Sara turned around, gently pushing him away as she saw his struggle to control himself. "Have you finished your work?" she asked.
"No," he admitted, "I'm just craving you."
Sara hesitated, her gaze worried. "Yohan, Jimmy will be done with his classes. I need to go pick him up."
Yohan sighed, "You don't have to. Just get ready for dinner. He'll be here soon."
"Did you send Jack to pick him up?" Sara asked.
Yohan moved a strand of her hair from her shoulder and tried to bury his face in her neck. Sara pushed him away gently. "Yohan, don’t start."
He held her in his arms and looked deeply into her eyes. "You're beautiful."
Sara blushed and lowered her head, placing her palms on his chest. "Why don't you wear one of the dresses from the collection I bought for you? Many of them are still untouched."
Despite all the hardships they had faced, Yohan had never thrown away her things.
Sara hesitated, "It's been a long time
"Wow!" Yohan and Noah exclaimed in unison, both of them entranced by Sara's beauty. Noah let go of Yohan's hand and rushed over to Sara, his face reflecting sheer amazement."Mom, you're stunning today! That dress is incredible. Why don't you wear such dresses for my birthday party anymore?" Noah asked, his eyes wide with surprise.Sara hesitated and glanced at Yohan, who stood there with his hands in his pockets, gazing at her intently.Sara placed her hand on Noah's cheek and smiled warmly. "You look handsome, too.""Am I? But look at Uncle. He's stealing the show," Noah remarked.Sara bit her lip, fully appreciating Yohan's exceptional handsomeness as she had countless times before. She couldn't help but think about how incredibly alluring he would look while proposing to her."Let's get going," she suggested while blushing.The three of them climbed into the car, with Sara in the back seat, Yohan driving, and Noah seated beside Yo
Yohan, in a sombre mood, returned to the master bedroom. He hung his blazer on a stand and made his way to the bar counter, seeking solace in the bottle of whisky. To his side, he placed the ring box, a symbol of the emotions that swirled within him.Meanwhile, Sara couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts about the ring and the unspoken question. Clad in the same dress, she entered the master bedroom, her eyes locked on Yohan. She gently closed the door behind her, and as their eyes met, Yohan put down his glass of whisky and walked toward her, his gaze intense.Yohan's hands cradled her lovely face, and their lips met in a passionate and heated kiss.At midnight…As the snow gently fell outside, the world beyond the glass wall was cloaked in a serene blanket of white. Sara stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing at the soft, moonlit landscape, her silhouette a beautiful contrast against the snowy backdrop. The room was bathed in a warm,
Noah roused from his slumber, he swiftly prepared himself for his morning exercise routine before heading to his mother's room. With a gentle kiss on her cheeks, he made his way out of her room. To his pleasant surprise, he found Yohan waiting for him, as they had routinely begun their exercise sessions together.Sara woke up. She went about her morning routine, including preparing breakfast for both of them. As Noah and Yohan completed their exercises and freshened up, they gathered around the dining table for a hearty breakfast.After finishing their meal, Yohan dropped Noah off at school and proceeded to the office, leaving Sara alone in the October Villa. With some time to herself, Sara seized the opportunity to tidy up Yohan's room, determined to rid it of any remnants of his struggles. She carefully disposed of all the syringes and discarded drugs. Sara had a strong desire to rid the villa of all the alcohol bottles, but the sheer size of the bars and the numerou
Yohan was sitting in the cold water-filled bathtub, his knees pulled up to his stomach, and his hands covering his ears. He appeared to be in a state of immense agony, and the sight of him in such distress filled Sara with fear and sorrow. She knew something was terribly wrong. Her voice quivered as she called out to him in panic, "Yohan... Yohan..." Yohan remained unresponsive, his body trembling, and his ears covered with his hands as he curled into a ball. Sara couldn't wait any longer. She stepped into the bathtub, joining him in the cold water, and grasped his face with her trembling hands. She pleaded with him, "Yohan... what's wrong? Look at me, please. Tell me what's happening." Yohan's eyes slowly met Sara's, revealing his torment, yet he remained unable to articulate the depth of his suffering. He wasn't himself; it appeared he was in agony due to the lack of drugs. Despite her persistent efforts, Yohan remained in the water, writhing and st
