Yohan's cabin was dimly lit with a sombre atmosphere. Ryan and Yohan sat across from each other, nursing glasses of whiskey.
Ryan lost in his thoughts, stared into the amber liquid in his glass, the pain of Gracie's absence etched in every line of his face.
Ryan took a long swig from his drink.
"Man, I just... I don't know what to do," Ryan's voice cracked with emotion, his eyes glassy from the alcohol and unshed tears.
"I miss her so damn much, Ricky," Ryan's voice quivered.
"She was the heartbeat of our home, Jimmy," Ryan's voice cracked with pain as he spoke, his eyes filled with tears. "Gracie kept everything running smoothly. Her smile... it lit up our lives. How am I supposed to go on without her?"
"You've got to stay strong, especially for Jemma."
Ryan wiped away a tear, a bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Jemma... she's lost, just like me. I don't know how to console her. She's shut herself off from everyo
Without second thoughts, he rushed into Jia's room adjacent to Sara's, only to find Sara gently patting Jia, who was fast asleep. "Shh, keep it down. Jia just nodded off," Sara hushed him as she hurriedly stood up. Ignoring her plea, Yohan grabbed her wrist and pulled her into her own bedroom. "Yohan, let go! Jimmy might see us," Sara protested as Yohan dragged her inside in a hurry. In the bedroom, Yohan pushed her against the door and planted a kiss on her lips. It was intense, but Sara quickly realized something was off; Yohan seemed tense and possessive. After a long kiss, Yohan held Sara close, resting his chin on her head. Sara sensed his rapid heartbeat and asked softly, "What's wrong?" "Ryan's still torn up about Gracie. He can't seem to move past it," he said, his voice weighed down. Sara noticed the fear in his eyes and locked gazes with him. "Yohan!" He gently cupped her face. "It terrifies me to even
Ryan strolled into the living room after seeing off Monica, and Judy remarked, "I really liked her. She's great with kids, isn't she?" "Jemma's back, probably starving," Ryan sighed, sensing Judy's intention. Judy signalled to a maid, "Let's get dinner started." Then, turning to Ryan, Judy intervened, "Ryan, don't you think Monica's right?" "What?" Ryan asked, puzzled by the sudden topic. "You never tied the knot with Gracie. Just look at yourself. You don't look like a dad to a sixteen-year-old girl. You're young and good-looking. Maybe it's time to consider settling down," Judy suggested gently. "Mom, seriously, I'm not in the mood to talk about marriage," Ryan replied, his tone determined. As Ryan began walking towards Jemma's room, Judy called out, "Stop right there, Ryan!" Turning back, Ryan faced his irate mother. "You've gone against our wishes enough. We've kept quiet and followed your lead all this time
Worry gnawed at Ryan's nerves when Jemma didn't return from the washroom for an extended period. With growing concern, he decided to check on her. Hustling to the washroom, he scanned the area but found it empty, devoid of any sign of Jemma. Anxiety crept in as he called out her name, hoping for a response. Ryan's heart sank, realizing that Jemma was nowhere to be found, leaving him deeply unsettled.Ryan searched the entire production house and the surrounding areas but couldn't locate Jemma. He repeatedly tried calling her, yet there was no answer. After a considerable time passed, he learned that Jemma had left the production house in tears quite some time ago.Worried and sick, Ryan decided to take action. He and Monica hopped into the car, scouring the roads in a desperate attempt to find Jemma. Despite their thorough search, Jemma was nowhere in sight. Feeling increasingly anxious, Ryan dialled his home number in hopes of finding Jemma there. Unfortunately, she w
Yohan swiftly caught Ryan's arm to prevent him from hitting Jemma. He shot a warning glare at Ryan and shook his head firmly, signalling him to stop, “Don’t dare to touch her.”Ryan turned away in a sudden panic."She needs to learn some manners. She's forgotten how to behave!" Judy shouted.Yohan turned to Ryan, asking, "Is what she's saying true?""Why are you asking him? Ask me! What's wrong with asking him to marry Monica?" Judy snapped. "We suggested he marry Monica. Monica loves Jemma dearly! Will my son stay single forever? We care for him too. Besides, you don't have parents pestering you to get hitched. You're already living with your mistress, what do you know about family?" she added accusingly.Sara lowered her head, tears welling in her eyes."Mom," Ryan interjected."I've had enough! Either marry Monica or I'll end my life!" Judy declared before storming out of the living room. Sara held Jemma's hand an
