed his face, knowing his own son was in danger." Harold scoffed bitterly. "How can I consider people like that my family? I’d rather be an orphan."

Jerica leaned forward, her tone softening. "You’re not going to be an orphan. You have me." She looked at Jared and took his hand before continuing. "And you have Jared. He’s your cousin, after all."

Jared nodded firmly, squeezing Jerica’s hand as he added, "You have me, too." He couldn’t ignore the strength it must have taken Harold to defy his family’s cold indifference, to choose compassion over comfort.

For someone like Harold, who had grown up surrounded by wealth and privilege, walking away from it all was no small feat. Jared respected that, even if Harold’s ways were sometimes grating.

"Thanks," Harold said quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips, though he quickly averted his gaze. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Jerica watched them both, finding their shared awkwardness endearing. She suppressed a chuckle, thinking, How cute—two men too shy to openly express their happiness.

"So," she said, breaking the silence, "you’re free from Chelsea Glover now?"

Harold nodded. "Yeah..."

Jerica tilted her head, her tone teasing. "So, you’re free to date Lila? By the way, how is she doing?"

Harold’s expression darkened, the faint smile slipping away. "Lila doesn’t want to date with marriage in mind," he said, his voice tinged with disappointment.

After Harold had left his family, he had sought out Lila again, hoping for a sympathetic ear and perhaps something more. He needed someone to confide in, someone who could offer solace in the storm of his life.

When he approached her, Lila had asked if he’d changed his stance on marriage. But when Harold attempted to explain his situation, her interest waned rapidly. The warmth and connection he once felt from her dissolved. Without any further explanation, Lila had blocked him on all platforms, cutting him out of her life as if he were a burden. Harold took the hint and decided not to chase after someone who didn’t want him anymore.

It stung, but Harold understood now. He had no desire to cling to a relationship where he wasn’t valued.

"I’m sorry," Jerica said softly, her voice laced with genuine concern.

"That’s fine," Harold replied with a small smile. "I have my job, and I have a roof over my head. I can survive."

Jerica studied him for a moment. He really had matured—his composure, his resilience. There was a confidence about him now, even in the face of loss. Harold looked different, too, in a way that struck her. He looked... handsome.

"I have something to say to you," Jerica began hesitantly. She glanced down at her hands, unsure if this was the right time or if Harold would see it as an unnecessary blow. But the truth was weighing on her, and she wanted him to know.

Harold’s brow furrowed slightly, his expression curious but open. "What is it?"

Jerica took a breath, her words measured. "Apparently, I am Arthur and Lydia Sutherland’s biological daughter."

Harold froze, his eyes widening in shock. For a moment, he said nothing, and the silence stretched between them. His gaze searched her face as if trying to piece together the implications of her revelation.

"That’s... unexpected," he finally managed, his voice a little strained but calm.

Jerica nodded, watching his reaction carefully. "It was a surprise to me, too. It’s been a lot to process."

Harold leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he let out a low whistle. "Arthur and Lydia Sutherland," he repeated, almost to himself. "Wow."