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Chapter 12
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A Game of Hearts Chapter 13
At that moment, I genuinely felt sorry for Jessica."But I do mind that you lived with Cameron," I quipped, cutting her off mid-sentence.With that, I ended the call.Jessica called back immediately, but I didn't pick up right away. It was only when she called for the twenty-third time that I answered.The moment I picked up, I snapped, "Jessica, just because I'm not yelling doesn't mean I don't have a temper. Stop testing my limits."Jessica let out a scoff. "Sebastian, I know you too well. You could never like anyone else but me.""We'll see how things go. If Selena finds out we lived together for five years, how do you think she'll react?" she added, her voice dripping with amusement."Jessica, what are you trying to do?" I demanded.She chuckled again. "Relax, I'm not going to spill everything right now. I just want you to face your own heart."She ended the call before I could respond.I held the phone tightly, trying to calm my racing thoughts. When I finally relaxed, I
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 14
It seemed like Jessica had really decided to latch onto me again. She kept calling me in the middle of the night. The moment I picked up, I could hear her sobbing on the other end.Annoyed, I tried to put some distance between us by coldly saying, "Jessica, I've started a new life. You need to go talk things through with Cameron and clear up whatever misunderstandings you have with him. Stop calling me in the middle of the night to cry. If you keep doing this, I'll block you!"Her crying stopped suddenly, and after a long pause, she sniffled and spoke in a shaky voice, "You can't be that cruel. You remember, don't you? When you were at your lowest, I was the one who helped you. I saved you, Sebastian. You haven't forgotten, right?"Those words hit me like a punch to the gut, dragging me back to when I was sixteen.I slumped down, feeling utterly defeated.If, over the past two months, I'd almost managed to forget about Jessica, this moment made it clear—I could never completely pu
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 15
Jessica's family wasn't anything extraordinary, but her cousin was a different story. His family was our school's biggest shareholder, so no one dared challenge him. Because of that, no one dared mess with Jessica either.I had just been shoved into the lake yet again when Jessica showed up.With her cousin right behind her, they kicked the chubby guy who had been holding me down. It was like they had lifted a heavy shadow that had been weighing down on my life."Where's this fat mutt from? Was your father planning to raise an animal instead of a son? Get lost already!"Jessica was clearly a girl, but her words were as powerful as any man's.I wiped the dirty water off my face and looked up at her, squinting my eyes to see through the light shining right behind her. The sunlight filtering in through the ornate windows cast a glow around her, making it almost seem like she was radiating light."Hey, are you okay?" she asked.I shook my head, wiped the water from my face, and pick
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 16
That night, I found myself going over so many memories from our younger days.I didn't sleep at all.The next day, I couldn't help myself—I asked Selena to stop by and check on Jessica. Selena stayed over there for three days. Each evening after work, I would bring over groceries and cook for us. After the three of us had dinner together, I would wait for them to fall asleep before going home.But the more I did, the more it seemed to make Jessica feel I wasn't over her.Once Selena returned home, Jessica started finding excuses to catch me alone whenever her friend wasn't around.It was too late for all that now. Late affection was worth less than dirt. No matter how much she regretted it, the feelings were long gone for me. Back then, I would bend over backwards to make her a full seafood feast and wait for her for hours, but she didn't even send me a single message.She was the one who had pulled me out of the dark in my youth. But later, she stomped on me like I was nothing.