"Yeah," Jemma agreed softly, feeling a bit lighter having shared her pain."Thanks for not prying too much.""Of course," Jay said, dribbling the basketball absentmindedly. "Sometimes just being there helps. And hey, if you ever need someone to listen, I'm around.""Thanks," Jemma said, a small smile forming on her lips. "I appreciate it."They both fell silent for a moment, the sounds of the basketball hitting the court filling the air."You know," Jay finally said, breaking the quiet, "sometimes shooting hoops helps clear the head."His openness and genuine empathy surprised her. Jemma began to see a different side of Jay. Behind the tough exterior she had initially perceived, she found a caring and thoughtful person.They continued to talk for an hour, about everything and nothing, finding a strange sense of comfort in each other's presence. Jemma felt a sense of relief as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders after c
As dinner commenced, Monica took it upon herself to make sure Jemma ate well, continuously insisting just like Gracie used to, trying to replicate her caring nature. Daisy and Lio also engaged Jemma in affectionate conversations, reminiscing moments that reminded Jemma of her mother. These gestures made Jemma introspective, leaving her puzzled by the contradictory nature of Daisy and Lio's behaviour.Throughout the dinner, Ryan observed Jemma’s quiet and distant behaviour, noticing her struggle to connect with Monica and her children. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Jemma hadn’t entirely embraced Monica and her children, despite their efforts to make her feel welcomed.Despite the effort and warmth extended to her, Jemma still felt disconnected and out of place. She tried to force a smile, attempting to reciprocate their kindness, but her heart remained heavy.As the meal concluded, Jemma excused herself and retreated to her room. The laughter echoing from the living room felt
Eric chuckled softly, realizing the impact of his statement. "Your words are inspiring, and I feel as though I've found a friend." Sara, relieved by his clarification, responded warmly, "If that's the case, whenever you call, I'll definitely come." Eric leaned in a bit closer, a hint of insistence in his voice. "Then don’t go tonight. Let's go somewhere and grab dinner." Sara hesitated, unsure about the suddenness of the invitation. "Tonight…" Eric held her gaze, searching for her thoughts, "What’s wrong? Whenever I ask you out, why do you hesitate?" Sara attempted to explain. "It's not that... I…" Eric interrupted gently, his tone pleading, "You just said you'd come whenever I call. Now, I want you to come with me." Sara felt a mixture of emotions, torn between her desire to maintain professionalism and the allure of Eric's request. "I...I…" Eric continued to look into her eyes, a determined yet gentle expression on his face. "Come on, Sara. Let's spend some time togethe
One day…As time drifted into the night, the villa settled into a hushed rhythm, the children peacefully tucked into their beds. Sara cast a lingering glance around the quiet villa before her eyes fixed upon the closed door of the study room. Yohan, her husband, had vanished into that room upon arriving home, bypassing even a morsel of food. His behaviour had shifted subtly over the past few days, and an unsettling air of strain surrounded him.Tonight felt different. Sara's intuition nagged at her; something was amiss. Hesitantly, she approached the study door and gently rapped her knuckles against the wood. Silence greeted her, prompting another, firmer knock."Yohan," she called softly.A heavy, strained voice responded, "Come in."Pushing the door open cautiously, Sara was met with a sight that struck her heart with concern. Yohan sat solemnly near the dimly lit bar, a solitary figure amidst the shadows, nursing a glass of alcohol. The scent hung heavily in the air, mingling with
"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..