Everything Zoe did, Jay would know all too well…Zoe froze just then.By the way, why did he not stop her?"Actually, Jay has been good to you. If you're still into him, you should—""Hold it," Zoe stopped Quinn right then. "Absolutely impossible. Not on my life.""You're really petty," Quinn said, speechless."Revenge is a dish best served hot.""It's 'revenge is a dish best served cold', girly.""It's the same," Zoe replied nonchalantly. "Anyway, I'm hanging up. I need to get some rest.""It's actually fine. Who knows, Jay might be enjoying it…"Zoe hung up right then.Quinn was such a pervert—she had really changed after three years!Zoe put away her phone, noticing then that Yelena was still beside her.Yelena always made a ruckus, but she was now so silent Zoe completely forgot about her.So… she said a lot of child unfriendly stuff, did she not?"Mommy, are you done with your call?" Yelena asked."Yeah.""Can I use your phone?" Yelena's eyes were wide with expect
Clara was even more surprised just then. "Why do you want to call Mr. Parker?"Did Yelena know Jay?"I want to call him," Yelena said, blinking her wide, innocent eyes at Clara. "Can't you help me, Grandma?"Clara certainly could not refuse her adorable granddaughter and did not ask further since she presumed it to be a child's whim.She scrolled through Zoe's contacts and soon found it, then asked Yelena, "Do you want to call him now?""Not now. I'll write down the number for now," Yelena said."Okay," Clara simply thought that the little girl was having fun, as she always did—adults could never understand the games children played anyway.Clara wrote down the number for Yelena on a piece of paper. Yelena happily took it and said, "Thank you, Grandma."Clara patted Yelena's little head, while Yelena slipped the number in her pocket and took Zoe's phone back to Zoe's room. Zoe was still in bed, unable to fall asleep. She saw Yelena gingerly entering, worried about waking her
Clara kept her distance from Yelena, watching as Yelena arrived at the gates of the kindergarten, only turning to leave after seeing Yelena greet the kindergarten teachers.She had left chicken soup simmering on the stove and was not worried since Yelena was with the teachers now. However, she did not stop to check if Yelena actually went inside the kindergarten before going.And Yelena was certainly sharp—once she saw that her grandmother was gone, she quickly told the teachers, "Teacher, I need to tell Grandma something.""Okay, Yelena. Make sure to come back once you're done," the teacher told her mildly.There were many other children arriving just then as well, so she stopped paying attention to Yelena soon.Yelena used the opening to head straight to the main road, hailing a cab—that was what her mommy and grandma always did when they went shopping.One soon stopped beside her, and it took her all her strength to open the door and jump into the car with her little feet be
After hanging up, Yelena's tearful face was quickly replaced by a broad grin.The cabbie could not help smiling when he saw her reaction—children never could hide their delight.At the same time, he could not help wondering whose adorable daughter she was… Any daddy would definitely love to have her.Meanwhile, at the studio, Jay was a little distracted after receiving the call in the middle of rehearsals.He used to be able to stay immune from everything while he directed various projects, but he was spacing out a few times."Mr. Parker?" His assistant prodded him just then.Jay quickly came to his senses and was left staring at Zoe.Zoe frowned—why was he looking at her? She was not messing up.Nonetheless, Jay said, "Keep rehearsing. I'm stepping away for a moment for a little errand—I'll review your performances later."And with that, he left, his cane thudding in his wake.However, the actors were in an uproar after he was gone."What's gotten into the director?" Candic
Yelena's wounded look tenderized Jay's heart, and he asked, "Your name is Yelena?""Yes, Daddy." Yelena quickly nodded."Are you Zoe York's daughter?" Jay's heart was pounding hard even as he asked it.He certainly saw Yelena the other night, recognizing that she was the same girl at that restaurant who kept calling him daddy.Though he appeared nonchalant to see her then, there may well be a maelstrom in his heart.Zoe had a daughter? If so, who was the father?!The thought that he might be left Jay almost overwhelmed, and there were times when he wanted to call Zoe and ask, but he did not know what to say.In fact, the issue had left him troubled the whole of yesterday, only for Yelena to come looking for him.In reality, he more or less had the answer in his mind, but was still nervous about it nonetheless."Yes, Zoe is my mommy." Yelena nodded and noticed the terrible look on his face then. "What's wrong, Daddy?"Jay's heart had started pounding without control, and he
Jay quickly took Clara's number from Yelena's bag and called it. "Hello? I'm Jay Parker.""Mr. Parker?!" Clara was obviously surprised, unsure why he would call her and most importantly, how he had her number."Yelena is with me—""What?!" Clara cried out in agitation before Jay could finish."Please calm down. She's safe with me.""I'm fine, Grandma. I'm with Daddy," Yelena chimed in."Daddy? What daddy?" Clara was even more perplexed."Anyway, Yelena came looking for me, and I agreed to play with her," Jay said. "Don't worry—I'll take good care of her.""O-Okay. Thank you," Clara did not ask further questions, since there would only be more confusion talking through the phone.She would just have to ask Yelena when she returned. "By the way, please don't tell Zoe since she might be busy with rehearsals. I'll bring Yelena home later," Jay added."Okay.""See you," he said and hung up politely. "Are you really spending the day with me, Daddy?" Yelena asked nervously, b
Moreover, it had been several days since Jay had an actual rehearsal with his group of actors, so time was short.And yet, he suddenly just upped and vanished, which left everyone baffled.It only caused further confusion when he asked everyone to rehearse until past 8 PM before leaving.What was this abuse of authority?! The man walked out on them but denied them the chance to slack off too?!Even Zoe, who knew Jay for years, could only say that he was just behaving very weirdly today.But it was not like she could tell what he was intending anyway.- Eventually, it was 7 PM—Jay was ready to send Yelena home after playing with her for an entire day, though not before buying her a grand feast.Yelena was doleful when they returned to the car, however, and she asked Jay, "Can we see each other again, Daddy?""Of course.""When will that be?" Yelena asked."Hmm. I'll be busy the next few days. Once I'm done, I'll come get you, okay?""Okay. I'll be waiting for you, Daddy,"
Yelena nodded tamely. "I'm sure. Mommy told me before."Clara was left utterly baffled right then. What was going on between Jay and Zoe? Zoe must have gotten pregnant here in North City the last time they were here…Forget it.An old woman like her was only too aware that the young people could handle their own issues.All she had to do was raise Yelena well, so that Yelena was pretty and happy every day, and she would be content to no end with that.-Meanwhile, over at the capital, Cordy was having a discussion with Sean about Jesse.Their grandfather was still in ICU and had yet to regain consciousness, but the doctors were hopeful, telling them that they should not give up since he might wake up at the next instant.However, it was still demoralizing that they did not have solid numbers.Still, Sean suddenly asked Cordy, "Why do I have this feeling that you're a little distracted?"Cordy pursed her lips—she certainly was. She must admit that she was thinking about Jo
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