Days passed…Jemma and Jay were at the basketball court, as usual.Jay shuffled his feet, looking kind of nervous. He kept eyeing Jemma, who was shooting hoops like a boss. He finally gathered some courage and walked over, a red rose hidden behind his back."Jemma!" he called out, trying to act cool but totally failing.Jemma turned around, raising an eyebrow. "What's up, Jay?"Jay scratched the back of his head, his cheeks turning a bit pink. "Uh, well, uh..." He pulled out the rose, holding it out like it was the most awkward thing ever. "I, uh, got this for you."Jemma's eyes widened in surprise. She took the rose, a small smile creeping up on her face. "Wow, thanks, Jay! That's sweet of you."Jay let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Just thought I'd, you know, do something."They stood there for a moment, both looking a bit unsure of what to say next.Jemma cleared her throat. "So, um, how's your masters going?"Jay relaxed a bit, glad for the change in topic. "Crazy b
The doctor carefully tended to Jay's wounds as he lay on the examination bed. Jemma stood nearby, her face etched with unease, her eyes fixed on Jay as the doctor worked."You'll be fine, just a few scratches," the doctor reassured Jay while cleaning the scratches. Jay winced slightly but managed a faint smile, his gaze locked with Jemma's worried eyes. He didn't seem to notice the discomfort, as if her presence alleviated the pain somehow.After the doctor finished treating his injuries, Jemma and Jay walked out of the medical room together. Jemma looked apologetic. "I'm really sorry about Jimmy. He can get... a bit protective sometimes.""It's okay, really," Jay replied, trying to downplay the incident. "He cares about you a lot. I get it.""He was furious."As they strolled down the corridor, Jay continued to reassure Jemma. "I'm alright, don't worry too much. It's not your fault.""I know, but still..." Jemma trailed off, clearly feeling guilty about what had happened.Jay smiled
Jemma hurriedly approached Jay's group of friends on campus, trying to mask her worry. "Hey..."The group of friends, known for their mischievous antics, glanced at Jemma but hesitated to tease her, aware of Jay's fondness for her."Have you guys seen Jay around? Actually… I wanted to ask him for some tips about getting into Masters. I'm in the final year of graduation, same stream," Jemma asked, realizing she was offering explanations unnecessarily."Jay hasn't been showing up. You didn't know?" one of Jay's friends responded."I knew... I mean, I haven't spotted him for a while," Jemma clarified.."Don't you have his number?" another friend asked."I... um..." Jemma stumbled over her words, feeling flustered."Even if you call him, his servant will pick up. Why don't you just go to his place?" suggested one of Jay's friends, matter-of-factly."His house..." Jemma mumbled, her mind racing with thoughts and concern for Jay's sudden absence.The same evening…Jemma arrived at Jay's res
For several days, Jemma frequented the basketball court, hoping to see Jay, but he didn't show up. At night, she'd find ease in staring at the rose Jay had given her, carefully placed within the pages of a book. Slowly, an unfamiliar feeling began to dawn on her—an understanding that this wasn't just friendship, but something more profound.One night, while counting the days since Jay had last been at the university, her eyes fell upon a specific date—February 14th. It struck her suddenly—it was Valentine's Day, the day Jay had given her the rose. A surge of electricity seemed to course through her heart as she finally grasped what Jay had been trying to convey to her that day till midnight.One day, as she arrived at the basketball court, there stood Jay, a smile gracing his charming face. Dazzled with joy at seeing him after so long, Jemma ran towards him and embraced him tightly
In her bedroom at night, Jemma held her phone, not waiting for Jay's call, but to dial Noah's number. After much contemplation, she made the call. Meanwhile, Noah was deeply engrossed in studying in his room. Sara placed a glass of milk on the table, noticing his phone vibrating. "Thank Mom," Noah said, still focused on his studies. However, the call disconnected, leaving Sara surprised by the three missed calls from Jemma. She gently placed her hand on Noah's head. "Is everything alright between you two?" Sara asked, her tone filled with love. Noah sighed deeply, closing his books in frustration. Sara understood his emotions. "So, that’s the case. You're upset with her. At least hear her out." "I don't want to talk to her. Just tell her to let me study," Noah replied angrily, storming off to the bathroom. Sara decided to pick up Jemma's call. On the other end, Jemma's voice sounded excited. "Jimmy, don't be mad, okay? Can we talk? I'm sorry." Sara smiled, "Jemma, he's not avail
"It's not your call. Who told you to leave the country?" Noah's voice was firm."Jimmy, I..." Jemma attempted to explain.He quickly grabbed her arm tightly, his gaze cold. "Did your stepmother mess with you? Tell me. I'll shut down her nonsense right away."Feeling the intensity of his anger, Jemma became serious, regretting her decision to deceive him. His eyes reflected his eagerness to confront the situation."Sorry, Jimmy," she stammered, realizing her mistake. "I'm not leaving."His face remained impassive."You weren't talking to me, so I thought if I pretended to leave, you'd call me," she explained. Noah released her arm, revealing the marks his tight grip had left on her delicate skin. He sighed and sat on the bed, holding his forehead. Jemma sat beside him."Jimmy, let it go. I'm sorry, okay?" She tried to comfort him.She lay on the bed, gazing at the ceiling with a gentle smile. “I thought you'd call me, but you surprised me by showing up here.”Noah glared at her, clearl
Jemma stepped out of the shower and checked her phone. There was a message from Jay: "Hey, morning!""Morning!" she texted back."Let's hang out," Jay suggested."No can’t do. Dad's coming back from abroad today," Jemma replied."When's he arriving?""In about an hour.”"What about after that?"“Our exams are over.”"Are we only meeting at University? Let's go somewhere else," Jay proposed.Jemma paused, thinking about it, when Jay's next text popped up."Jemma, let's go on a date," it read.Her heart raced. "I have to let my stepmom know where I'm going. What should I say?""If you can't tell her the truth, make up an excuse," Jay suggested."Alright”"Deal"Jemma's cheeks turned pink as she went to her wardrobe. She picked out a white jumper and a pink skirt.…Noah arrived at the October villa and found Yohan, Jia, and Sara having breakfast. Sara chuckled when she saw Noah.Yohan inquired, "No exercise today?"Noah hesitated, "Sorry, Uncle. I...""He went to see Jemma," Sara blurte
Sara and Noah arrived at Jenkins House. Monica welcomed them, and they started chatting. Sara asked, "Where's Jemma? I brought her favorite cheesecake."Everyone was aware that Jemma adored Sara's homemade cheesecake. Back when Sara and Gracie would get together, Sara would always make cheesecake specifically for Jemma and give it to Gracie to take home for her. Even after Gracie passed away, Sara continued the tradition, visiting Jenkins House to bring Jemma her favourite cheesecake.Noah, with a curious look, scanned the room, silently looking for Jemma.Monica replied, "Oh, Jemma's not here right now."Sara smiled, holding the cheesecake, "Oh no, I really wanted her to have this. It's her absolute favorite."In the room, Jemma perked up upon hearing Sara's voice outside her door. She hurriedly knocked, hoping someone would hear her. Sara, Noah, and Monica were in the living room when they heard the knocking.Sara asked, "What was that sou
"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..