Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost 21

Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost 21 Summary

In Chapter 21 of “Shattered Dreams Find Light,” Simone and Jasmine navigate the emotional fallout from a surprise visit by Carter and his wife, Alexa. The chapter opens with Jasmine’s curiosity about the unexpected disturbance, leading to a tense discussion between the two friends. Simone grapples with her feelings about Carter, particularly the revelation that he brought his wife to apologize, which stirs up complicated emotions regarding her past with him. The mention of “baby daddy” triggers Simone’s anxiety, revealing the depth of her unresolved feelings and the complexities of her situation.

As Jasmine teases out the implications of Carter’s actions, Simone is hit with the realization that his marriage may be a facade, further complicating her already tumultuous emotions. The conversation shifts to family dynamics as Jasmine reveals that Carter has a half-brother, Douglas, who is embroiled in a public scandal, adding layers to the already intricate web of relationships. This new information leaves Simone reeling, as she tries to process the implications of Jasmine’s insights while grappling with her feelings of betrayal and confusion about Carter’s true intentions.

The chapter takes a heartwarming turn as Ethan returns, bringing joy and lightness to the otherwise heavy atmosphere. The reunion between Jasmine and Ethan serves as a poignant reminder of the love and support that exists in Simone’s life, even amidst chaos. However, the relief is short-lived as Jasmine reveals her need to leave her home due to potential danger, leaving Simone feeling vulnerable and anxious about being alone with Ethan. This revelation heightens the stakes, forcing Simone to confront her fears and the reality of their increasingly precarious situation.

As the chapter concludes, Simone finds herself at a crossroads, contemplating whether to reach out to Carter for help or to face the challenges alone. The weight of her responsibilities to protect her son becomes a driving force, igniting a flicker of resolve within her. Despite the turmoil, she begins to embrace the uncertainty of her future, recognizing that the scars of her past can lead to new beginnings. With newfound strength, Simone prepares to confront the complexities of her relationship with Carter, determined to navigate the chaos for the sake of her family. The chapter ends on a note of hope, suggesting that even in the face of shattered dreams, there is light to be found.

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**Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost**
**Chapter 21**

“Who was that?” Jasmine asked, settling into the plush embrace of the green couch, its soft fabric a welcome comfort against her skin. The room felt safe, cocooned in the warmth of their friendship, but the tension in the air was palpable.

“It was Alexa,” Simone replied, her voice flat and devoid of enthusiasm, the irritation simmering just beneath the surface. She tucked her phone away, eager to dismiss the unwelcome disturbance. Alexa was like a tempest—chaotic and unpredictable—and Simone was resolute in keeping that storm from disrupting her own life.

“Oh, so you finally got your phone back,” Jasmine observed, her curiosity piqued as she leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with interest.

“Yeah,” Simone muttered, the heaviness of the situation weighing on her. She took a deep breath, preparing to recount the bizarre encounter with Carter and his wife, her disbelief coloring her words.

“That’s absolutely insane,” Jasmine exclaimed, crossing her legs and leaning in closer, her expression a blend of intrigue and concern. “Why on earth would your baby daddy bring his wife over to apologize?”

At the mention of “baby daddy,” Simone felt her heart clench tightly, an uncomfortable tension forming in her chest. She grimaced, her teeth gritting together involuntarily.

“Don’t call him that! Nobody knows!” she snapped, urgency lacing her voice, the gravity of her words hanging heavily in the air.

“And nobody’s here but us,” Jasmine shrugged, her demeanor casual, as if the weight of the world didn’t rest on Simone’s shoulders. “Why so worked up?”

“Because,” Simone replied, frustration bubbling up within her, “it’s complicated.”

Jasmine raised an eyebrow, her interest clearly piqued. “Is it?”

Simone frowned, the tension in her brow deepening as she tried to articulate her feelings. “What does that even mean?”

“It means,” Jasmine leaned in, her eyes glinting with mischief, “it’s not complicated at all. He brought his wife to apologize to you, and he had guards stationed to protect you.”

The thought sent a wave of anxiety crashing over Simone. Yes, he had arranged for her safety, but Jasmine was blissfully unaware of just how deep the rabbit hole went.

“You’ve got the wife all jittery, stealing your phone,” Jasmine continued, her tone teasing, lightening the mood just a bit. “He’s knee-deep in a public scandal, girl. It can only mean one thing: the marriage is a facade.”

Simone felt as though she had been struck by lightning, the realization leaving her momentarily speechless. “What?” she managed to gasp, her mind racing with the implications of Jasmine’s words.

Jasmine sighed, rolling her eyes in exaggerated exasperation. “Do you know who Douglas Wilde is?”

The question caught Simone off guard, and she blinked in confusion. “What?”

