One and a half years went by without any calls or messages from Noah.
Despite this, Jemma wasn't feeling sad because she knew it was due to the nature of his duties, not because of their issues. She understood the impossibility of regular communication because of his obligations.
Meanwhile, Jay returned from France. Upon returning, Jay wasted no time and immediately took Jemma out on a date.
In a softly shining corner adorned with roses and candles, Jemma and Jay sat in front of each other, holding each other's hands. Their gaze locked, sounding deep affection and esteem for one another.
"What's with that look?" Jemma asked with a hint of shyness in her voice.
"For five years, I've missed seeing you, touching you with love, holding your hand. You can't imagine how tough those years were," Jay confessed.
"You've learned to fib," Jemma teased, her lips twitching.
"Me? Why would I lie?" Jay seemed puzzled.
"Because if you truly mi
Some days later… During dinner, Sara noticed a diamond ring on Jemma's finger, which surprised her. Later, when she went to the master bedroom, she spoke to Yohan. "Yohan..." "Hmm," Yohan replied.He was lying on the bed holding Sara in his arms. "I noticed something today." "What?" "Jemma is wearing a diamond ring." "I'll buy you one too," Yohan responded casually. Sara pushed herself away and sat, feeling more serious. Yohan joined her and asked, "You've never been envious of anyone's jewelry. You have lots of diamond rings but you don't wear them." "I'm not jealous of the girl. I want to say something else." "Wait," Yohan said, picking up his phone, scrolling through it, and then showing it to her. Sara widened her eyes seeing the photos on the phone. "I was right. She's dating someone. But who is this boy?" Sara exclaimed. Yohan put the phone away and explained, "I asked Nolan to gather information the day I found out." "You're keeping tabs on her too? I can't belie
As the days passed, Jay successfully negotiated the deal for Luxury Dive Hotel, which was under Yohan Dixon's ownership. The news of Jay's achievement and appointment as the CEO quickly circulated, spreading across various media platforms, creating a buzz and drawing attention to his recent accomplishment. Jemma lay on her bed on her stomach reading a book when her phone rang, displaying Jay's name on the screen, instantly lighting up her face. "Hey," she answered the call. "What're you up to, honey?" He asked. "Just reading," she replied. "Have you checked the news?" "Have you…?" Jemma's excitement grew and she straightened. "I got the Luxury Dive deal," Jay announced. Jemma's eyes widened in surprise. "And my dad just announced at a press conference that I'm becoming the CEO." "Congratulations, Jay," Jemma cheered. "Dad's throwing a party, and you're coming," Jay invited. "Okay, I'll be there," she agreed. "And that's when I'll talk to your dad, and we'll announce our e
Just then, Sara smiled brightly, relieving all of their tension. "So, these were your plans for tonight!" Sara said to Jemma. "I'm sorry, Aunt," Jemma replied. Sara held her hand and said, "You look beautiful, Jemma." Jay looked at them in confusion. Jemma turned to Jay and said, "Jay, this is Aunt Sara, Jimmy's mother." Jay smiled with a relieved sigh. Eric said to Sara, “You scared the kids. What were you trying to do?” Sara retorted, “And you never mentioned you have such a handsome son.” Eric shrugged, “Who doesn’t know?” Sara glared at him, “We've been friends for so long, and I didn't know about this?” "Okay, now you know," Eric responded. Just then, people started dancing on the stage as the lights dimmed. Eric turned to Jay, “What are you waiting for? Take her to the dance floor.” Jay extended his hand to Jemma. She glanced at Sara, who nodded in approval. Jemma gently placed her hand in Jay's, and they headed to the stage. Eric and Sara watched them from a dista