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 17
"You've lost so much weight, Jess," James remarked, giving her a concerned once-over.Jessica kept her head down, focusing on her food, saying nothing.But James's wife, Zoey, who seemed to have heard some news, spoke up, "Jess, I heard you and Cameron split up?"I paused, caught off guard.I was together with Jessica for five years and she never once let anyone know about us. James and Zoey always assumed we were just friends. But Jessica had only been with Cameron for a few months, and yet all her friends—even her cousin and his wife overseas—knew about their relationship.So, it wasn't that Jessica disliked making things public. She just didn't want to make us public.I couldn't help but laugh at what an idiot I was.Zoey patted Jessica's shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Jess, relationships can't be forced. For two people to be together, a lot has to line up. You'll see—you and Cameron just weren't right for each other…""It's not Cameron," Jessica suddenly cut in.Both Ja
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 18
As the year wound down and companies began their breaks, Selena prepared to head back to her hometown. Before she left, we had dinner together, and just as she was about to go, she stood on her toes to hug me, promising to bring a gift when she returned.I grew up in an orphanage, so I stopped by to visit the head of the home before heading back and falling into my usual winter routine—eat, sleep, repeat. My one bit of exercise was moving my fingers to text Selena.[My mom made loads of pound cake. I bet you'd love it. I'll bring some back for you.][They're pressuring me to find someone… Honestly, I wanted to tell them I already have, but I was afraid they'd make me video call you and scare you off…][Seb, you've got to turn on the TV. They're playing your favorite movie!]Her messages were full of her warmth and energy. I could practically see her smiling as I read each one. And honestly, I couldn't stop myself from grinning too.Just then, another message from Selena came thro
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 19
Jessica had always been proud; rejection wasn't something she was used to. But lately, I had turned her down again and again."Seb," she whispered in a shaky voice, her eyes reddened.I turned to meet her gaze, catching the flash of fear there. I knew what she was afraid of.For so long, she was my whole world.I was a man with my own dignity, yet I repeatedly bent over backwards for her, swallowing my pride to be a backup option she could rely on whenever it suited her. I put my feelings on the line, only for her to trample over them as if they meant nothing.When Cameron first left the country, Jessica had been so desperate not to lose him that she packed her bags and followed him.That summer, I was like a ghost of myself. I didn't even have the desire to cry. I was just a hollow shell sitting by the window, day after day. Whenever someone tried to talk to me, I just smiled and acted like nothing was wrong.I thought I was hiding it well; that no one could tell how wrecked I
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 20
Selena and I spent New Year's together, and I even posted about it on social media.I knew Jessica probably saw it. During the break, she stayed away—no more surprise visits, no late-night calls. I figured she finally accepted that it was over. But just as I was letting my guard down, she showed up again, pounding on my door in the middle of the night.When I opened it, Jessica stumbled inside, clearly drunk, throwing herself into my arms. It was like the night Cameron left—only this time, it was my name on her lips."Sebastian," she murmured, clinging to me tightly. "I can't take this anymore. I'm sorry, I wasted five years of your life. But I know now… it was never really Cameron. It's you."Her words were slurred, but I could feel the desperation in her grip."I can't watch you and Selena get closer," she whispered. "Every time I see you with her, it's like I'm dying inside."I tried to push her away. "Jessica, you're drunk.""Don't push me away," she said, tightening her hol
Last Updated : 2024-11-29
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A Game of Hearts Chapter 51
Just before boarding the plane, I was about to turn off my phone when I got a text message.The contact name was Lena.My hand trembled as I opened it, and there, in front of me, was a picture. I zoomed in—it was an invitation. Another message followed right after.Selena wrote: [Sebastian, I'm getting married. Here's the invite. If you're free, bring Jess and come.]I stood there stupidly, staring at the invitation.After what seemed like an eternity, I finally typed back: [Sure. I hope you'll have a lifetime of happiness.]Maybe by this point, the truth didn't matter anymore.-In the end, I attended Selena's wedding. I kept my distance, watching from afar.She looked stunning. Her wedding dress flowed out behind her, thirty feet of white silk embroidered with roses so lifelike, they almost seemed to bloom with every step she took. I remembered how she once told me that when she got married, she wanted to wear a dress covered in roses.She had made her dream come true.The
A Game of Hearts Chapter 50
It had been over two years since I last saw James. He looked so different now—much thinner, his face pale and sallow. The energy he once had was completely gone. As we spoke, I discovered he was gravely ill with late-stage kidney failure.Maybe it's true what they say—when people were near the end, they spoke more openly and honestly.He looked at me and said, "Sebastian, back then, I was the one who tore you and Selena apart. Now, I'm about to die. I can't stop you anymore. Why don't you go to her?"I stared at him, my lips curling into a cold smile. "There's no need. Things between us were impossible for a long time."It had been two years. Selena had probably moved on. Since I made my choice back then, I shouldn't bother her anymore.He looked like he wanted to say more, but I cut him off before he could, saying, "To love someone, sometimes you just have to wish them the best and let them go. That's all."James took a deep breath. "I really want to apologize to you. I know I m
A Game of Hearts Chapter 49