“Douglas is Carter’s half-brother,” Jasmine explained, her voice steady, as if imparting some vital piece of knowledge. “Their father had him before marrying Michelle. It’s common knowledge that those brothers don’t get along.”

Simone fell silent, absorbing this new information, feeling as though the ground beneath her was shifting. She had been completely oblivious to this family dynamic, her world tilting on its axis.

“Last night, I watched an interview where Douglas discussed the scandal,” Jasmine continued, uncrossing her legs and leaning back, clearly engrossed in the unfolding drama. “He might be positioning himself for the CEO role, but he raises a valid question: why would a married man get entangled in such a mess?”

Simone shook her head, struggling to process the implications of Jasmine’s revelations. She leaned against Ethan’s bed for support, the weight of the conversation pressing down on her.

“I didn’t know any of this,” she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, tinged with disbelief.

“I just found out too,” Jasmine replied, her tone sympathetic. “And this isn’t the first time Carter’s been linked to another woman. This time, though, there’s proof.”

“So he’s a chronic cheat,” Simone said bitterly, the words tasting bitter and sour on her tongue.

“Oh, he’s just being rebellious,” Jasmine shrugged, dismissing the severity of the situation with a casual wave of her hand, as if it were nothing more than a passing breeze.

Simone straightened, her mind racing with memories. Five years ago, Carter had hinted at family troubles, but she never imagined it was this tangled and messy.

Could Jasmine be onto something? Was his marriage really just a façade? The thought lingered, a troubling notion that gnawed at her insides, refusing to be dismissed.

“Oh, this is the Lewis piece?” Jasmine asked, glancing at the open laptop resting on the coffee table, eager for a distraction.

“Yes,” Simone replied, her heart lifting slightly at the prospect of discussing her work. “What do you think?”

Jasmine read the document for a moment, her eyes widening in delight. “Oh my goodness! This is rich!”

A smile crept onto Simone’s face, her heart swelling with pride at the compliment. “Thanks, love.”

“It’s hilarious,” Jasmine laughed, pointing at the screen with glee. “Self-absorbed prick is just spot on.”

“Aunt Jasmine?” Ethan’s voice rang out, strong and clear, cutting through the tension like a ray of sunshine.

“My baby!” Jasmine exclaimed, shutting the laptop with a flourish as she rushed to him, showering him with kisses on his forehead until his giggles filled the room, a sound that lifted Simone’s spirits.

“I missed you so much,” Jasmine whispered, her voice softening as she pulled back to look at him, tears glistening in her eyes—a mixture of relief and love flooding her heart.

“I missed you too,” Ethan beamed, his smile brightening the room. “I was sleeping for a long time.”

“You were, baby,” Simone said, her own eyes welling up with tears at the sight of their joyful reunion, the warmth of the moment wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.

She and Jasmine exchanged a knowing glance, laughter bubbling through their tears, a shared moment of happiness amidst the chaos that had enveloped them.

“What’s going on?” Ethan asked, his brow furrowing in confusion as he looked between them, sensing the emotional undercurrents.

“Nothing, baby,” Simone replied, her voice light, trying to maintain the cheerful atmosphere for her son.

Jasmine hugged him tighter, her smile radiant. “We’re just glad you’re okay.”

“I’ve got to page the nurse,” Simone said, and she did so quickly, her heart racing with anticipation for what was to come.

“How long do you plan to…” Jasmine paused, searching for the right words. “Keep up with it?”

Simone understood the underlying concern in her friend’s voice. She looked at Ethan, her chest tightening with the weight of her responsibilities. She had shielded her son for so long, and she wasn’t about to stop now.

“I don’t know,” she admitted with a shrug, just as the door swung open and the doctor entered, flanked by two nurses.

“Hey, Ethan,” the doctor greeted warmly, his smile infectious as he approached the boy. “I heard you ate well. Feeling better?”

“Yes,” Ethan nodded enthusiastically, a glimmer of hope lighting up his face, brightening the room.

“Good,” the doctor said, returning the smile before turning to Simone. “You’ll have to excuse us. I need to examine him.”

“Of course,” Simone replied, stepping out into the hallway, her heart fluttering with a mix of hope and anxiety.

Jasmine followed closely behind. “I’m so glad he’s okay,” she whispered, her voice filled with genuine relief, the weight of worry slipping away, if only for a moment.

“Me too,” Simone echoed, her heart swelling with gratitude for the little victories that life had to offer.

They shared a brief hug before Jasmine’s phone rang, breaking the moment and pulling them back to reality.

“Got to take this,” she said, moving away to answer it, her expression shifting to one of focus.

Simone nodded, taking a seat on a nearby bench, her thoughts spiraling in different directions. If what Jasmine had said about Carter was true, then the situation was far worse than she had imagined.

She folded her arms tightly, trying to steady herself against the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. There was no way she wanted to work with Carter after everything that had transpired.