In the study room…Bruno and Natalie settled on the couch, while Yohan stood by the glass wall, his cigarette in hand. Sara positioned herself behind Bruno and Natalie. Noah was engrossed in playing video games in the living room.Bruno inquired, "What's going on? Why have you gathered us like this?""I've reached a decision, and I need both of your consent before I proceed," Yohan explained, taking a drag from his cigarette.Bruno retorted, "Since when do you seek permission for your decisions?"Yohan responded, "It's about Sara."The room held the secret that Sara was Bruno and Natalie's daughter, and out of respect for their rights, Yohan wanted to involve them in any decisions related to Sara.Yohan continued, "I want to marry her."Sara's head hung low, and Bruno and Natalie exchanged astonished glances."Jimmy will have a tough time accepting this relationship. That's why I want this marriage to be a secret
Noah went to Yohan's study room and knocked on the door. Yohan's deep voice responded, "Come in." Noah entered the room, seeing Yohan seated behind his desk."Mom said you wanted to talk to me," Noah said, taking a seat in front of Yohan.Yohan, in a caring tone, began the conversation, "I heard you don't have any friends in your school. Are you enjoying school, or would you like me to do something?"Noah's expression became a bit downcast. He replied, "I don't need friends, Uncle."Yohan continued, "Everyone needs a trustworthy friend in their life. I had your father. I have Ryan. Your mother has Gracie. You have Jemma."Noah interjected, "But she's no longer at my school."Yohan proposed, "What if you go to her school?"Noah's eyes lit up, "Really?"Yohan responded, "If you want to go abroad and study at Jemma's school, I can arrange it."Noah hesitated, "But... I don't want to leave you and Mom either. Mom will be sad
Yohan took a deep sip of wine and remained silent for a while.Ryan added, "It's a tough situation, I know. But kids are resilient. He might understand when he's a bit older."Yohan sighed, "I hope so. It's just... I want to do what's best for him."In Jemma's room…Noah and Jemma were busy packing her bags for her upcoming departure.As Jemma carefully folded her clothes, she hesitated when it came to her undergarments. She glanced at Noah, who was helping her, and felt a bit self-conscious.Noah, being just ten years old, didn't fully grasp the reason for Jemma's hesitation. He tried to understand, his brow furrowing slightly. "Is there something wrong with your underwear?" he asked innocently.“No… No, it’s not that…” Jemma tried to explain.Noah's eyes held an innocent curiosity as he tilted his head. “I can see. Don’t try to hide it behind your back. Why don’t you pu
Jemma and Noah flew abroad in Yohan's private jet. Both of them were exceptional students from the start, with Noah gaining a reputation in school for his intelligence.One day…Noah and his classmates were playing football on the field when Jemma arrived with her friends. Noah's skill on the football field, his quick thinking, and his good looks caught the attention of girls, even those older than him.Seeing Jemma there, Noah winked at her and started playing football.When the football game ended, the girls and players dispersed. Noah approached Jemma, and she handed him a napkin. As Noah wiped his face, he asked, "Why did your friends leave you?""They have class.""You're not attending class?""I stopped by to tell you that Mrs. Venenza was looking for you. Go and meet her.""Alright, I'll go. You should get to your class."As Jemma turned to leave, Noah noticed a red spot on her skirt. He called out, "Wait,
