John thought to himself that Cordy should be sweet-talking him instead of asking about Jessica! Still, he nodded. "Yeah." "What's the relationship there?" Cordy asked bluntly—after she had that misunderstanding with John and Zoe, she had decided to ask about everything since."Our grandfathers were comrades in the war and close friends, often keeping in touch even though we lived in different cities. My grandfather especially loved to visit them, so he brought me to Stuart Hall in Rocktown on many occasions. As for Jessica Stuart, she's…"John trailed off as he searched for the right word, and Cordy raised a brow. "Your childhood friend?""No." John denied it. "More like the girl next door."The girl next door?! That felt way more ambiguous than necessary!John then continued, "Anyway, when my grandfather sent me abroad for studies, William Stuart—her grandfather—sent her abroad as well. After we graduated from university, I worked on expanding Levine Ventures in foreign mar
As Cordy rode the elevator upstairs to her apartment, the doors eventually revealed Zoe leaning against Cordy's door. Zoe’s face was red.She was clearly drunk. Cordy quickly went up to her. "Zoe?"Zoe was clearly muddled even as she opened her eyes, on the verge of tears when she saw Cordy. "You're finally back.""What are you doing here?" Cordy asked. "You're really drunk, too.""Shooting ended early today, so I went drinking with some friends," Zoe replied, her breath stinking of alcohol.How much did she drink, really?!"With Quinn?" Cordy asked."No, she's too busy and went on a business trip anyway. I went with other friends… Burp! Drinking buddies," Zoe said, and belched. Zoe certainly knew that Quinn was not that unreliable. Still, she quickly opened the door and helped Zoe inside, asking, "Why didn't you call me if you're out here?""Dear John would murder me if I disturbed your date," Zoe said, and she began to retch. Cordy quickly helped her to the bathroom,
The eye-catching title was written large and bold: [Meet Jay Parker, Zoe York's Rumored Lover!]Cordy watched as Zoe's fingers shook, and she quickly took out her phone as well to read the article.The article gave a simple recap of the scandal on Zoe before, and now confirmed the relationship between Zoe and Jay. They even went out of their way to mention that Mandy Jessop was originally the female lead for Pomp and Circumstance, but the role was ultimately given to Zoe.Fueled by speculation, the relationship was no different from confirmed.Cordy tapped on the photos attached to the article, where Zoe and Jay were keeping their distance from each other. Even though the photos were taken quite far away, one could tell that they were arguing.The article simply posited it as them getting upset from getting photographed, causing the scandal before.Still, it was not surprising that the media would be convinced that Jay was the one from the photos censored with mosaic before. Anyo
Looking up at Cordy just then, Zoe asked, "You must be curious as to how John ended up bringing Dicky home, aren't you?"Cordy nodded, and Zoe gave her an 'I-knew-it' look. "Of course he doesn't tell you a thing."In reality, Cordy simply did not ask. At the same time, Zoe searched her memory and said, "John was twenty-one when Dicky was brought home… and by our grandfather, at that. Actually, John did not even know that he had a kid, but as for how our grandfather knows? Let's just say he's omnipotent and leave it at that. Anyway, I remembered that John was still abroad when our grandfather came home with Dicky, and I overheard him speaking over the phone that the mother abandoned Dicky at the hospital after delivering him, so our grandfather brought him back."Cordy felt a pain in her chest.Although John had told her that Richard's mother had abandoned him, she was still stunned to find out that Richard was abandoned at birth.The very thought left her suffocating, just as sh
Zoe nodded and said earnestly, "Cordy, you're so nice. John's lucky to have met you."Cordy became a little embarrassed by Zoe's words. In reality, she was lucky to have met John too."Thank goodness Dicky's mother was blind, or I'd never have such a nice cousin-in-law," Zoe said, continuing her flattery. "Just sleep," Cordy urged Zoe with a smile, and then hurried off to the bathroom.Zoey watched as Cordy left, her smile slowly fading.She wondered just then if women had to meet scumbags before meeting their prince. Even Cordy had to run into one like Kyle Jessop.As for herself, Jay was more than enough.-Zoe was woken by her phone's ringtone early the next morning, and seeing who it was, she answered with a groan. "Linda, didn't I tell you that Jay Parker would handle it? We just have to wait, so don't bother me already…""He just made an announcement," Linda said bluntly.Zoe promptly sat up on bed, wide awake right then.Cordy was woken by Zoe too, and she rose to fi
Zoe said nothing, because she had no wish to do so.Linda seemed to sense her displeasure, and she was convinced that Mandy had stolen Jay from Zoe.Still, she sighed. Given Mandy and Jay's influence, Zoe would just have to take this bullet."There's plenty of good men in showbiz, not just Jay Parker," Linda said to comfort Zoe. "Also, the studio is planning to send a statement of support for their relationship, since they both announced it on their respective social accounts. Is that acceptable to you?"They were certainly considerate of Zoe's feelings."It's your call," Zoe simply said. "Alright, then take the day off," Linda told her. "I'll apply for a day's leave for you.""Yeah," Zoe replied, and hung up.She then read through updates on Mandy, who most recently tweeted on her personal account: [Jay and I have been dating for a while. Things are fine between us, and it will only get better from here. Thanks for everyone's concern.] There was even a photo of her and Jay,