“Think,” she muttered to herself, the gears in her mind whirring as she contemplated her next steps. Then, it clicked.

She pulled out her phone, dialing Michelle’s number as she walked in the opposite direction from where Jasmine had gone, determined to seek clarity.

The phone was answered almost immediately.

“Hello, Simone dear,” Michelle’s warm voice greeted her, wrapping around her like a comforting blanket, easing some of her tension.

“Hello ma’am. How do you do?” Simone replied, trying to keep her voice steady, though the nerves were evident.

“Very well, and you? How’s your son?”

Her heart softened at the question, a reminder of the love that anchored her. “He’s doing great, thank you.”

“That’s wonderful to hear,” Michelle said, her tone genuinely pleased, a mother’s warmth shining through.

“Yes, ma’am,” Simone said, shifting nervously on her feet, feeling the weight of the conversation ahead. “I wanted to let you know that I’ve started working.”

“Oh!” Michelle gasped, her delight evident. “That’s wonderful news, Simone. Thank you for sharing.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Simone took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts and mustering her courage. “I want to proceed with the next step, but I’ll need your help.”

“My help?” Michelle asked, curiosity piqued, sensing the gravity of Simone’s request.

Simone hesitated, choosing her words carefully, weighing each one. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll need to understand what happened so I can—”

“Call Carter for that,” Michelle interrupted gently, cutting through Simone’s thoughts like a knife. “It’s his scandal. He knows more than I do.”

Simone had anticipated this response, but disappointment washed over her like a cold wave, chilling her resolve.

“But you helped during Krissy’s situation,” she tried again, her voice rising slightly, holding onto hope.

“Yes, I did,” Michelle replied, her tone patient, yet firm. “Krissy is an easy child, unlike Carter. He won’t tell you anything unless he’s cornered.”

Simone felt a knot form in her stomach, anxiety creeping in like a shadow.

“I know he can be intimidating,” Michelle continued softly, “but he’s approachable. Reach out to him. I’m sure he wants the scandal to blow over as much as you do.”

That thought shattered her plan of avoiding him entirely, the idea of facing him sending a shiver down her spine.

“Speaking of Carter,” Michelle added, her voice shifting, “did you know he bought you a house?”

The abrupt change in conversation left Simone reeling, and she stuttered, “I… he… yes.”

Michelle chuckled, a sound that was both warm and teasing, breaking the tension. “I get it, Simone. Very much. But if you change your mind, know that it doesn’t affect your income in any way.”

Heat flooded Simone’s cheeks, embarrassment washing over her like a tidal wave. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Take care, dear. Talk later,” Michelle said before ending the call.

Simone exhaled slowly, pressing her hand against her temple in disbelief, struggling to comprehend that Carter had confided in his mother about the house.

“Crazy,” she muttered to herself as she walked back, her mind still churning with the implications of Michelle’s words, the weight of her reality settling heavily on her shoulders.

Just then, the doctor stepped out of Ethan’s room, and she approached him eagerly, her heart racing with anticipation. “Hello, doctor.”

“Hello, ma’am,” he replied, his demeanor professional yet warm, a reassuring presence. “I’ve finished my evaluation; Ethan’s good to go home.”

Simone gasped, joy flooding her chest like a burst of sunlight breaking through clouds, illuminating her world.

“But,” the doctor added, his tone serious, “he’ll need plenty of rest and a strict regimen of medications.”

“Yes, of course,” she nodded eagerly, her heart racing with anticipation, just as Jasmine returned to her side, her expression curious.

“What’s up?” Jasmine asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“We’re free to go!” Simone exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. “The doctor says Ethan can come home!”

The doctor chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Once the nurses finish inside, you’ll be all set. Excuse me.”

“Thanks, doctor,” Simone said, watching him walk away with a sense of relief washing over her. She turned to Jasmine, but her smile quickly faded as she noticed the tension in Jasmine’s expression. “What’s wrong?”

Jasmine’s face was etched with worry, a storm brewing behind her eyes. “I won’t be staying at my house… for a while.”

Simone frowned, confusion flooding her mind as she tried to process what Jasmine was saying. “What? Why?”

Jasmine took her hand, her grip firm yet gentle, grounding them both in the moment. “It’s complicated, but some people are looking for Tom, and…” she trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with fear.

“And what?” Simone pressed, her heart racing, the weight of Jasmine’s words sinking in.

“And I can’t stay at home,” Jasmine said softly, her eyes filled with concern. “You and Ethan will have to be alone for now.”

Simone’s heart sank, dread pooling in her stomach like a heavy stone. “But what if they come looking for you there?”

“It’s just me and Tom they’re after. You’re safe,” Jasmine assured her, though the smile she offered felt unconvincing, a fragile mask over the reality of their situation.

