Sara’s expression changed with shock. She met Yohan’s intense gaze, “He held you so tight, didn’t he?”
Sara winced, and Yohan clenched his jaw, “You're too beautiful.”
“Yohan…”
“Not anymore, Sara.”
Yohan threatened and marched into the bathroom. Sara realized Yohan had seen everything and heard their conversation. She knew Yohan's possessiveness and felt scared of his potential reaction after witnessing that scene.
…
In the dead of night, Jemma found herself trapped in a nightmare. She let out a scream, jolting awake from the horrors plaguing her dreams. Tears streamed down her face, mixing with the sweat, and the memories of the torment she faced at the hands of her stepmother continued to haunt her, refusing to let her sleep.
She stumbled towards the balcony, yanking the door open, and stepped out into the chilly, rain-soaked night. The raindrops fell up
Before Jemma could explain further, a waiter interrupted, "Can I get you any drinks?" Jay turned to Jemma, "Drink?" "Lemonade, please." Jay ordered, "Two lemonades." The waiter inquired, "Anything else, sir?" Jay looked at Jemma, "What do you feel like eating?" Jemma pondered for a moment, then asked, "Do you have any burgers?" "Yes," the waiter confirmed, showing her the burger options on the menu. She ordered one while the waiter waited for Jay's order. Jay simply said, "Fries." The waiter left after taking their orders, and Jay complimented Jemma again, "By the way, this color and style really suits you." "Thanks." Jay gazed at Jemma for a moment, his eyes filled with intensity. "What's up with that look?" Jemma asked. "Can I hold your hand?" He requested. Jemma glanced at her hands, then at Jay with a little hesitation. “It’s okay.” Jay said sadly. She
Jemma was taken aback, unsure of how to respond.Sara scrutinized her appearance and the items she held, clearly suspecting she was returning from a date.Just then, Jia cheerfully exclaimed, “Sa Mom, I won the art and craft competition today. That’s why she brought me these. They're for me!” She winked at Jemma, adding, “Right, Jemma?” Jemma was surprised by Jia’s sudden intervention.“Huh?”Jia quickly took the bouquet and box of chocolates, exclaiming, “This bouquet is so pretty! And so many chocolates. You know I love chocolates! Oh, caramel flavors! Amazing!”She turned to Sara, excitedly saying, "Sa Mom, I really like them. Look at all these different flavored chocolates in one box. It's huge!"Sara smiled and approached Jia, advising her, "But don't eat them all at once. Remember to share, okay?""Okay, but you should tell brother to let me eat chocolates, or else he'l
Sara nodded thoughtfully, "Everyone makes mistakes, Jimmy. What matters most is how we handle those mistakes. Your dad, whenever he made a mistake, he always apologized and tried to fix it."Noah looked troubled, "But what if the mistake is so big that it really hurts someone? Can a simple apology make it right?"Sara sighed, "Sometimes, apologies help heal wounds, but the hurt might linger. Forgiveness takes time."Noah's expression became heavier, "Mom, I've messed up."Sara gently touched his shoulder, "If you've hurt someone, the first step is to apologize. If the person cares about you, they'll understand.""But what if the person doesn't forgive me?" Noah asked, sounding worried."If someone truly cares about your happiness, they'll find it in their heart to forgive you," Sara reassured him.Noah reclined on the couch, resting his head on his mother's lap. Sara soothingly ran her fingers through his hair."You have the an
Noah waited anxiously for Jemma until evening. He looked at the clock many times, hoping she'd come back. When he couldn't wait any more, he tried calling her, but she didn't answer the phone. Just as he was about to dial her number again, his phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was Yohan."Jimmy, where are you?" Yohan's voice sounded serious."Uncle… I'm at home," Noah replied, trying to sound composed.Yohan continued. "Tomorrow after your convocation, you'll be flying abroad with me. I have some business there, and all your university admission formalities will be completed once we reach."Noah's heart sank upon hearing this sudden news. "Okay...""Just tell your mom about leaving tomorrow. It'll make her sad, but try not to let her feel too down or cry, okay?" Yohan advised Noah."Yeah, I'll talk to mom," Noah replied with a hint of sadness."Got it," Yohan acknowledged with a nod.After hanging up, Noah slumped o