It wasn't surprising when we won the bid. The announcement felt like a natural progression, but it still left me buzzing with excitement.After the meeting, the CEO of Xeron Innovations, Luke Xeron, personally came to speak with me."I really admire your talent," he said, shaking my hand firmly. "I'd like to extend an offer for you to join my company as deputy CEO."I smiled politely and shook my head. "I appreciate the offer, but I have plans to start my own design firm."Luke's eyes brightened. "I respect that. You've got vision. To help you get started, I'd like to invest three million in your company."His offer was generous, and with his help, the funding for my design company was secured. But before I could focus on that, there was still one major project I needed to complete—working with the government to bring The Ashenford Eye to life.Once the project started, I spent every day at the construction site, and lunch was usually a quick sandwich grabbed between meetings.O
A Game of Hearts Chapter 48
Soon, it was my turn to present."Good morning, everyone. It's an honor to be here today at the Ashenford Design Competition organized by the government. I'd like to start by showing you the 3D model our team has put together."I gave a nod to the two team members who were with me on stage.One of them, Logan, clicked the remote, and the screen came to life with my design—a black and white, simple… ball? Inside it were images of Ashenford, but what was this supposed to be?There was a confused murmur amongst the crowd.I smiled and said, "I know this might look a little strange to some of you. Some might think it's a hot air balloon with pictures of Ashenford's scenery, circling the city every day and lowering different flags at various locations. Others might think it's a unique building that belongs on top of a tall building, a mountain, or even a tower."Or, some of you might think this is a massive ship, placed in the river, floating down the stream alongside beautiful bloomi
A Game of Hearts Chapter 47
Samuel was incredibly efficient—by the time the morning was over, everything was set up.I had a plan now. Regardless of whether I won the competition or not, I was determined to start my own design firm. To have more time to prepare, I handed in my resignation.I rented a small office across from Ashenford University to use as a temporary studio. After investing some of my savings into the necessary equipment, Samuel, his students, and I got to work.The students, full of energy and enthusiasm, dove right in without hesitation, and we made steady progress. A week later, we finally finished our project. At the same time, the day of the Ashenford Design Competition's bid presentation arrived.As I walked to the venue, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the competition. Aside from our team—just a group of unknown designers—the other participants were established, well-known firms in Ashenford.But there was something about the students' youthful confidence that gave me hope. The
A Game of Hearts Chapter 46
After Selena left, I found myself with a lot of free time on my hands. I started staying late at the office and pushing myself harder at the gym.One day, I overheard a new hire talking to a colleague about wanting to join the Ashenford Design Competition but feeling like he wasn't good enough yet. He seemed disappointed about it.As if sensing my interest, he turned to me. "Director Grant, I think you've got some serious design talent."I chuckled and replied, "Honestly, I've always been pretty interested in design."He grinned, leaning even closer. "Then, you should enter the Ashenford Design Competition!"Before I could say anything, he added, "If I had your talent and skills, I would've started my own design firm by now, instead of working nine-to-five for someone else."He gave a small laugh, as if it was obvious. "Every guy dreams of being a boss, right?"His words hit me harder than I expected.This guy, fresh out of university, was already thinking about stepping up and
A Game of Hearts Chapter 45
The next day, Selena left the country. I stood at a distance in the airport, watching her plane taxi down the runway.As it took off, soaring higher and farther away, I whispered softly, "Lena, be happy. Be better. Be free."I turned to leave, only to find Jessica standing behind me. I didn't know how long she had been there."You clearly don't want her to go," she said, her voice steady but laced with confusion. "So, why let her?"I didn't meet her eyes. Instead, I looked back toward the sky where Selena's plane had disappeared."Because she deserves more. She shouldn't be held back by someone like me."Jessica looked momentarily dazed.After a moment, she murmured, "Seb, you really are… amazing."As she quietly looked at me, I caught a fleeting look of hope in her eyes. I smiled, but didn't respond to her wishes. Instead, another thought crept in, and I turned to her."Four years ago, you gave Timothy two hundred thousand dollars, didn't you?"Jessica blinked, startled. For
A Game of Hearts Chapter 44
I studied the item Selena held out to me. It was a piece of amber, clear as glass, with a tiny cicada perfectly preserved inside.The memory hit me immediately. I had stumbled upon it by chance during a company retreat, deep in the heart of an untouched forest, buried under layers of leaves and dirt.The night I gave it to Selena, she'd been spending New Year's with me.After dinner, I handed it to her and said, "In some ways, this is a prison for the cicada, a place it can never escape. But cicadas only live for about eighty days, so maybe this amber also gave it a new kind of life—one that lasts forever."Almost jokingly, I had added, "Take it, Lena. Someday, if you really need to, you can trade it back to me for a wish."At that time, I knew that Jessica had been my prison in my earlier days. Giving Selena that amber had felt like a promise to start over.But reality had a way of shattering dreams.Looking at Selena now, I knew the truth. No matter how much I cared for her, n
A Game of Hearts Chapter 43
To completely sever Selena's lingering hopes, I moved away. I also deliberately avoided any chance of running into her. During that time, Jessica called me frequently and even came to see me a few times. But I turned her away every time.I knew clearly where my heart lay—I loved Selena, deeply.Turning her down wasn't because I still had unresolved feelings for Jessica. It was because I wanted Selena to be free to chase her dreams without hesitation.At one point, I had considered going abroad with her, supporting her as she pursued her goals.But there was always James.He had made it clear—if I didn't let go, he would continue to threaten Selena.With my current abilities, I couldn't stand against James. Besides, he promised me that he would arrange for Christopher to receive the best medical treatment overseas. After making another call to James to confirm the arrangements, I got the news the next morning. Christopher had already left the country, accompanied by medical profes