But if Jay did not like Zoe, why would he sacrifice himself for Zoe's sake?"Things are complicated between them," John explained. "I'm keeping the details confidential for Jay since Jay is my friend and elder, but the bottom line is that they can't be together."Cordy was actually annoyed that John was openly keeping something from her.Still, John suddenly gave in. "It's not as if I can't tell you…"Cordy, however, did not believe that John was that agreeable. Especially considering his cunning nature!"But since this concerns my family's privacy, I'm afraid I can't reveal it to someone outside the family. That said, you'll have the right to know everything if you marry me."John said it as if it was only natural, leaving Cordy speechless.She already wanted to comment on Alan Levine being as devious as a snake, but it seemed now that the Levines were all a nest of vipers."Anyway," John continued. "Zoe can sleep over at your place for a few days. I'll tell her to move out on
Even before Noel spoke to Cordy, Mandy arrived, escorted by a handful of assistants, and she immediately scoffed at Cordy. "Oh, the world is so small… To think that we'd run into you here."Cordy was actually surprised that Mandy was a part of this.Still, she soon remembered that Solo Show could never get current A-listers. All they had were either former stars whose popularities were fading, or actresses who were at best B-listers. And since the designers were newcomers or even amateurs, there was no popularity to be gained for real stars here.Naturally, Cordy simply ignored Noel and Mandy, since there was nothing to be said to them.But just as she was about to leave, Mandy laughed with utter disdain. "Cordy Sachs! Anyone can take pride in themselves, but always beware that it doesn't become vanity. Aren't you afraid of humiliating yourself in front of one billion people across the country?!""Shouldn't you be more concerned about yourself, Ms. Jessop?" Cordy retorted. "I know
Soon, another nurse emerged from the delivery room with a small bundle. "Is the mother's family here?""Yes!" John exclaimed loudly."The delivery was successful," the nurse said. "The baby weighs eight pounds—""How is she?" John asked in agitation, not caring about the child."She's fine. The doctor is just helping her clean up and she'll be out soon," the nurse replied.As John breathed a sigh of relief, the nurse reminded him, "Aren't you the father? Here's your child."John took the baby off her arms, staring at her for a moment as the others flocked around him. "Oh, she's so fair!" Zoe could not help exclaiming. "That's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.""Are you saying that your son's ugly?" Bob teased."To be honest, yeah," Zoe replied without thinking.Jay cleared his throat—even if it was a subjective opinion, it still hurt to have his own baby called ugly."Let me carry her," Zoe volunteered just then, and John did not hesitate to hand her his baby.As Zoe
"What?!" Zoe exclaimed in shock.Beside them, John's face fell despite being usually stoic.Still, even before anyone could react, he scooped Cordy up in his arms and left.Zoe did not hesitate to follow, but Jay reminded her, "We're the hosts, Zoe.""Don't care." Zoe was completely unconcerned. "Ask my mom and your sister to handle the guests. I'm going with Cordy!"Jay hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow since there was no reasoning with Zoe.Sam and Quinn also realized that something was out of place.As they pulled away reluctantly, Bob shouted from below, "If you're done kissing, we're going to the hospital! Cordy's going into labor!"Quinn hurried after them as soon as she hurt, but Sam caught her. "Slow down. We can catch up."In fact, most of the guests were leaving as well—it was as if the banquet for Zoe's son was actually intended for everyone else.The poor boy was certainly unlucky to have such unreliable parents!-As everyone rushed to the hospit
"I'm swelling from my pregnancy," Quinn explained. "It's not your fault."Sam was left staring at her for a while before asking, "So, what should I do?""I'll put it on when I slim down.""Oh." Sam was a little disappointed, since he had always dreamed of having her put on the ring he had custom made.But this was fine—they had all the time they needed, and the most important thing for him is that Quinn was marrying him!He rose to his feet just then, and everyone was cheering as soon as he did. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"Quinn blushed right then, and Sam could see that she was embarrassed.He did not want to make things awkward for her, even if he was quite eager at the moment.Heaven knows how much he missed that night's drunken fumble they had. In fact, during the times he remembered it in dreams, he had to wash his pants when he woke up.Still, just as he took Quinn's hand and started to leave, he felt a softness on his lips—Quinn was kissing him! Sam's heart pounded thunderous
