Forsaken Bonds

Ryan's words were provoking. He spoke as if I were some stand-in who only got in because he was not around. I refused his toast and turned to leave.Nicky exploded and accused me of being rude. She even demanded I kneel and apologize to Ryan, or she would stop Tara's treatment.I initially thought she was bluffing. Tara was her daughter, after all. She knew how serious her illness was. However, she was not bluffing.I called her countless times, went to her office, and even looked for her at Ryan's place, but she was nowhere to be found.I could only watch as Tara died in my arms.The thought filled me with a burning hatred.I decided to face their provocation head-on."Moonlight Hotel, right? I'll be there at eight at night sharp."Nicky sounded pleased. "That's more like it. If you'd just—" I hung up before she could say another word.I gently brushed my hand over Tara's urn."Tara, Dad will avenge you. I'll ruin them."With everything prepared, I arrived at Moonligh

The assistant hesitantly replied, "I assumed Mr. Smith would've told you." He was reluctant to bring up such a tragic matter, knowing it would only rouse Nicky's anger.After a long silence, Nicky finally looked at me and questioned, "Why didn't you tell me something happened to our daughter? I didn't even get to see Tara one last time!"I slapped her hard and yelled, "You're the one who stopped Tara's treatment. You killed her!"Nicky stumbled back and looked at me in shock. "That's impossible. The doctors said her condition was stable. I only paused the treatment for one day. How could she have died—"Suddenly, it seemed as if something clicked in her mind, and she looked at me suspiciously."You and my assistant must've set this up, right?"I slapped her again."Who do you think you are? Do you think I'd use my daughter's life to deceive you? Tara couldn't go a day without her medication and the breathing machine. The night you halted her treatment, she spiked a high fever

Nicky glanced at me and quickly declined the call. "I won't have anything to do with him again."I smirked inwardly. Nicky said the same thing when Ryan abandoned her last time, but they still got entangled after.After all, a leopard does not change its spots.An idea popped into my mind."Nicky, if you want me to come back, hold a press conference to admit that Ryan is the other man and slap him twice in front of everyone. Then, I'll consider it."She hesitated. "Jensen, isn't that too much?"I sneered, "You slapped me in public for him, didn't you? Hold the conference or stop talking. Your nonsense makes me sick."I walked away with a cold expression.Nicky trailed behind and pleaded, "Fine, I'll do it.""I'll wait and see then."After dismissing Nicky, I messaged Ryan.[You're just a homewrecker. No matter how much you flatter yourself, you'll never be more than that. Nicky came to beg me today, which means all your scheming was for nothing.]Nicky and I were still lega

Nicky sat slumped by Tara's grave, looking thin and worn down. Her dull eyes suddenly lit up when she saw me.She stumbled to her feet and threw her arms around me. "Where have you been, Jensen? I couldn't find you anywhere."I pushed her away and reminded her, "We're divorced, Nicky."Nicky grabbed my hand, her eyes full of desperation. "Jensen, let's get back together. Please? I finally realize you're the one who truly loves me."I knew what had happened.Nicky's business collapsed after I leaked her company's dirty secrets to her rival. Her properties and cars were seized.Ryan barely lasted a month as her husband before they found themselves drowning in debt. He secretly gave her medicine to terminate the pregnancy.Nicky confronted Ryan right after the surgery, who admitted that he only married her for her money.She was devastated, so she came to me for comfort.I shook her hand off. "Nicky, I'm not in the habit of picking up trash."Nicky dropped to her knees in front