This intense chemistry between them in the bedroom was mirrored in Jay as he danced with Jemma, who held onto him. Her scent captivated him, and he drew her nearer, inhaling her fragrance from her neck. Jemma suddenly lifted her head from his shoulder, meeting his gaze with an intense look in his eyes. Sensing something different, she felt his firm hold on her waist tightening. "Jemma..." Jay leaned in to kiss her, but she pushed him away gently, saying, "Jay... Here…" Observing her hesitation, Jay glanced around, realizing that perhaps the presence of people nearby made her uncomfortable. "Let's find a quieter place," he suggested. They exited the bustling party hall and headed towards the lobby, which was now vacant. Jemma stood by the railing, holding onto it, while Jay watched her from a distance, standing behind her. She had turned her back, revealing her bare, fair skin. "It's surreal, isn't it? I never imagined us deciding to tie the knot," Jemma said with excitement. Ja
Sara blinked rapidly, still in disbelief. "Eric, what are you doing here? Where's Kevin?" "Who's Kevin?" Eric asked, puzzled. "Don't play games, Eric. Where is Kevin?" Sara's voice trembled. "Sara, it feels like you dreamed up your late husband last night." Eric smirked. "Eric, stop it! Tell me where Kevin is!" Sara's frustration grew. "Looks like the hangover is hitting you hard. I'll get you some lemonade," Eric said, getting up and calling housekeeping. "Can you send up a lemonade, please?" Turning back to Sara, he saw her still in shock. Sitting by her on the bed, he said lovingly, "Sara, freshen up. I'll give you a ride." Shaking, Sara asked, "Eric, what happened last night?" Eric gazed at her quivering lips, raised his hand, and gently brushed his fingers across them. "We were both drunk, Sara. It is not wrong. We've longed for this passion for years," Eric tried to reassure her. Tears welled up in
"Okay," Jay nodded. "I'm not exactly sure how you're expecting things between us, but for me, I don't want to get tangled in anything until we're hitched. I've seen my mom suffer for years. I was close to her and knew her pain. It's not that one kiss would do any harm, but after that, things might spiral out of control. I don't want to go down that road. I don't know how you see it, but for me, it's about... my fear. It's not like what happened between my parents will definitely happen to us. Things could turn out good or bad... no one can predict it. But I just can't shake off my fear." "Finished?" He asked. Jemma nodded. "Now, hear me out. You're right that one kiss won't wreck anything, and I know myself—I won't be able to stop there. I get where you're coming from after witnessing your mom's story, but all I can ask is for you
Sara Owen lay on her bed, her thoughts racing. She remembered hearing Kevin's voice last night and leaning into his arms, regretting that action now. After pondering, she couldn't remember any moment of illusion, so she concluded she was drunk and mistook Eric for Kevin. Regardless, the truth remained that she had slept with Eric, and she was Yohan's wife. Feeling regretful and down, she stood up.Shortly after, Yohan came into the bedroom. Sara felt nervous but attempted to smile as she saw him return from work. He tossed his blazer aside, approached her, wrapping his arms around her waist and planting a deep kiss on her lips. Sara didn't resist; she knew this was typical whenever he returned from lengthy business trips. After a passionate kiss, unable to control his desires, he unbuttoned her shirt, burying his face in her neck to catch her natural alluring scent. Sara tried to push him away."What are you doing, Yohan?" "Sara, you know I hate being asked stu
On the not-so-great morning with the sun peeking out, Sara Owen was all set in the dining room waiting for Yohan Dixon to join her for breakfast. However, he was a no-show. While Jemma, Sara, and Jia were having breakfast, Nisha burst in and told Sara, "Madam, Sir just left all suited up." Sara let out a sigh, "Okay." Jia asked, "Sa Mom, dad seems super busy. He hasn't had breakfast with us since he got back from the business trip. And he will not drop me at school." "Hmm...Today... Andrew will drop you at school." "Okay, Sa Mom." Jemma's phone pinged, and a message from Jay popped up saying, "I'm coming over for dinner tomorrow." Jemma looked at Sara with a touch of sadness, "Aunt..." Sara seemed lost in thought, not hearing Jemma. "Aunt..." Jemma tried again. "Huh?" Sara snapped out of her thoughts. "Jay's coming for dinner tonight." Sara felt uneasy, "Jay..." "Yeah, you told him to come over for dinner... If you're busy, I can..." "No no... Ask him to come. Don't say
"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..