Simone’s mind raced with possibilities, each one more daunting than the last. What was she supposed to do? The thought of being alone with Ethan in a world that felt increasingly dangerous was terrifying.

What if the L.A. men showed up? How would she protect herself and her son?

She needed a plan, and fast. But one thing was painfully clear; Carter’s house was out of the question.

**Conclusion**

In the aftermath of the whirlwind of revelations and emotions, Simone stood at a crossroads, her heart heavy with uncertainty yet flickering with newfound resolve. The chaotic entanglement with Carter, his wife, and the looming shadows of their past threatened to engulf her, but amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of clarity emerged. The laughter shared with Jasmine and Ethan reminded her of the strength found in love and friendship, reinforcing her commitment to protect her son above all else. As she faced the reality of her situation, the weight of her responsibilities became both a burden and a beacon, guiding her towards a path of empowerment. She realized that while the shadows of her past loomed large, they would not dictate her future.
With a deep breath, Simone embraced the uncertainty, understanding that the scars of her shattered dreams could lead to new beginnings. The prospect of reaching out to Carter, despite her reservations, transformed from a source of dread into an opportunity for closure and clarity. As she prepared to navigate the complexities of their relationship, she felt an unexpected surge of strength coursing through her veins. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but Simone was ready to confront them head-on. The love she felt for Ethan and the bond with Jasmine fortified her spirit, illuminating her path forward. In the face of adversity, she would rise, not just for herself but for the family she cherished, determined to find light amid the chaos.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter of “Shattered Dreams Find Light,” readers can expect the tension to escalate as Simone grapples with her newfound revelations about Carter and his complicated family dynamics. With Jasmine’s departure looming, the stakes are raised, and Simone must confront her fears of being alone with Ethan in a world that feels increasingly dangerous. The uncertainty of her living situation, combined with the threat of the L.A. men searching for Jasmine, will force Simone to make difficult choices. Will she reach out to Carter for help, despite her reservations about his intentions? Or will she find a way to navigate this storm on her own, risking everything for her son’s safety?
As the chapter unfolds, the emotional turmoil within Simone will deepen. With the weight of her past and the shadows of Carter’s actions looming over her, she will be faced with a crucial decision: to trust in the fragile connections she has or to forge a new path entirely. The reader will be left on the edge of their seat, wondering how far Simone is willing to go to protect her son and herself. Will she uncover the truth behind Carter’s facade, or will the chaos surrounding her consume her? The narrative promises to deliver unexpected twists and heart-wrenching moments that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages, desperate to see how Simone’s story will unfold amidst the shattered dreams and the glimmers of hope.

Conclusion

As the chapter closes, Simone stands at the precipice of transformation, her heart a battleground of conflicting emotions. The laughter shared with Jasmine and Ethan serves as a reminder of the love and support that surrounds her, illuminating the shadows cast by her tumultuous past with Carter. With each revelation, the weight of her responsibilities grows heavier, yet it also ignites a fierce determination within her. She understands that her shattered dreams do not define her; instead, they have forged a resilient spirit ready to confront the challenges ahead. The warmth of her friendships and the love for her son become her guiding light, propelling her toward a future she can reclaim.

Embracing the uncertainty that lies ahead, Simone prepares to navigate the complexities of her relationship with Carter, recognizing that confronting her fears is essential for healing. The prospect of reaching out to him, once daunting, now feels like a necessary step toward closure and clarity. With newfound strength, she resolves to protect her family at all costs, ready to face whatever storms may come. As she steels herself for the journey ahead, Simone is determined to rise from the ashes of her past, forging a path of empowerment and hope that will lead her toward a brighter tomorrow.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

In the upcoming chapter of “Shattered Dreams Find Light,” readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions as Simone stands at a pivotal crossroads. With Jasmine’s decision to leave casting a shadow over her newfound sense of security, the stakes will rise dramatically. As the threat of the L.A. men looms ever closer, Simone’s protective instincts will kick into high gear, forcing her to confront the reality of her isolation. The question of whether to reach out to Carter for help will weigh heavily on her mind, igniting a battle between her desire for independence and the need for support in a chaotic world. Each heartbeat will echo the urgency of her situation, leaving readers breathless with anticipation.

Simone’s journey through uncertainty will be fraught with tension as she navigates the fallout from her revelations about Carter and the complexities of their past. The emotional landscape will deepen as she wrestles with her feelings toward him, torn between resentment and the flickering hope for closure. As she grapples with the implications of his actions and the facade of his marriage, the reader will be drawn into her internal struggle, questioning whether she can truly trust him again. With every twist and turn, the chapter promises to unravel layers of intrigue, revealing secrets that could either bind them closer or push them further apart. Will Simone find the strength to confront her fears and seek the truth, or will the shadows of her shattered dreams threaten to engulf her once more? The tension is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher.