Jade barely had time to react as Ceynol led her swiftly out of the venue. His grip on her hand was firm but not painful, as if anchoring her to reality amid the chaos Lily had tried to unleash. Her heart pounded in her chest, the weight of the accusations still lingering in the air. But what surprised her the most was how fiercely Ceynol had defended her—without hesitation, without doubt. As they stepped into the cold night air, she finally found her voice. “Ceynol…” she whispered, still processing everything. He didn’t stop walking until they reached the parking lot. Letting go of her hand, he turned to face her, his sharp blue eyes burning with an intensity she had never seen before. His breathing was heavy, his jaw clenched tightly, and his fists were still curled as if resisting the urge to punch something—or someone. “Do you believe me?” she asked softly, searching his face. His gaze softened instantly. “What kind of question is that?” he asked, almost incredulous. “Of co
Silence filled the car. Neither of them spoke, yet the weight of unspoken emotions hung in the air like a thick, invisible thread connecting them. Jade sat still, her mind still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions Ceynol had stirred in her. His words from earlier echoed in her head, leaving a warmth that spread through her chest. He had defended her so fiercely, so unwaveringly, that it was almost overwhelming. She barely noticed when the car slowed down until it came to a complete stop on the side of the road. Frowning, she turned to him. “Why did you stop?” Ceynol exhaled deeply and turned in his seat to face her fully. His eyes held a fire—intense, unyielding. “Because I need to tell you something,” he said; his voice was low and deliberate. “I don’t want to waste another second.” Jade’s breath hitched at the gravity in his tone. “Ceynol…” “I should have told you sooner,” he continued, his gaze never leaving hers. “But I won’t let fear hold me back any longer. Coward
Ceynol’s eyes locked onto Jade’s, smoldering with a primal hunger that sent shivers down her spine. With a slow, deliberate movement, he stepped closer, his body radiating a raw, masculine energy that left her breathless. Jade felt her heart race as Ceynol’s hand reached out to caress her cheek, his touch igniting a fire within her that she couldn’t ignore. She knew that she was his, completely and utterly, and she surrendered to his seductive power without hesitation. As his lips engulfed her quivering bosom, Jade’s senses were overwhelmed with a wave of intense pleasure that consumed her entire being. His lips trailed along her skin, igniting a fierce flame with each tender touch. His lips and tongue danced across the supple curve of her breast, tracing a tantalizing path toward her taut, swollen nipple. With each flick of his tongue, Jade’s body quivered with ecstasy, her eyes fluttering shut as she surrendered to the overwhelming sensations coursing through her. “Oh’ f
“Mama! Where are you, Mama?” Jade's eyes flew open, her body jolting upright in bed. Panic gripped her chest as she heard the desperate cries of her child echoing through the hallway. Her motherly instincts kicked in immediately, her mind solely focused on reaching her son. She barely registered that she was completely bare until she felt a strong, familiar hand grab her wrist just as she was about to throw open the bedroom door. “Where do you think you're going like that?” A deep, amused voice rumbled behind her. Her breath caught as she spun around, her gaze locking onto the man lounging beside her. Ceynol was just as unclothed as she was, his smirk only deepening as he watched realization dawn on her face. Heat flooded her cheeks, and she hurriedly turned away. How could she have forgotten? Last night had been a blur of passion, a reunion of souls after years of separation. It wasn’t enough that they had started in the car; Ceynol had carried her straight to the master bedroom
Jade and Ceynol didn’t bother responding to Lily’s press conference. They let her do whatever she pleased, refusing to dignify her baseless accusations with a response. But even though they ignored her, Jade couldn’t help but feel affected. After all, everything that woman spewed in front of the cameras was directed at her—her reputation, her company, her very existence. Then came the final straw: Lily had spread a tampered sex video claiming it was Jade. Ceynol’s rage boiled over the moment he discovered it. His fury was relentless, merciless. He made sure that every single reporter who participated in that ridiculous press conference was blacklisted from ever stepping near their company again. Who had the courage to disseminate the fraudulent video? Ceynol will destroy their lives. Lily’s modeling agency, the empire she had once built with arrogance and greed, crumbled overnight. The company, already struggling with financial mismanagement, quickly spiraled into bankruptcy. The
As Jade Vine made her way down the grand staircase, every eye in the room turned towards her. She smiled gracefully, but she could feel the weight of their gazes following her every step. There was something almost surreal about the moment—she was the center of attention, but all she could focus on was her appearance and how it might look to others. She paused for a moment to take in her reflection. The long black and gold tulle ball gown she wore shimmered under the lights, a perfect combination of elegance and luxury, and she felt a rush of pride. However, a persistent nervousness quickly eclipsed her pride.The theme of the night was black and gold, fitting for her debut, a celebration of her stepping into adulthood. Similar attire from the guests further enhanced the formal and refined atmosphere. The host of the party introduced her, along with her parents, and Jade scanned the room with curious eyes, hoping to spot someone in particular. Today, of all days, she longed to see o
