Sara had made sure the servants didn't disturb Jemma and Noah in the morning so they could sleep in. When Jemma arrived at the dining room for breakfast, everyone looked at her blushing. Her eyes were a bit puffy from crying the night before, so everyone thought Noah had arrived late and they'd spent the wedding night together.But when Jemma mentioned, "I'm heading to work," confusion struck everyone."You just got married yesterday. You look tired. Take a few days off," Sara suggested."I'm okay, Aunt.""Alright, but check with Jimmy first. What will we say if he wakes up and asks about you?""He didn't come home," Jemma revealed.Everyone was shocked."He didn't come?" Sara asked, surprised.Not wanting to elaborate, Jemma stood up, "I'll be late. Gotta go.""Let's go, Jemma. Andrew will drop us," Jia said, accompanying Jemma.Sara and Yohan exchanged glances.Sara was worried about Noah's absence. She asked, "Where's Jimmy?""Did you try calling him yesterday?" Yohan asked."I ask
At eleven at night, Noah and Jemma reached Noah's apartment. He removed his blazer, heading straight to the bar to pour himself a whiskey. There was only one bedroom—Noah's. Jemma entered and found her belongings already moved from October Villa. She realized this was going to be her new home. After taking her nightgown from her things, Jemma showered and changed into a satin blush-coloured nightgown. Noah was nowhere to be found. Anxious about his arrival and reaction, she lay down on the bed but ended up sleeping without Noah coming in.In the morning, she woke up early, noticing no signs of movement in the bedroom from the previous night. When she stepped out, she found Noah asleep on the living room couch. He hadn't changed his clothes and was still in his black shirt, pants, shoes, and watch. The table held an empty bottle of alcohol, a glass, and an overflowing ashtray. He had slept there, not entering the bedroom. Jemma felt a sense of relief.The silent routine persisted for s
It was 2 AM when Jemma's phone rang, disturbing her deep sleep. She groggily turned on the bedside lamp and answered the call. "Hello?" "Jemma, it's Jay." "Why are you calling so late?" She yawned. "I said I'd finish up and text you soon. I messaged but you were out like a light. So, I called, knowing you'd be snoozing." Jemma snapped awake. She hadn't expected Jay to sort things out so fast and arrange to leave the same night. "Jay... I didn't think you'd move this fast." "Have you packed?" "Not yet." "Pack your essentials, grab your passport and phone. My driver is on the way to pick you up. We're leaving tonight." "At this hour?" "Yes, be quick. The airport awaits." "Okay." Jay hung up abruptly, leaving Jemma startled. Jemma rubbed her temples, taking a deep sigh. Finally, she'd decided to escape the frustrating life she'd been living. She hastily got ready, packing her essential documents and belongings into a tote bag. Quietly, she opened the bedroom door, careful no
Sara entered the suite and found Eric on a call. Rushing to him, she seemed panicked, and as Eric noticed her, he quickly hung up the call.Sara grabbed his collar, questioning, "What do you want? Why are you doing this?"Eric smirked, gripping her wrists, "Relax. I haven't leaked those photos to the media or Yohan Dixon. I just sent them to you.""Why are you doing this, Eric? You promised not to expose anything if I came to you.""I won't reveal the truth of why you're here. Did you see the photos? That's the photo of both of us while having sex."Tears welled up in Sara's eyes, "Why are you toying with me, Eric?"Eric's warm smile turned sinister as he pushed her onto the bed. Removing his shirt, he gazed at her buttocks as if seeking a way to relieve his stress.After two hours…Sara rushed out of the elevator and accidentally bumped into Noah. Startled, she let out a gasp. "Whoa!!"Noah grinned, "Mom, you're in a hurry."Sara forced a smile, trying to hide her anxiety. "Hey, Jimm
It was a late night, raining outside. After three days away, Noah returned to the apartment, tired. He took off his blazer, threw it on the couch, and went to the kitchen. Turning on the lights, he opened the fridge, finding the food he'd left for Jemma untouched. Realizing she hadn't cooked or eaten in three days, he walked to the bedroom, knocked, and, receiving no reply, opened the door.Jemma was fast asleep on the bed. Noah went back to the kitchen, rolled up his sleeves, threw out the old food, and started cooking. The delightful aroma filled the house, eventually waking Jemma due to the cool breeze from the open window. She closed it, drew the curtains, and came out to drink water. Hearing kitchen noises, she suspected Noah's return, peeking in to find him cooking. The tempting smell made her hungry, but she went back to her room.After cooking, Noah brought the food to the bedroom. Finding Jemma lying with closed eyes, she quickly opened her eyes when he entered. Noah sat on t
Noah returned at midnight to find Jemma standing on the balcony, gazing at the rain, in the living room. He approached her, draping a warm coat over her shoulders. Jemma looked at him, feeling sad. His eyes were devoid of emotion, but upon noticing tears in Jemma's eyes, Noah smirked, "Missing him?"Jemma kept her gaze on the sky."He's heading to France tomorrow. Want to say goodbye?" Noah suggested.Jemma sadly shook her head. Noah smirked, lighting a cigarette, "Why? Scared of my threats, or he's just not into you anymore?""You won't need to threaten me anymore. I will have nothing to do with him," Jemma declared.Noah angrily tossed the cigarette aside and grabbed her hair. "Why don't you say you went to meet him today?""Yes, I went to meet him," Jemma admitted. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "I went to explain why I didn't succeed in running away with him, why I didn't answer his calls, why I stopped going to the office."Noah shoved her, and she stumbled onto th
Noah wiped tears from the corners of her eyes and caressed her soft face.“You are strong. You can do it.” He added.Jemma’s lips trembled to say something and his eyes fell on them. His throat dried suddenly. His thumb reached her delicate lips and caressed them. Feeling ease by his touch, Jemma moved her face slightly rubbing her lips in the middle of his palm and closing her eyes. Noah realized a strange sensation within them and he stood up releasing her. Jemma opened her eyes and looked at his back. He left the bedroom hesitantly. Jemma realized what she had done and what made him leave.Noah wiped tears from the corners of her eyes and caressed her soft face.“You are strong. You can do it,” he added in his sexy voice.Jemma’s lips trembled to say something, and his eyes fell on them. His throat dried suddenly. His thumb reached her delicate lips and caressed them. Feeling eased by his touch, Jemma moved her face slightly, rubbing her lips in the middle of his palm, and closing
"I admit it. I'm not bullshitting. I did it because I missed you," Jay confessed."I missed you too, Jay. I've never been with anyone else.""Then what about Noah?"Jemma froze, realizing she'd lost her virginity to Noah."He did it, I don't know how many times. And did I raise a fuss? No, because I was serious about us," Jay said, as Jemma stumbled over the chair, crying helplessly. It wasn't intentional."It wasn't my choice, Jay. It was a crappy night, an accident," she mumbled, burying her face in her hands."Why don't we just forget all this crap and focus on what we feel?" Jay suggested.Jemma shook her head, "No, Jay...""Jemma..." He grabbed her hand, lifting her off the chair, wiping her tears, and peering into her eyes."Please... Don't break my heart. I like you.""If you liked me, you wouldn't have grabbed that girl's butt," Jemma retorted firmly, wiping her tears as she stormed out of the cabin.In the evening, she left the office, her eyes on the ground, walking like a z
"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..