Adam's breath was thundering. Memories swirling in his brain successfully gouged the old wound. The burning sensation in his chest could no longer be suppressed. With bloodshot eyes, he stared at the name on the computer screen.
"Why did you come back when I already managed to forget?" the man thought as he gripped the mouse tighter. "Can't you release me from your shadow?"
After taking a deep breath, Adam began to shift the cursor. However, instead of clicking on the delete button, he opened the message.
"Dear Adam,
Why didn't you reply to my message? Have you erased me from your memory? Or put a new girl in your heart? Can you change the direction of your light already?
I know you're disappointed in me. But, I always hope you have forgiven me. I can't stop thinking about you these days. I regret my decision. The days after you were very dim. Is it wrong if I expect you to come back to me? I was so stupid to have thrown
Step by step, Amber approached the door. Her heart was pounding and her hands were itching. Nervousness had sharpened her nerve cells. "Adam must be hiding something in there," she thought confidently. A few moments later, she was sitting in front of the computer. After pressing the ON button, she did the investigation directly to the email. It was the only way for Adam communicating with the outside world. But strangely, there were no suspicious messages in the inbox. "Did Adam delete it?" Amber muttered as she checked the bin. The next second, her attention was caught by a name. "Ruby?" In an instant, the photo that was burned by Adam flashed through her mind. “Is that red-haired woman … this woman? Is this Mr. Smith's ex-wife?" Holding her breath, Amber opened the message. As she read word by word, tears gathered to cover the sight. At the last sentence, her chest tightened as if squeezed by a heavy weight. "Is it wrong if I expect you to come back to me?" Amber repeated that
“Happy birthday, Amber!” the three women who had just appeared on the screen exclaimed. Receiving such a welcome, Amber immediately laughed. "Thank you, Ladies. I didn't expect you to remember my birthday." "We can't forget. There's Miss Secretary who records everything here,” Katniss replied. "You know what? Mia keeps sending us reminders since two days ago," the woman who was holding a baby boy in her lap continued. "Wow, thank you very much, Mia," Amber sighed with emotion. “No, no. Don't believe them! Katniss and Gaby are overreacting. It was them who reminded me to schedule this call.” While laughing faintly, Amber tilted her head. “Well then, thanks to all of you. I'm really impressed by your concern." “So, how are you, Amber? Looks like you lost a lot of weight,” Gabriella said, holding her son's hand so he wouldn't reach for the phone. "Right. You look pale too,” Katniss continued as she took a closer look at the screen. Knowing the suspicions of her friends, Amber co
Adam was surprised to see the scattered books without the apprentice. Raising an eyebrow, he took the cake he had bought into the kitchen. But apparently, Amber wasn't there either. "Where did that Stupid Woman go?" Adam muttered while putting the box on the dining table. "Is she rummaging through the workroom again?" Wasting no time, the man went to check. He was ready to be angry. That's the most powerful way to neutralize his feelings. However, when he found an empty room, he frowned. "Where is she?" Not finding the woman in the bedroom or bathroom, Adam started calling. "Amber?" After a few seconds, no response was detected. Adam then couldn’t deny. He was really worried. With an irritated face, he checked every window. However, there was not a single light out there. Even the sun had hidden perfectly behind the earth, leaving a blue tinge that would soon turn black. "Could it be that she went to the lake?" Adam muttered while squinting. He hoped to catch the beam of flashlig