After dinner, Jemma lay on her bed. Noah came into her room carrying a glass of milk. Upon seeing him, Jemma sat up and looked down. Noah put the glass on the desk next to the bed and sat beside her. He took a deep breath and asked, "Have you avoided me long enough? Can we chat now?" Jemma remained silent. Noah said in his low voice, "I tried calling you today, but you didn't pick up. You didn't mention your decision to work instead of continuing your studies. What's going on in your head, Jemma? You can't sacrifice your future just because of a mistake we made," Noah expressed. "I'm not interested in studying," Jemma retorted. "I can't believe that. You were adamant about pursuing your master's till the end. And now, because you're avoiding me, you want to work.” "Stop it, Jimmy. I don't have to keep explaining to you what I want to do," Jemma responded firmly. Noah was surprised by Jemma's abrupt rudeness. "Why are you talking to me like this?" he questioned, taken aback. "Th
Four years passed… Noah finished his master's degree. Then he spent two years excelling in sports like taekwondo and martial arts, earning numerous medals. Yohan, insisting on him, got him an internship at Dixon Group. During these four years, Noah stayed overseas and didn't reach out or message Jemma. Jay used to text Jemma occasionally, not every day, as he was occupied managing his business and learning its ropes. His busy schedule left him with little time for calling or video chatting with Jemma like he used to. Jemma began to feel increasingly lonely. Once a cheerful girl, she gradually became quiet and withdrawn. It was midnight… Jemma scrolled through her phone, her thumb hovering over Noah's name. It had been ages since she'd heard from him. Her heart ached. She couldn't shake the feeling of being left behind, abandoned by someone she held so close to her heart. "Jimmy," she whispered, tracing the letters of his name on the screen. Memories flooded back—his infectious la
Sara entered the master bedroom and found Yohan smoking by the window. Sensing his distress, she approached him. "Yohan," she called out softly. Yohan took a deep drag of his cigarette without responding. "Since you met Jimmy, you've seemed worried. What's wrong?" Sara asked. "We didn't do right to him," Yohan replied in a hoarse voice. "What do you mean? Did he say something to upset you? He's not a rude child. But...did he..." Sara wondered. "He loves me deeply. And I haven't been honest with him," Yohan confessed. "What are you talking about?" Sara asked, puzzled. "He believes I did him a favor by keeping you and him with me. But he doesn't know I was also selfish. I secretly married you without telling him. I couldn't admit that I never stopped loving his mother. That's not a favor," Yohan explained. "Why would he bring this up all of a sudden?" Sara questioned. "His twentieth birthday is in two days," Yohan replied, locking eyes with her. Sara tensed. "So, did you try
Bruno and Natalie were swaying together, locked in an affectionate dance. Jia sang a tune, and Sara cheered, clapping along with the music. The room exuded unexpected cheerfulness, throwing Noah off-guard. He stood, hugging himself, mesmerized by the joyful scene. Sara glimpsed him, halting her applause. "Hey, Sa Mom, why'd you stop clapping? Keep going!" Jia urged, noticing Sara's pause. Jia’s gaze shifted to the door, spotting Noah. Startled, Jia halted her singing. Bruno and Natalie turned, puzzled. "What's up, sweetheart? You were singing so nicely. Keep it up until Jimmy gets here. We've got to put on a sad face once he arrives," Natalie instructed. Bruno caught sight of Noah, freezing in his steps. Natalie squinted, noticing their odd reactions. "What's going on with you guys?" Natalie probed, turning back to find Noah standing there. She clamped her mouth shut, halting any further words. Noah stepped in and they all gathered in a line."So, you're all part of this act,"