Everyone waited patiently for the final outcome.Quinn's eyes were welling up with tears, threatening to gush if she so much as blinked.She did her best to hold back her tears—to be strong!Sam pursed his lips in turn, his Adam's apple bobbing.A long while passed, and it felt like a century for Quinn when she finally heard him say, "Yes."Quinn's tears started falling in happiness as Sam declared loudly, "I'll marry you, Quinn—it's what I've always wanted to do! I won't let you go even if you regret it eventually! You only get to be with me, and I'll never let any other man claim you! I'll become very overbearing… eventually!""I won't regret it," Quinn said, determined.She certainly would not regret marrying him!Zoe walked up to them with perfect timing just then, and Sam did a double take.He finally remembered that Zoe was the host of this luncheon and was going to leave with Quinn when Zoe whipped out a small red velvet box."You know what's in here, don't you?" Zoe a
However, Sam had already pushed Quinn away before she could tell him. But even if he did not love her or did not want to be with her, she would never stay with Ryan.She had been disappointed in Sam, wondering why he would give up so easily.Was she that unimportant to him?Therefore, if it were not for Zoe and Cordy showing her that video or telling her so much, she would never have known that he loved her for years…Sam's heart ached even as he looked into Quinn's tearful eyes.He reached out a hand, but soon withdrew it—would he not burden her?Even so, it hurt to restrain himself as he watched her, and he was actually getting the feeling that Quinn loved him…But she already had Ryan's child…Well, he was fine with that, as long as the child was Quinn's.But would she not mind?"I will marry you, Sam," Quinn said slowly and clearly then. "Not because you're a good man, not because you prepared so much for me, and not because of how much you prepared for me, but because I
Everyone in the hall was staring at Sam and Quinn, while Quinn took center stage, staring fixedly at Sam.He stood in the middle of the crowd, watching her silently.She in turn felt fear that he would turn and leave, just as she did not know if she had the courage to stand before him again and to declare her feelings for him in front of so many others.Nonetheless, amid the deafening silence, Sam suddenly walked toward the stage.His pace was slow as if his feet were made of lead, but he was also unusually determined.Quinn's heart raced uncontrollably right then!Everyone else was watching them nervously, especially Cordy and Zoe, with the latter being especially concerned that the cowardly Sam would bail.Fortunately, he was a man who showed responsibility. He would not leave Quinn alone and embarrassed.Hence, as everyone looked on, Sam stood before Quinn, his gaze flickering as their eyes met.He gulped ever so slightly, his emotions clearly ruffled even as he did his bes
The guests were encouraging, loudly asking, "Why?!""Because of a woman," Sam's recording replied."Who is it?""Quinn Summer," the Sam on the screen said slowly and clearly, leaving the Sam who was in the hall stunned.What the hell?! That was the proposal video he prepared before! Why did it show up here? Did Zoe make a mistake?!He knew it—leave anything to Zoe, and she would mess it up!He started striding toward the stage, intent on stopping the recording, when John and Bob intercepted him with a look of utter guilt while the recording continued. "Quinn is my wife, and we've been married for years, but I've never really loved her—not because I don't, but because I'm afraid to. I feel too insignificant in comparison to the one she loves, so I'd always hurt her… painfully and childishly. I regret that so much now, Quinn. How could I have abandoned you for so long because of my own jealousy? I'd rather hold you in my sleep every night, but my damned pride denied me that for y
At the banquet hall, Jay and Zoe were thanking their guests with their children in their arms.Then, Zoe announced excitedly, "Please give my best friend, who is also my son's godmother, a warm applause as she comes on stage!"Sam stood at a corner of the hall, watching as Quinn walked up the stage, only realizing just then that her belly was clearly swelling despite her baggy clothes.Time flies—he had not left that long ago, but she and Ryan already had a child.She was not worried about giving him a stroke, was she?He watched as Quinn took the mic and looked around below searching, seemingly searching.After a while, he thought she was looking at him, but by the time he looked up, she had already turned away.Maybe she was looking for Ryan before remembering that Ryan was not there?Nonetheless, Quinn spoke into the mic, saying, "I'm honored to be chosen as the godmother to Zoe's son, and she's been saying he'd be engaged to my child if it's a girl. I already love my godson
As their eyes met, Sam turned frantic and averted his. "Of course.""Really?" Quinn asked."Would I lie to you?" Sam asked a little grumpily."And you didn't bring her back?" Quinn asked."I'm on a schedule, and it'd be taxing for her if I bought her along," Sam said, making things up as he went along. "I'll bring her along when things are less busy.""Is she pretty?" Quinn pressed."What, have I ever picked an ugly one?" Sam snorted smugly. "You know I prefer curvaceous types, and there are plenty of those abroad.""Do you have a photo?"Sam was silent for a while and eventually said, "Yeah.""Can I see it?""What, does she have to pass your assessment?""Just curious about the girl who can tempt you to settle down," Quinn replied. "You'd be humbled." Sam hastily came up with an excuse."I won't," Quinn said, determined."You'll see her when I bring her home." Sam refused nonetheless."I would like to see a photo now.""No, she's not that photogenic. It'd be slander a