Jemma wiped her tears, lowered her head, and said, "I've seen it in the news. Every day, I used to watch it on television while lying in the hotel room when we were abroad.""What difference does it all make, Jemma? When you drink, I bring you home. I put my blazer on your shoulders. Don't I?""Yes, because I am your wife. Only I should wear your blazer; only I should be carried in your arms, brought back home."Noah was stunned. She had been thinking about all this all these days.Jemma turned away, sobbing, "I can't see all this. Why do you go to her? Why do you need to meet her?"Noah turned back and poured a drink for him.Noah never expected that Jemma would connect his small gestures and blow them out of proportion. He gulped down alcohol, trying to comprehend her thoughts. Then, slowly, Jemma wrapped her arms around his waist from behind and rested her head on his back, clinging to him.In a hoarse voice, she said, "I now understand how much pain you must feel seeing me with Ja
Jia began her journey abroad for university studies, and Noah, being the protective brother, made sure she had everything she needed. He arranged a private apartment, a driver, and a car, and took care of all the necessary arrangements to ensure Jia's comfort and well-being in the new city.Adjusting to the new environment, Jia found ease in the vibrant university atmosphere that embraced her delicate heart. Noah, on the other hand, had to stay back in the same city for a few days, dealing with some business matters.Meanwhile, tensions lingered between Jemma and Noah. Despite the passage of time since the party night, their relationship had not evolved positively; instead, it seemed to drift further apart, wrapped in a cloud of hesitancy. Noah, choosing avoidance as his strategy, refrained from giving Jemma the time that could lead to uncomfortable or serious conversations.Jemma, unwilling to give up, continued hoping for a breakthrough. However, the more she tried, the more evident
Jia found herself in a mall, and her gaze locked with a familiar face. Recognition struck her, and she stiffened. How could he be here too?Jacob approached her with a casual "Hi."Jia managed a sad smile, responding, "Hi.""It's weird, we met here," Jacob commented."Don't tell me you're here with your wife. I can leave," Jia quipped."We haven't married yet. I'm here for business," Jacob explained.Jia smirked, "Alright. I'm not interested.""You seem pissed at me.""Oh, really? You just figured that out? Well, if you did, then congrats, Sherlock. It's true.""Can I know why?""Hahaha, you're asking why? Like you don't already know. Thanks to you, I'm stuck studying in this godforsaken place, far away from everyone, and you're asking why?""Because of me? I don't remember telling you to come here. Did we even talk about this?"Jia gritted her teeth, “You know what? Go to hell.” She threw her clutch at him and walked away. Jacob wasn't about to let her stay annoyed. He followed her,
The evening was bathed in beauty as the sun dipped below the horizon.Jacob, feeling the warmth of the moment, took off his warm coat and draped it over her shoulders. They sat together in the car, a comfortable silence enveloping them. Jacob lit a cigarette, the smoke curling into the crisp evening air.The air was charged with the aftermath of the passionate kiss, leaving both of them momentarily speechless. Jacob, eager to break the silence, couldn't help but wonder about how she felt about the wild kiss. He discreetly peeked at her swollen lips and blushed face, sighing deeply. The realization hit him – the girl was so young and innocent.Jia opened up, "I have only one friend here, Avantika. But she always sticks to her boyfriend."Jacob, curious, questioned, "Then why didn't you make a boyfriend for yourself?"With a nonchalant expression, Jia replied, "Go on a date, kiss, have sex, sit on his lap, feel shy in front of him, celebrate weekly, monthly, yearly anniversaries—I can't
Noah remarked sarcastically, "Looks like you had a nice discussion with Sebastian.""He's surprisingly cool, you know? Way different from dealing with Lianne Pal. He's laid-back."Noah raised an eyebrow, "Laid-back, huh?""Yeah, he's not as tough as his sister. We had a good discussion today. You know what? He doesn’t want to argue about any of my strategies. He said I can decide whatever I want, and he'll just sign the papers. It's such a relief. He didn’t even want to check the data. He just said he'd sign the papers tomorrow."Noah smirked, "He's quite interested in you.""What do you mean?"Noah glanced at her palm. Jemma followed his gaze and realized he had seen Sebastian pecking her hand. She lowered her gaze, holding her palm.He didn't say anything, letting the silence linger.The next evening…Jemma and Sebastian met in a luxury restaurant. The ambience around them didn't feel like the kind of place to discuss business. It seemed more fitting for a perfect date. Jemma, with
Jemma's smile faded, “What’s this?”"A tiny gift.""How can I take it? It’s...""Come on! Today's the first day of our friendship. We danced, it's only fitting. Allow me."He leaned in, putting the necklace around her neck. They were close, and he gave her lips a serious look. Jemma lowered her eyes hesitantly.He grinned, “Thanks for taking it. It looks rad on your neck.”Jemma smiled, "Thanks."Sebastian took her hand and gave it a peck, making her feel a bit awkward. "Catch you around."She nodded, "Good night.""See ya."She strolled into the apartment building, and he kept watching her until she disappeared from his view.Jemma walked into the apartment, finding it pitch dark. She had no clue that Noah was home. She flicked on the lights and spotted Noah standing by the couch, his gaze intense."Jimmy..." She felt uneasy under his scrutinizing look."You left the office early," he remarked."Yeah, had a meeting."Noah shot a cold glance at the necklace around her neck and said, "
Noah walked into the apartment. Jemma stood by the door, her back turned, engrossed in a file. She didn't glance his way when she heard him enter. Ignoring him, she continued reading.He peeked at her, recalling Jacob's words. If he didn't step up, she'd slip away. Sebastian was indirectly dating her, doing all the things a boyfriend should do.Noah coughed to grab her attention, but she kept flipping through the file, lips bitten.The air was heavy with the scent of alcohol, mixed with his strong perfume that used to make her heart skip a beat. Noah observed she hadn't changed out of her stunning rose gold party dress. The short, sequined number with long sheer sleeves showcased her figure perfectly.Trying to find the right words, Noah stood there.Jemma placed the file on the table and spoke in a soft tone, "This file is ready to move forward. It needs your signatures. Please sign it before morning."She started heading towards her bedroom, but Noah called out, "Jemma..."She halte
Breathing hard, his eyes weary, he looked at her. She was breathing heavily.With his hands guiding her thighs forward, Noah pulled her dress up slowly. He planted a kiss next to her attractive navel. With a gasp, Jemma closed her eyes and ran a hand over his hair. His lips found her white thighs instead of the space between her legs.And something unexpected caught his eye there. Fingerprints.With his eyes clouded, Noah cast a glance at her. She opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on him, noticing a stop in intimacy.In a hoarse voice, Noah asked, "Who touched you?"Jemma froze. The realization of a disturbing incident from earlier in the evening sank in.Swallowing hard, she replied, "Jimmy... what are you talking about?""Who? Who fucked you?" he pressed, his tone intense and demanding.Realizing his misunderstanding, she trembled nervously."No, Jimmy... It's not what you think," she stammered."Who touched you there?" he demanded, his voice getting louder."Jimmy," she repeated,
"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..