A man in a white coat nodded at the report he had just written. After adding one more note, he looked back at the pale-faced woman slumped on the makeshift bed. “Other than this, are there any more complaints, Miss Lim?” Still with furrowed brows, Amber shook her head weakly. "No." Hearing that answer, the man standing by the curtain suddenly turned around. He had promised himself not to care. However, the conditions weren’t possible yet. The woman was too weak to be left alone. "Yes, Doc. She complained of nausea on the way here. And lately, she goes to the toilet too often," Adam said, completing the description. The doctor's eyebrows spontaneously furrowed. After a brief contemplation, his eyes narrowed at the patient. “I’m sorry, Miss Lim. Can you tell me when your last period was?” Adam and Amber immediately exchanged glances. They were both surprised. Isn't that question usually addressed to pregnant women? Why did the doctor even ask Amber? “Miss Lim? Do you remember when
With stiff gesture, Adam moved closer to the bed. His eyes were shaky. He did not dare to look at his ex. "Hmm, about that ...." "Why did the doctor ask about my last period?" Amber asked impatiently. Not knowing what to say, Adam gulped. Slowly, he lowered his head and started scratching his temple. "The doctor said ...." Grimacing, he searched for a proper explanation. "Am I having a hormonal problem?" The man spontaneously peeked out of the upper corner of his eye. After a moment of silence, he answered in a flat tone. "That's right. The doctor said you’re exhausted and malnourished. That's why your hormones are disrupted." After one faint breath, Amber pulled the blanket off and lowered her feet to the floor. As he worried that she might fall, Adam reflexively grabbed her elbow. "Slowly." Amber stopped her move and furrowed an eyebrow. After narrowing her gaze, she jerked her arm and stood up by herself. "Please don't overdo it. I'm fine. You don't need to feel guilty eithe
Amber woke up and immediately pushed Adam's shoulder. With eyes dominated by confusion, she searched for an explanation. A moment later, a sigh blew. "Is this the reason you're being nice to me? You want my body?" "No. I just realized that I do love you." Adam tried to grab Amber's shoulder. However, the woman brushed it off. "Liar!" Again, she put on that look—the same expression as when they broke up. "No, Amber. I really have that feeling. I was so stupid to have mixed it up with confusion from the past." Not wanting to believe it, Amber shook her head and unbuckled her seatbelt. "Save that lie for another woman. I won't be fooled again by your persuasion." With an annoyed sigh, she opened the door. "Wait, listen to me!" Adam rushed down and stopped the woman in her track. “I'm not lying. I do love you.” "Get out of the way!" Amber slapped the man's hand and walked faster. Desperate, Adam finally hugged the woman. "Please, believe me. I'm really sorry I broke up with you. I
Adam already swallowed several times, but the bathroom door had not opened yet. He couldn't wait any longer. His heart wouldn’t be at peace until Amber declared a negative result. The pounding was still erratic even though his lips kept whispering a sedative spell. "The doctor's guess must be wrong. Amber isn’t pregnant. I'm barren. There's no way I can implant a fetus in her womb." Suddenly, the door opened and Amber came out with a look full of hatred. Before Adam could say anything, the test pack in her hand flied to his shoulder. "You claim to be barren, but why is the result like this?" Amber screamed while shedding tears. Her anger was no longer contained. In an instant, Adam's shoulders dropped following the sight. After finding the evidence, his mouth gaped releasing the pressure in his chest. "It’s impossible." With her shaking hands, Amber grabbed the man's collar. "Are you happy? Are you satisfied? Then laugh! My life is ruined, Mister Smith. My plans and dreams …. You
No matter how many times Adam let her down, Amber always got up and nurtured new hope. Even though she had promised herself to move on, cursing her ex-lover for all the suffering that had happened, she still ran back to him. "Adam," Amber mumbled as she froze the tears. "I know you wouldn't have the heart to leave me alone." With a small smile on her face, Amber opened the door. She was ready to welcome. "Surprise!" A man outstretched his arms outside the door. In an instant, the corners of Amber's lips moved down. Her hope wilted again and her joy faded. "Bass?" the woman sighed in disbelief. "No need to be so surprised. You should’ve been suspicious I haven't wished you a happy birthday." With a big smile, Sebastian took a step forward and put a hand on his own shoulder. "Your best friend flew 7,599 km to say it in person. Happy birthday, Miss Rude." Amber bit her lip as she took a quick breath. The sadness that had frozen before was flowing again from her eyes. Witnessing that