At twenty-two years old, Jade Vine let out a deep sigh of exhaustion. She had just finished her shift as a fruit picker, a job she had taken on in New Zealand to support herself and her three-year-old son, Crown. As she walked into the small apartment she called home, the weight of the day was heavy on her shoulders. The moment she stepped inside, she immediately sought comfort in the familiar faces around her."Thank you for taking care of my son, Beth," she said to the elderly woman sitting in her living room.Beth, the babysitter and retired teacher, smiled warmly. "It's no trouble at all, Jade. Your little one is simple to take care of, as you know. He never cries, and it's almost like he understands your struggles."Jade's heart swelled with gratitude. Beth had been a godsend, offering to watch over Crown whenever Jade was working. She was a kind-hearted woman, and, as a neighbor, she had volunteered to help without hesitation. The elderly woman had no family of her own and was
At forty, Ceynol Tarragon's life bore the marks of success and influence. His name resonated in business circles, a beacon of triumph in a world where fortune eluded many. Yet, for all his accomplishments, a persistent shadow loomed over him—a frustration born not of material lack but of emotional void. A labyrinth of longing gripped his heart, as he sought something, or rather someone, that remained elusive.Ceynol had devoted much of his adulthood to building an empire. His businesses flourished, reflecting the discipline and determination of a man with clear goals. Yet, amidst boardrooms and balance sheets, he harbored a yearning that could not be satisfied by wealth alone. He searched for the woman who had captured his heart—a love he had long carried but never fulfilled.As he sat down in his office, a confrontation he had grown tired of enduring interrupted his thoughts. He was reviewing contracts."Get out, Lily!" His voice was sharp, laced with finality. "How many times must I
Jade and Ceynol didn’t bother responding to Lily’s press conference. They let her do whatever she pleased, refusing to dignify her baseless accusations with a response. But even though they ignored her, Jade couldn’t help but feel affected. After all, everything that woman spewed in front of the cameras was directed at her—her reputation, her company, her very existence. Then came the final straw: Lily had spread a tampered sex video claiming it was Jade. Ceynol’s rage boiled over the moment he discovered it. His fury was relentless, merciless. He made sure that every single reporter who participated in that ridiculous press conference was blacklisted from ever stepping near their company again. Who had the courage to disseminate the fraudulent video? Ceynol will destroy their lives. Lily’s modeling agency, the empire she had once built with arrogance and greed, crumbled overnight. The company, already struggling with financial mismanagement, quickly spiraled into bankruptcy. The
“Mama! Where are you, Mama?” Jade's eyes flew open, her body jolting upright in bed. Panic gripped her chest as she heard the desperate cries of her child echoing through the hallway. Her motherly instincts kicked in immediately, her mind solely focused on reaching her son. She barely registered that she was completely bare until she felt a strong, familiar hand grab her wrist just as she was about to throw open the bedroom door. “Where do you think you're going like that?” A deep, amused voice rumbled behind her. Her breath caught as she spun around, her gaze locking onto the man lounging beside her. Ceynol was just as unclothed as she was, his smirk only deepening as he watched realization dawn on her face. Heat flooded her cheeks, and she hurriedly turned away. How could she have forgotten? Last night had been a blur of passion, a reunion of souls after years of separation. It wasn’t enough that they had started in the car; Ceynol had carried her straight to the master bedroom
Ceynol’s eyes locked onto Jade’s, smoldering with a primal hunger that sent shivers down her spine. With a slow, deliberate movement, he stepped closer, his body radiating a raw, masculine energy that left her breathless. Jade felt her heart race as Ceynol’s hand reached out to caress her cheek, his touch igniting a fire within her that she couldn’t ignore. She knew that she was his, completely and utterly, and she surrendered to his seductive power without hesitation. As his lips engulfed her quivering bosom, Jade’s senses were overwhelmed with a wave of intense pleasure that consumed her entire being. His lips trailed along her skin, igniting a fierce flame with each tender touch. His lips and tongue danced across the supple curve of her breast, tracing a tantalizing path toward her taut, swollen nipple. With each flick of his tongue, Jade’s body quivered with ecstasy, her eyes fluttering shut as she surrendered to the overwhelming sensations coursing through her. “Oh’ f
