"Happy?" he asked, pulling out a cigarette. Jemma stood shyly beside him, her gaze fixed on the dancing aurora."Thank you," she said. To thaw her anger that seemed meaningless now, he had taken her on a long and challenging drive to this mesmerizing place. Was she truly that special to him?With this single gesture of his, all her grievances dissipated. She witnessed the aurora and shared a lengthy drive with him, and her anger transformed into happiness. She looked down, a bashful smile playing on her lips."You wanted to see it, right? Feast your eyes, 'cause we're heading back to Vento City soon," he said, taking a deep drag on his cigarette."Is the job done here?" she asked, eyeing him."Don't sweat the details. Just focus on keeping that smile on your face," he replied.Jemma gulped, "Why though?""Because I like seeing you happy. And if there's ever a reason for those eyes to well up, I'll make damn sure it disappears," he said, flicking ash and taking another puff. Jemma coul
As the cigarette packet emptied, Noah drove them back, reaching the apartment in two hours. Jemma took off his blazer, observing him as he headed straight for the whiskey counter and poured himself a drink. Seeing his indifference, she voiced her concern, "Enough, Jimmy. You've smoked a lot, and now... drinking?""You go and sleep. We might leave tomorrow morning.""And what about you?""I'm fine.""That's not the answer to all my questions," she snapped, growing irritated. He looked at her."What's wrong with you? Why do I feel like you're just pretending to be nice with me?"Noah gulped down the alcohol and headed straight to the study room, leaving her with unanswered questions.Jemma couldn't tolerate his indifference and followed him into the study room.Noah was lighting up a cigarette."Jimmy, I'm asking something," she said."I said, sleep." He said while taking a deep drag, turning away. Unfazed, Jemma approached him, "And I said stop smoking and drinking.""It's none of your
Jemma nodded, clearly emotional, wanting to throw herself into his arms, and simultaneously, hit him for not contacting her."You're back.""Hmm, last night. You were asleep.""You should have woken me up.""It's okay. I know you were managing everything on your own, which must have been tiring for you.""It's my job.""Lianne Pal wants to speak with you tonight about the cosmetic distribution thing.""Is she in Vento City yet?""Yeah, we rolled into town last night.""Together..?""I dropped her off at her hotel, then headed back to our place. That's why I was kind of late last night."Jemma chewed her lip and clutched the files even tighter.Why did it give her a weird vibe?"Alright, I'll be ready for the meeting."Noah gave her a pat on the shoulder and left.Jemma felt stressed, not because of the meeting, but because of Noah's vibe about Lianne Pal.Jemma understood that Noah personally handled the collaboration thing, making this business quite important to him. She was determi
Undeterred, Jemma leaned forward, a spark of determination in her eyes. "But trust builds loyalty, and loyal customers stick around. The initial investment in free samples will pay off in the long run when customers become advocates for our brand."Lianne sighed, realizing this debate wasn't going to be easily resolved. "Look, Miss Jemma, I get your point, but we can't just throw profits out the window. We need a strategy with financial sustainability."The two women locked eyes, each holding their ground in this battle of business philosophies. The room was filled with tension, as the fate of the Brooklyn Group's marketing strategy hung in the balance.Lianne glanced at Liam, who stood speechless, "It's not a meeting. It's a waste of time. I haven't arrived here to learn what trust is. Where is Mr. Johnson?"Liam stammered, "He... He will join you in a while..."Lianne, visibly frustrated, stood up abruptly. "Tell Mr. Johnson that I am really unhappy with his wife's performance. She
Jemma kept waiting for Noah until it was time to go home, but he did not return. Finally, Liam came to remind her to leave."Madam, it's late. You know Mr. Johnson doesn't like you to do overtime," Liam suggested.Jemma looked at her watch and asked, "Has he returned?""Not yet.""Didn't he have a meeting with Miss Pal?""Miss Pal had reached Ang City, and they are about to have a meeting there.""Isn't it late?""You know how he neglects time for work. You better go home. The driver is waiting for you," Liam advised.Feeling a sense of disappointment, Jemma sadly returned to the apartment.In Ang City…In a luxurious suite, Noah lounged on the couch, leisurely crossing his legs. He had an aura of charm and magnetism, the smoke from his cigarette swirling around him. Dressed in a white suit and matching pants, he looked effortlessly elegant.Across from him, Lianne Pal sat, captivated by his presence. Her pretty face was adorned with a slight blush and a sparkle in her eyes, reflectin
"Jimmy, please... you can't do that. You can't ruin someone like this.""I said stay out of it," he jerked his arm away, yelling, "how dare she talk to you like that?"He stormed out of the study room, declaring, "I'll make her regret those words.""No, Jimmy, wait up!" She hurried into the living room, grabbing his arm."Jimmy... Jimmy... Listen to me.""What?" he snapped, giving her a rough shake.She stared back, freaked out by his intense glare. His anger was sending chills down her spine."Jimmy, just hear me out," she pleaded, her voice shaky.He gripped her shoulder harder, growling, "She needs to learn a lesson.""It's not her fault. She just gave her two cents on my plan," she argued."How can she diss my wife like that?"Jemma's eyes teared up at the mention of 'my wife.' Her heart squeezed, and she said determinedly, "For your wife's sake, Jimmy. Don't go."Hearing her shaky voice and catching a glimpse of tears in her eyes, Noah snapped out of his rage. Jemma's eyes brimme
The sun was almost gone.Jemma sat in front of the mirror, putting on makeup. When she put on her earrings, Noah knocked, "Ready?""Yeah, yeah, just give me five minutes," she yelled back.Noah barged in, ending a call, "Dad called. The party's starting, and we gotta be there on time, or Jia will kill me."Jemma stood up, applying lipstick, "Hmm..."Noah's eyes landed on her back.The dress had a low back to her lower waist.Jemma turned to him, smiling, "I'm ready. Let's go."Noah checked her out. The dress was simple but classy, knee-length with full sleeves and a deep thigh cut. He coughed awkwardly.Seeing his expression, Jemma got confused. "What's up? You okay?"He pointed at her exposed thigh, "What's that?"Jemma looked down, "What?""What are you wearing? Change it, now.""Huh? But why?""I don't care. Change it.""Jimmy, Mom picked outfits for all. It's her choice. I can't change it.""I don't care. Change it right now.""What? But I can't insult Mom. And I like this dress,"
Jemma stole glances at him, feeling more embarrassed with Jia's words echoing in her mind."What if someone sees us? You shouldn't have come in here," she blurted out."I don't care," he replied, always carefree when it came to her safety.His eyes landed on her exposed back. He flicked cigarette ash, not intentionally checking her out, but then his gaze fell on her exposed thigh, and he frowned."I suggest you change. I'll buy you a new dress right now," he suggested.Jemma turned off the tap and glared at him, squeezing her dress, "Are you kidding me? How childish does that sound!"Jemma stood near the hand dryer, trying to dry her dress, and started sneezing. Noah remembered those hand dryers never suited her; she'd end up having allergic reactions. He said, "Stop."Approaching her, he took off his blazer, "You... put this on and give me your dress.""What?" Jemma was shocked."Come on, give me your dress.""It's... It's okay. I'll manage.""You want to spend three days sneezing in
"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..