Thanks to the loyal chauffeur, nobody managed to track down Jean and Simone after they left Henkel. They traveled to Sun Valley City without issue. In the new city, Jean temporarily crashed at a place that Simone set up for her.A few days later, Simone was browsing the net on her phone but did not find any news regarding the disappearance of "Joyce Michaels". She felt relieved after learning that Jean's escape did not make headlines."You can spend your days at Sun Valley City without worry until the baby's born."Since Tyler did not bother to look for Jean, the issue might die down soon. Jean nodded at her friend, but she felt a tinge of disappointment deep within. The feeling went away when she heard Simone's cheerful voice."Congrats, Jean Michaels! You can be yourself again!" She was slightly taken aback when she heard her name. For years, she dared not say her real name out loud. She did not dare to admit that she was Jean Michaels. Simone's remark put a smile on her face,
Simone was hesitant and surprised. "Jean, I don't think you should."She looked at Jean's belly, thinking that it was too cruel for Emmett. Jean also stared at her belly and put on a determined face after taking a deep breath. "I can't let him waste his time on me. I'm no longer good for him. I'll feel guilty if I'm still on his mind."Simone recalled the sweet times that Emmett and Jean had shared. She felt upset when she saw Jean tearing up. Maybe Jean and Emmett were not meant to be. "Okay. I'll make the arrangements."Simone had seen Emmett at his lowest. She also knew that Jean wanted to force him into giving up since he had learned the truth about the twins. Better sooner than later.Jean nodded and fell silent. She was rather calm because she had prepared what she wanted to say to Emmett.Two days later, the pair finally met. Jean heard a knock and opened the door, thinking it was Simone. When she peeked through the peephole, she was shocked to see an exhausted Emmett
This time, Emmett left without turning back. Jean watched with pursed lips as tears fell. That was the only way she could make Emmett give up any remaining hope in her.She also knew that Emmett was a man of character who would not want to be involved in her issues. After he left, she went into the apartment.Wiping away her tears, she caressed her stomach, looking lost. Maybe she would regret her decision one day, but at least she did not regret it now.She was updated on Emmett a few months later. By then, he was engaged to a famous painter, Alison Matthias. She knew Alison because they were schoolmates.In their school days, Alison was a popular student who came from a scholarly family. Alison's gentle and prim personality made her a good match for Emmett.Jean put away her phone and went to stare at her sketches on the study table. She believed she should feel happy for Emmett because he had found someone more suitable for him.Simone, who had returned to the apartment, went
Within half an hour, Jean gave birth to a baby. She passed out from exhaustion right after, but she heard it crying before she blacked out.When she woke up again, she was back in the waiting room. She opened her eyes and found Simone and Bertha by her bed, but their expressions were not right.Taken aback, she looked beside her but did not find the baby.Frantic, she whispered, "Where's my baby?"Simone hung her head in silence.Bertha whispered back with an apologetic look, "Jean, I'm so sorry. The newborn suffered from a hemolytic reaction, and they couldn't save him."Jean was shocked by the answer. She couldn't believe that she lost the baby even though she heard him crying before she fainted. Staring at Bertha in disbelief, she started crying."I clearly …"Bertha quickly took her hand and apologized profusely, "Jean, I'm sorry, I really am. You had so much trust in me, but I … I couldn't save your baby."Jean sobbed. She was upset by Bertha's tear-stricken and guilty fa
Jean left the hospital after three days. During her stay, Simone cared for her like a mother. A month later, the two packed their things. They were ready to leave the country for good.During that time, Joyce's comeback attracted a lot of attention. Not only that, Joyce had moved back to Oakside Villa, which fueled gossip about her marriage. Each time, she answered the media's questions by claiming that she and Tyler were very in love. On the other hand, news of Tyler and Esme's upcoming marriage was not reported at all. Jean was calm when she read the reports. After all, Joyce was always the more talented and capable twin. Joyce's return to Oakside Villa did surprise Jean, but it was believable.Simone inched closer and found Jean reading up about Tyler. She put on a serious face and whispered, "Jean, you're not thinking of him still, are you?"Taken aback, Jean put away her phone and chuckled."There's no reason for me to think of him." She stood up and looked at her luggage
Jean was a different woman now. Five years ago, she lacked confidence and skills. Today, she was glowing and sure of herself.The Michaels had threatened to kick her out of the family ever since she left the Larsons. Because of that, she went no contact with her family.Thankfully, she spent five years abroad without issue despite her family's threats. The family's attention was on Joyce, who moved back to Oakside Villa. They had no time for Jean.Jean walked toward the exit. She flew home alone, and no one was there to pick her up. Her eyes glimmered with a tinge of disappointment when she saw the crowds that were waiting for someone at the arrivals hall.She hailed a cab by the roadside and shared her address. The driver occasionally stole glances at her via the rearview mirror during the trip. She chuckled at his absent-mindedness."Sir, I'm not Joyce Michaels. And look out—you're going to run a red light."The driver was embarrassed after being called out and quickly stepped
Chris sat in silence until Tyler ordered him to drive off.Back at the Larson Group office, the senior management was worrying in the meeting room about Tyler’s lateness. Tyler was never late to meetings because some issues cropped up in the company's projects lately. The suffering of the management staff increased with each minute. When Tyler finally showed up, they anticipated him to scream and shout, but he was oddly agreeable and easygoing that day. He even gave them advice on future growth after hearing their business reporting.Seated to Tyler's right, Lilian Page looked up briefly from her minute-taking. She started working for Tyler after her recovery three years ago. He was rarely calm and mild in the past five years.Ever since "Joyce" gave birth and moved back to Oakside Villa, Lilian felt sidelined by Tyler. But Tyler wasn't exactly close to Joyce either. Confused by Tyler's good spirits, she followed behind him after the meeting ended.When she noticed that he was
"The Hewetts delivered an invitation to the Larsons too," Chris whispered, his eyes on Tyler.Tyler was supposed to visit their office in Faulkland tomorrow. He adjusted the ring on his finger and said indifferently, "Postpone tomorrow’s visit."Chris gave him a soft nod and immediately arranged it. At the same time, Lilian was back with the requested file and ran into Chris at the entrance to Tyler's office. She approached him with a kind smile and stopped him."Mr. Carden."He paused and addressed her politely."Ms. Page, what's the matter?""Tyler is in a good mood today. Since you're always around him, I'd like to know if there is any good news in his life lately," she inquired.Then, she stared at him expectantly. Chris chuckled nervously."I'm sorry, Ms. Page. I don't have a clue."Chris was embarrassed by Lilian's question, but he had to admit that she was observant enough to pick up the small changes in Tyler's mood.He scrambled for an excuse when he saw her doubtf