Silence filled the car. Neither of them spoke, yet the weight of unspoken emotions hung in the air like a thick, invisible thread connecting them. Jade sat still, her mind still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions Ceynol had stirred in her. His words from earlier echoed in her head, leaving a warmth that spread through her chest. He had defended her so fiercely, so unwaveringly, that it was almost overwhelming. She barely noticed when the car slowed down until it came to a complete stop on the side of the road. Frowning, she turned to him. “Why did you stop?” Ceynol exhaled deeply and turned in his seat to face her fully. His eyes held a fire—intense, unyielding. “Because I need to tell you something,” he said; his voice was low and deliberate. “I don’t want to waste another second.” Jade’s breath hitched at the gravity in his tone. “Ceynol…” “I should have told you sooner,” he continued, his gaze never leaving hers. “But I won’t let fear hold me back any longer. Coward
Jade barely had time to react as Ceynol led her swiftly out of the venue. His grip on her hand was firm but not painful, as if anchoring her to reality amid the chaos Lily had tried to unleash. Her heart pounded in her chest, the weight of the accusations still lingering in the air. But what surprised her the most was how fiercely Ceynol had defended her—without hesitation, without doubt. As they stepped into the cold night air, she finally found her voice. “Ceynol…” she whispered, still processing everything. He didn’t stop walking until they reached the parking lot. Letting go of her hand, he turned to face her, his sharp blue eyes burning with an intensity she had never seen before. His breathing was heavy, his jaw clenched tightly, and his fists were still curled as if resisting the urge to punch something—or someone. “Do you believe me?” she asked softly, searching his face. His gaze softened instantly. “What kind of question is that?” he asked, almost incredulous. “Of co
Jade never expected that as the CEO of Vine Enterprise, she would receive an invitation to this event. The gathering felt less like a formal affair and more like an intimate get-together, especially since the attendees were dressed in casual clothing rather than the usual opulence associated with high-society gatherings. She and Ceynol had decided to leave their son, Crown, at home since the event would stretch late into the night. Jade was silently grateful that tomorrow was Sunday—at least she and Ceynol would have a day to rest before returning to work. Ceynol had explained that the event was hosted by a charitable foundation dedicated to helping underprivileged children. It was primarily funded by powerful elites who had corporate social responsibility programs within their companies. Food and drinks were abundant, but there was only one strict rule—business discussions were strictly prohibited. Tonight was meant for pure enjoyment, free from corporate agendas and negotiati
“Mama, I’m hungry,” Crown whispered softly, his little voice laced with drowsiness. Jade stirred awake at the sound, blinking her eyes open. A wave of relief washed over her as she realized where she was. She let out a quiet sigh before gently sitting up in bed, her arms instinctively wrapping around her son as she pulled him onto her lap. Crown, still groggy from sleep, snuggled against her, but his small stomach betrayed him with a low growl. “Do you want me to carry you downstairs?” she asked, her voice still husky from sleep. The child gave a sleepy nod, rubbing his eyes with his tiny fists. “I want bacon and milk, Mama,” he mumbled, his tone filled with longing. Jade smiled, though exhaustion still clung to her. No matter how much she wanted to stay in bed for a few more minutes, she was a mother first. And a mother’s duties never waited. Carefully, she got up, still cradling Crown in her arms. There was no time for stretching or laziness. Her child needed her. She took him
Ceynol was restless. He had been pacing back and forth in his office, frustration evident in every step. He had lost count of how many times he had tried to call Jade, but each attempt went unanswered. His brows furrowed in worry as he gripped his phone tighter. “I thought we were okay now... Was I the only one who believed that?” He murmured to himself, pressing the call button again. For three days, he had been trying to reach her. But every single time, she would reject his calls or, worse, turn off her phone completely. He wasn’t a fool—he knew what this meant. Jetter must have found out that he had spent time with Jade, and now she was caught in the middle of a storm. His jaw clenched. “Please, Jade… Just let me know what’s happening so I can help you.” But there was only silence. Ceynol let out a deep sigh and slumped into his swivel chair. He needed to see her. He needed to know that she and Crown were safe. His thoughts raced as he tried to figure out where she might be.
As soon as Jade stepped into the house, her father’s voice rang out like a sharp blade cutting through the silence. “Where have you and Crown been, Jadeey?”The weight of his voice made her pause. He was waiting for an answer, but she already knew the conversation wouldn’t end there. Her parents were seated in the living room, their faces unreadable yet laced with something heavy—concern, anger, disappointment. Maybe all three. She held her sleeping son in her arms, his soft breaths warm against her neck. The man who had driven them home had offered to walk them inside, but she refused. The last thing she needed was for the family guards to recognize Ceynol’s car. Instead, she had taken a different vehicle—the one Ceynol had parked near the coffee shop earlier. “I just took Crown out for a little trip, Dad,” she answered, keeping her eyes averted. “With whom?” Her mother’s cold voice followed. Jade swallowed. They knew. Of course, they did. They weren’t asking for informati