"How... How is that possible? I remember, we chatted the morning I got attacked. You were the one telling me the baby was all healthy. What the hell happened?" "Maybe it's just my rotten luck, Jemma. But seeing you with Sunny, I can't help but be grateful you made it through and had a healthy baby." "Oh, Jia..." Jemma enveloped her in a tight hug, both women clinging to each other as tears flowed freely. Meanwhile, Noah reached the October Villa. As he approached, Yohan shot him a glare colder than a snowstorm. "Dad... Mom..." Noah greeted them, his eyes darting around to gauge the situation. Sunny was playing with Yohan. Noah swallowed hard, sensing trouble. "How can you be so careless, Jimmy? Why'd you let Jemma come here alone at this hour? You know the danger's not over yet," Sara scolded, her tone edged with worry. "Mom, I didn't want her to come, but she insisted..." "You're avoiding the situation, Jimmy. You can't change the past, but you shouldn't be dodging what's happ
"Jimmy, it's been days. I want to see her and the baby. What's the big deal?"He sighed, "I promise, we'll go later. I just need to sort some things out first."Jemma, growing more anxious, insisted, "But I've been waiting, Jimmy. I can't wait any longer. What's going on?"Noah, worried about her mental state, softened his tone, "Listen, babe. Trust me, I'll take you to see Jia, okay? I don't want to rush into things."Jemma, feeling a pang of doubt, couldn't hold back, "Are you hiding something from me? Why won't you just take me?""No, Jemma, it's not like that.""Jimmy..." her eyes turned tearful."Okay. I'll take you out to dinner tonight, at October Villa. Jia's staying there, and we can see her afterward. Deal?"Jemma hesitated for a moment, then agreed, "Okay, dinner it is. But you better not forget about it.Noah smiled, relieved that he had managed to divert her attention, "I won't. Now, let me get going, okay?"Jemma agreed, watching him leave for the office. As the door clo
Noah trudged back from work, the day's burdens still hanging on his shoulders. Opening the bedroom door, he caught sight of Jemma singing a lullaby to Sunny in her sweet voice. Emotions surged within him, and he quietly closed the door, not wanting to disturb their tender moment.Sinking into the living room couch, Noah leaned back with a heavy sigh. Guilt and regret enveloped him as he grappled with the reality of their situation. Conflicting emotions swirled as he recognised the joy in Jemma's happiness but couldn't shake the haunting feeling that everything was amiss.Jemma placed Sunny in the cot and, on her way to the kitchen for water, found Noah sitting in the dimly lit living room, a cigarette in one hand and a glass of whisky in the other. She touched his shoulder, and he opened his eyes, extinguishing the cigarette and placing the glass on the table."Tired?" she asked.Noah sighed deeply, rubbing the gap between his eyes. "Is Sunny asleep?"Jemma nodded, her palm on his che
The next morning dawned, casting a feeble light across the hospital room. The oxygen mask, a constant companion in her struggle for breath, had been removed, leaving her vulnerable in the stark hospital room.As Jemma slowly opened her eyes, the sterile scent of the hospital greeted her senses. Her gaze fell on Noah, sitting at the edge of the bed, his face etched with a mixture of exhaustion and sorrow. Desperation flickered in her eyes, and as she tried to speak, her voice emerged as a raspy whisper, "Jimmy... where's our baby?"Noah's heart clenched at the question, the weight of the unspoken truth hanging heavily in the air. He hesitated, avoiding her gaze, and gently urged, "Jemma, just take it easy. You need to rest."But Jemma, fueled by a mother's instinct and the gnawing fear that something was amiss, persisted, "Jimmy, please, where's our baby? Why won't you tell me?"His throat tightened with the burden of the truth he wasn't ready to share. Trying to divert her attention,
In the quiet aftermath, the doctor delivered a bittersweet message – Jia had given birth to a healthy baby boy, and she was fine. The family found themselves torn between joy for the new life and grief for the loss of Jemma's child. The terrace became a haven for Noah, who stood near the railing, his hands tucked into his pockets, gazing into the vast darkness.Jacob approached silently, standing beside him.Noah's shoulders slumped, burdened by the weight of the night. Understanding the unspoken unrest, Jacob placed a hand on Noah's shoulder."It's tough, Jimmy," Jacob finally said.Noah remained silent, still lost in the abyss of his thoughts."It's okay, Jimmy. It's not your mistake." Jacob added."You shouldn't have brought Jia here," Noah mumbled."I couldn't lie to her, and... I couldn't stop her," Jacob replied."How's she?" Noah asked, his voice strained."She's fine. Delivery went smoothly, not too hard on her. It's life.""How's the baby?" Noah's voice caught in his throat.
