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,
BEEPThe door creaked open, and Jemma raised her head from her knees to look at the man who had entered the apartment following a fatal fight. His demeanour was ferocious, his eyes blazing and filled with death. She spotted his bloodied palms and the drops on the floor. Her throat dried as she realised how serious his fight with Sebastian had been.She shivered with terror. Noah sighed deeply when he saw her sitting on the floor beside the couch, hugging her knees and crying. He approached her, his gaze softening as he carried her in his arms. He silently led her to the bedroom and gently placed her on the bed.He removed some ointment from the drawer near the bed, pulled up her dress, and checked the bruises on her white thigh. Jemma bit her lips, feeling ashamed and embarrassed. He applied ointment to her softly. His touch was so comforting that she sobbed.He sat at the edge of the bed and gently wiped away her tears."Does it hurt?" he asked in a raspy voice. She only shook her he
A week later…Jemma, holding her phone, dialled Jia's number with a smile on her face. The call connected, and Jia's voice echoed through the line."Hey, birthday girl! Happy eighteenth! How does it feel to finally be legal?" Jemma teased.Jia chuckled, "Thanks, Jemma. It feels... I don't know, just different."Jemma couldn't hold back any longer and wished, "I really wish Jimmy and I could be there to celebrate with you, Jia."There was a brief pause on the other end, and Jia's tone changed. "Actually, Jemma, that's what I wanted today."Jemma sensed sadness in Jia's voice, "What's up, sweetheart?""I wanted both of you to come and give me a surprise. It's my eighteenth, and I thought it would be so cool if you and brother could be here," Jia expressed, a hint of disappointment in her tone.Jemma sighed, "Jia, I wish we could be there too, really. But Jimmy's caught up with work. It's been so hectic for him, and he couldn't manage to get away."Jia, a bit annoyed, replied, "Work, wor
Jacob pulled Jia into an embrace, and she cried, holding onto him as her life depended on it. He patted her back gently, saying, "Calm down.""Why do you keep coming here? Why... why are you doing this? Just don't come here. Please, don't come here," she pleaded between sobs.Jacob's heart ached to see her so broken. He patted her back and caressed her hair gently, trying to console her.After she finally calmed down and got her breathing back to normal, she lifted her face, all streaked with tears and gave him those innocent, teary eyes. In a hushed, shaky voice, she spoke, "Don't marry her. Can't you?"He gently held her face in his hands, trying not to lose it."She's loaded, your age, and beautiful. Is that the deal? I'm eighteen now. I'll graduate next year, hustle, make some cash, and I'll be a total hottie."Jacob shook his head, wiping away her tears. "Easy there, shhh, shhh...""Can you just, like, stop it? Pretty please?" she begged."Jia... just hear me out.""She's part of
"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..