Amber quietly opened the workroom door. Seeing her husband was daydreaming, she lifted the corner of her lips. "What are you doing, Jewel?" Adam spontaneously turned to the direction of the voice. Knowing the presence of his wife, his smile grew wider. "Hey .... Is Ashley sleeping?" "Yes," Amber answered while approaching. Then, casually, she sat on her husband's lap. "Why are you still here? Is your work not done yet?" As Adam rubbed the back of his neck, Amber began to investigate the table. Turned out, the computer had been off. The files were also neatly organized in the folders. What’s left there was only a cell phone displaying an image. "You really like that picture, hmm?" Amber concluded while glancing sweetly. Spotted by those warm eyes, Adam let out a smile. After kissing Amber’s shoulder, he nodded. "It's all thanks to you. I wouldn't have been able to fix my relationship with Mother if you didn't follow us." "I didn't do anything. When I got there, you guys have been
"I know you must have doubted what I said," Mrs. Smith cried, breaking the silence. "Is there something I have to do to prove my point? Your mother really wants to change, Adam." Still with furrowed brows, the man snorted. "Why only now? Is it because Ed abandoned you?" Mrs. Smith shook her head briskly. "No, don't get me wrong. The tension between us has nothing to do with Ed. I was too stupid to use him to take all yours." "Non sense ...." "Do you know that Ed scolded me? He's tired of being dragged down by my selfishness. Your brother said he didn't want to help me bully you anymore." Before Adam could object, Mrs. Smith continued. "Since then, I've started to realize. But, I still convince myself that you don't deserve to be happy. Your mother is very stupid, hmm?" Adam suddenly fell silent. From under the frown, he looked intently at his mother. “Why should I believe?” "I haven't even used a penny of your money, Adam. I feel guilty every time I see your transfer papers. Sh
After his mother slammed the door, Adam rubbed Amber's arm. Noticing his wife's disheveled look, he whispered, "Are you all right?" The woman nodded. "Yeah, you?" Adam took a deep breath. After raising an eyebrow, he curled up his lips. "Yeah. I'm glad nothing happened. I was afraid my mother would do something reckless. Sorry for letting her carry Ashley." "It's okay, Jewel. I think Ashley is happy to have met her grandmother," Amber said while stroking her daughter's head. The little baby had closed her eyes again. She seemed so peaceful. "Look, she's smiling again." "She must want to cheer you up," Adam whispered before landing a soft kiss on Ashley's forehead. "Not only me, but you too. We are lucky to have such a kind baby. This must be your good karma. You remain patient with your mother, even though she has been hurt you many times." Disagreeing, Adam shook his head. "Your sweet karma too, Precious. You are much more filial to your parents. Anyway, they are coming here, r
As the silence was hanging in the air, people in that room were exchanging glances. No one dared to speak until Ruby broke the silence. "May I carry her?" "Of course," Amber answered, patting Adam's arm. Understanding the code given, Adam took Ashley out of her tiny bed. As soon as the adorable baby arrived in Ruby's arms, all eyes started to tear up. "Hey, look at this tiny face! Why are you so cute, Ashley?" Ruby whispered in a trembling voice. The emotion almost pushed the tears out of bounds. "This pretty nose is very similar to Amber's, while these thin lips ... a hundred percent copy of her father." As that woman studied every detail of the baby, Amber asked lightly, "Would you like to take a picture with Ashley?" In an instant, Ruby's wistful eyes were tinged with shock. "Is it okay? Didn't you two agree not to publish your daughter's face?" "Take the photo as a keepsake. You can print it and store it in your wallet or diary," Amber said, glancing at Nick. Realizing the
