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Chapter 17
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2024-11-29 20:51:07Related chapters
A 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 : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 21
The next morning, Selena didn’t say much when Jessica woke up. At breakfast, however, she called me "darling" in a sweet, affectionate tone.Afterward, Jessica seemed in no hurry to leave and even asked if she could stay a couple more days.Ignoring my involvement, Jessica and Selena were best friends. There was no way Selena was going to turn her down. So, of course, she agreed. And as usual, she playfully demanded that I take on the responsibility of buying fresh ingredients every day to cook for them.I chuckled and reached out to pinch her cheek.Jessica sat there quietly with her head bowed, not saying a word. If she liked watching our display of affection, she was welcome to stay and enjoy the view!! Maybe after some time, she would give up.But I forgot—Jessica was stubborn when it came to her feelings.That evening, Selena had a work dinner and wouldn't be home for dinner. When I arrived in the hallway outside her apartment, Jessica stopped me.The autumn chill was settl
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 22
Jessica continued staying at Selena's place. When Samuel heard about the drama between the three of us, he couldn't help but comment, "Man, you've really gotten yourself into a mess."I just shrugged, feeling a bit helpless, and decided to ask him about Cameron.Samuel, always the gossip, wasted no time in immediately making a call to get the scoop. When he hung up, his face lit up with the smug satisfaction of someone who thought he had it all figured out.I rolled my eyes. "Stop acting like a weirdo. If you have something to say, just spit it out.""I think Jessica plans to drag this out. As long as she's in the picture, you and Selena will never get the peace you need to actually be together," Samuel replied, then smirked. "But I've got a brilliant idea to make it so that she will leave Selena's place of her own accord!"I scoffed. "Stop showing off. What's your plan?""I just found out that Cameron is coming back soon. I'll set something up for you to make Jessica throw her
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 23
As I sprinted out of the hallway, I shot Selena a quick message to explain what was going on.When I stepped outside, the sight that greeted me made my blood run cold. Cameron had grabbed Jessica by the chin, forcing her to look him in the eye. His grip was so tight that she winced, tears streaming down her face.Suddenly, Cameron let out a cold, mocking laugh. He leaned in and harshly said, "You're still going on about how you're just friends, huh? What a liar! You were with Sebastian for five years! I already knew a long time ago!"His face twisted in disgust as he continued, "Now, you want to play the pure, virtuous woman? Telling me the one you really love is Sebastian? You're a worthless woman, Jessica!""Get off me!" she shouted as she frantically shook her head.Seeing Cameron's face inch closer to hers, I charged forward, grabbing his collar and yanking him backwards with all my strength. He stumbled, falling hard to the ground.Jessica stood there with tears streaming do
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 24
"Like I said, she's just a worthless…"Cameron didn't get to finish his sentence.I was faster than him. As my fist slammed into his stomach, I yanked his tie with my other hand, pulling him closer. My hand was steady, my knuckles white, every muscle in my arm taut with rage.I spoke in a cold tone, warning, "Watch your mouth."Cameron grunted, his breath coming in gasps as he stumbled back against the wall and slid down. He curled in on himself, one hand clutching his stomach. My foot landed firmly on his shoulder as I stared down at him, my eyes icy and unforgiving. Slowly, I applied more pressure, watching as pain twisted his face.When a gentle person got angry, it was the most terrifying thing."She's been dealing with you for so many years. As a person, the one thing you should never betray is a sincere heart. I hope you two part ways peacefully. If I ever see you hit her again, I won't be so kind! And no matter how bad she is, a rotten person like you has no right to talk
Last Updated : 2024-11-29A Game of Hearts Chapter 25
"Sebastian, the one who's been the most pitiful all along is actually you!"I stared at Cameron, my mouth slightly open. "A bet?"His smirk deepened, and he almost seemed to glow with a sense of triumph."You didn't know, did you? Back then, you looked so clueless. Her friends made a bet, saying if she could get you to like her, she could make you do anything. You thought she was your savior all along, didn't you? Don't you feel ridiculous now?""Shut up, Cameron!" Jessica shouted. "Just shut up!"Her legs trembled as she weakly stood in place, her knuckles white from clenching too tightly. Her eyes were wide with panic as she looked at me, her chest heaving with each breath.In the cold, silent hallway, I simply stared at her. From the way she looked now, it felt like I was seeing the fearless girl from the past, the one who always stood in front of me.I remembered how she looked when we were sixteen. She had bent down slightly with a smile, saying she would make sure her cous
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