On a lovely evening, Jemma, bored at home, craved ice cream. Spontaneously, she called her driver and headed to the best ice cream spot. The cool sweetness lifted her spirits, turning a mundane evening into a delight.As Jemma indulged in her favourite ice cream, she decided to tease Noah, ignoring his earlier warnings about venturing out alone. Clueless about the impending twist in her evening, she initiated a video call, capturing the picturesque scene of her enjoying the sweet treat.Noah's face lit up when he saw Jemma's call, and his initial joy was evident as he glimpsed her savouring the ice cream. A smile played on his lips. However, his expression shifted when he noticed the unfamiliar surroundings and the people bustling behind her.Concern etched across his face, Noah interrupted her playful banter. "Jemma, where are you? You're not at home, are you?" he asked, his voice betraying a mix of worry and irritation.Jemma, still in her carefree mood, laughed, "Relax, Jimmy! Just
Yohan looked straight into her eyes, "Your mother didn't make a mistake giving birth to you and your brother. Being a mother ain't a mistake. The real mistake is not being able to bring a child into the world. And you didn't make a mistake wanting to bring life into this world."Jia lowered her head, tears welling up."He's a good guy. I'm proud of you."Jia rested her head on his shoulder, and he tightened his grip on her hand, patting it with his other hand."Jimmy's mad at him, not at you or your child. They're buddies. They'll figure it out.""Thanks, Dad."…Noah stepped out of the bathroom, catching sight of Jemma massaging her own feet. With a quick stride, he approached her."What are you doing? Lie down," he insisted, guiding her to lean back onto the bed. Noah grabbed a cushion, placing it behind her for support. Carefully, he lifted her leg, settling it on his thigh, and started massaging it gently.Jemma looked at him deeply, a gentle smile playing on her lips, radiating w
"Jimmy, just hear me out. It's true. It's Jacob, but...""I don't want to hurt you. Back off," he warned, and Sara covered her mouth in shock at the revelation."Mom, get her out of here," Noah yelled at his stunned mother. Jemma wasn't giving up, clinging to his arms to stop him."Jimmy, please... don't be so furious. At least try to understand. We can talk.""Jemma..." his dark eyes sent shivers down her spine, and she realized the magnitude of his anger.In the bedroom, as Jia and Jacob heard Noah's furious voice, Jia clutched Jacob's hand in fear. "Jacob...""Don't worry, I'll talk to him. Let me go.""No... no... please... please, Jacob..."Jacob gently released his hand from her grip and stepped out of the bedroom. Noah caught sight of him, and his anger surged."Freaking scoundrel!" Ignoring Jemma, he shoved her aside and lunged at Jacob."Jimmy... Jimmy..." Jemma screamed, almost drowned out by the chaos.Jacob attempted, "Jimmy, let's talk, okay.""I'll kill you!" But Noah un
"You won't do anything to him, brother. Please..." Jia approached him in fear."I'll kill that coward, Jia," Noah gritted his teeth, eyes blazing with anger."He's not a coward, brother.""This is pure cowardice. Who the hell leaves you in such a condition?" he shouted angrily."No brother, don't do anything to him. Please... he was going to tell you...""When? After the baby's born? It's been seven fucking months, Jia!" he screamed, shaking her. Jemma approached Jia, holding her shoulders, and said to Noah, "Jimmy, don't scare her. We can talk calmly.""I'm warning you, Jemma. Ask her who he is or get her ready to see his dead body in twenty-four hours."Saying that, he stormed out of the apartment furiously, leaving everyone shocked and scared. Jia sobbed, holding Jemma's hands, "Jemma... please... tell brother not to do anything to him... please... Jemma...""Calm down... calm down, Jia... don't cry... I'll talk to him."Jia rushed to Sara, stumbling into her legs, "Mom... please..