“Hurry up! I can’t stand it anymore!" Amber shouted while squeezing her husband's clothes. Panic, Adam started to circle around the yard. Maybe he dropped the key somewhere. Meanwhile, Nick was busy groping his own body. When his hand pressed against his trouser pocket, his eyes widened perfectly. "Shall we just take my car?" the fat man suggested while showing his car keys. Still out of breath, Amber turned to the vehicle parked beside Adam's car. "You think I weigh up to a ton? People must be laughing when they see you take me in that truck!" she grumbled in a shrill voice. Nick spontaneously grimaced at it. "Sorry, Madam. It's not a truck, but a mini box van for dry cargo. I use it to deliver jewelry." "You have nothing to be ashamed of, Precious," Adam continued with a reassuring nod. "The car is used to carrying valuables." Suddenly, Amber closed her eyes again. The pain that twisted in her stomach grew crazier. "Okay! Quickly tak
"Hello, Mrs. Smith. How are you feeling?" Nick said when welcoming Amber to his house. He secretly felt proud to see his whistle hanging around the woman's neck. "Very well. We’re sorry to bother you, Nick. It's actually one week earlier than the doctor predicted. But Adam keeps insisting that we should stay at your house." Seeing Amber's guilty expression, Nick chuckled. "It’s not a problem at all. What the boss thinks is true. It's best if we are on guard. The hospital is too far from your cottage." "You're a wise man, Nick," Adam said while carrying three large bags he'd pulled from the trunk. “Seems like, I’ve put my trust in the right person.” Once again, the fat man chuckled. Taking one of the bags from Adam's hand, he waved. "Come on! Let me show you your room! I’ve asked Tina to clean it this morning." As Nick led the way, Amber leaned toward her husband. "Who's Tina?" "I don't know. Maybe, his new girlfriend," Adam replied wit
"I’m sincere," Amber nodded swiftly. "It's just I regret their attitude that never changes. I can’t tell how long they will stand to make you suffer." Smiling a little, Adam stroked her cheek. Now that he had known the reason, his love to her grew larger. "Don't worry! I'm sure they won't ask for anything more after this. I've got nothing for them to grab." "What about our house? Should we apply for a transfer of assets? I think it would be safer if the certificate was registered in my name." Stifling a laugh, Adam nodded. He knew that half of Amber's heart was actually not willing to see him sacrifice so much. "That's why, I insisted on handing over the company to you. But you kept refusing." "I don't want people to think of you as a slave to my love, Jewel. It’s not normal for a man giving all his wealth to his wife? He’ll be called a stupid man. I don't want you to be branded like that." Thinking that Amber was so adorable, Adam kissed the tip of her nose. "I have no problem
"Now it's my turn to give you a gift," Ruby said awkwardly. "A gift? When did you prepare it? You spent most of the time in bed," Amber asked wide-eyed. "Online shopping is not something difficult," Ruby said before smiling faintly. Without further ado, she handed her the box. "Take this as an apology as well as my thanks. You may open it now." After giving Adam her whistle, the pregnant woman lifted the lid of the box. As soon as she found a neatly folded red knitted cloth, she let out a faint sigh. "Is this a form of protest because we threw away the white sweater you gave Adam?" "Otherwise, I want to bury bad memories about it. I hope a new sweater could remind you of the new me." "Well then, from this moment on, Adam and I will make lots of sweet memories with this sweater," Amber said as she took out the gift from the box. However, a second later, the curve of her lips froze. Turned out, there was another sweater in the box. "You
"Hey," Amber said, reluctant to call her brother-in-law’s name, "Ruby wants to talk to you." In an instant, Ed's eyes widened. Without further ado, he entered through the gap between Amber and the door. "Has Ruby changed her mind?" Adam inquired as he rose from his seat. After closing the door, he guided his wife to sit down carefully. "No." Confused, the man's eyebrows arched perfectly. "So?" "Ruby wants to end their relationship as soon as possible. That way, she can stay at Mr. Berg's residence without any worries," Amber explained before raising an eyebrow. "How about you? Did something happen while I was inside?" Lifting the corners of his lips, Adam kissed his wife's hand. "Believe it or not, I feel nothing. Yes, I'm annoyed to see Ed. But knowing he's got what he deserves, I don't feel relieved either, like nothing's changed." "Because no matter what happens to them, our lives will still be the same?" "Yes." As h