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,"
At eight o'clock, the October villa gleamed with lights and grace.In the living room, Jia, Sara, and Yohan chatted with Noah. His gaze lingered at the closed door of Jemma's bedroom. Sara and Yohan understood his unease, but Noah avoided mentioning her. He engaged in conversations, masking his longing for Jemma. Though his eyes hinted at his eagerness to see her, he remained silent, keeping his emotions hidden from the family's conversation.Just then, Jemma walked into the living room."Jemma!" Jia shouted with excitement. Everyone turned to look at Jemma, but Noah stayed put, facing away from her on the couch.Jemma's eyes scanned the room, pausing at an unfamiliar figure in a black blazer, sitting with his back towards her."Jemma, check it out, guess who's here!" Jia chimed in.Jemma's heart raced, sensing that the person might be Noah. She hesitated, feeling a mix of nerves and unease, hoping it was him.Sara turned to Yohan and suggested, "Yohan, let's head out for dinner now t
In the late hours, shadows danced in the dimly lit room. The air was still. Jemma lay sprawled on her stomach across the bed, gripped in a book. Her tousled hair cascaded over the pillow, framing her face. Her slender figure was draped comfortably across the bed, one leg bent upward while the other stretched out leisurely. Dressed in comfortable nightwear, she seemed relaxed, yet there was a hint of tension in her posture. The soft glow of the bedside lamp lighted the contours of her features, highlighting her quiet expression. As the familiar knock echoed through the room, Jemma's heart raced, but she remained frozen in place. Noah entered, cradling a glass of milk. His eyes fell upon her, a vision of beauty resting on the bed, absorbed in a book. Silently, he set the milk on the desk near the bed and took a seat at the bed's edge, his back turned to her. There was a tangible tension, an unspoken distance between them, both lost in their thoughts, yet so close and yet so far in tha
The party was hosted at the Luxury Dive, an opulent and lavish hotel that exuded luxury from every corner. As guests arrived, they were greeted by an array of stunning decorations that adorned the venue. As Yohan and Sara gracefully welcomed the arriving guests with warm smiles and charming greetings, the atmosphere buzzed with laughter and lively conversation. Jia, surrounded by her group of friends, giggled and chatted lively. Amidst the bustling crowd, all heads turned involuntarily as Jemma made her entrance into the hall. Dressed impeccably in an eye-catching purple midi dress, capturing the gaze of everyone in the room. Her poise and grace were impossible to ignore, and her radiance illuminated the space. The sheer magnetism she bled drew the eyes of the guests, leaving them unable to look away. Whispers of admiration and awe spread amongst the guests. Sara and Yohan welcomed Jemma with big smiles as she walked in. "Jemma, you look amazing!" Sara exclaimed, clearly impresse
It was late. Noah carefully tucked Jia into her bed and covered her with a blanket. Just then, Sara walked into the bedroom. Noah approached her, saying, "She's good, fast asleep. You should go rest, Mom." "This year, Yohan didn't give you any birthday gift. Take this as your gift," Sara said. "Mom..." Noah glanced at the papers in confusion. Sara passed them to Noah and explained, "Yohan signed these. Once you sign, everything will be yours." Noah squinted at the documents. "Mom, even you?" Sara looked down, feeling conflicted. "My gift is still pending, Jimmy. I... need to tell you something." "If you're here to tell me to take back the Brooklyn Group, then you've got it wrong," Noah interrupted firmly. "No, Jimmy. Whatever's going on with the Brooklyn Group is between you and Yohan. I don't want to be in the middle of that. But what I need to tell you is something..." Sara tried to explain. "Where's Uncle?" Noah interrupted her. "He's in the study," Sara replied. Noah g