"Are you out of your mind?! You're supposed to be in charge, and now you're asking me to put on a show like this; what do you want?!" a woman exclaimed over the phone.Her face was tight. She banged on the table beside her several times.She was furious at what had happened to her. She certainly knew who the father of her unborn child was. Although she hoped the baby was Jason's, that was not the case."I'm a model, and getting pregnant is risky for my career, you know that, you bastard!?"The man on the other side was heard chuckling. He certainly didn't want to be blamed for the outcome of what the two of them had done. Didn't they do it out of love?"That's your business, not mine. You couldn't contain your desires, and I only gave what you asked for, Tamara. Was I wrong?" Tamara clenched her fists, unable to reply to the man's every word. However, it was clear that her anger was at an all-time high. Her jaw seemed to tighten, holding back the swearing she should have let out earl
All eyes were on Jason, who had just stepped into the room after rudely opening the door, hoping to catch Emily, who was probably making love to whoever and could ruin the woman's reputation.Jason was sick of him always being the antagonist in their strange romance. Even back then, since they were teenagers.And now, he didn't know what to make of the questions implied in the gazes of each one. Charles, Emma, and Emily were now in the room.What were they talking about?"Mom, Dad? What are you guys doing here?"The three did not respond to Jason's question but looked away and resumed their conversation as if they had never seen Jason. That, of course, left Jason confused.What exactly was going on? Why did they seem indifferent when Jason entered and only cast strange looks in his direction?Even his father, who usually nagged and yelled at him if something happened, didn't say a word. Not even to greet him."What's wrong with you guys? Why are you just silent and ignoring me?" Jason
Emily looked giddy, staring at the writing on the sheet in her hand.Charles, who had initially set Emily up with Jason, now gave her the option to separate from his son. Emily didn't know whether she should be happy and grateful to the middle-aged man or the opposite—cursing and swearing at him for interfering too much in Emily's life so far.None of this was free. Charles gave her a last name, a house she now lived in, and a few percent of the shares in the Kennel'z Industry company for her to own. Her life is assured, but she is at risk of losing the man she has loved all these years.There were also many things that Emily had to consider.Charles does not insist if she and Jason decide to stay together; he only asks that Jason pay more attention to Emily and nurture their love. However, it seems that it will be impossible for Jason.Jason will repeat the same mistake—returning to Tamara after making promises and catapulting Emily sky-high. So to continue the marriage would not be
Emily still couldn't believe what she had received today. There are so many good things, and she doesn't know if she can carry them all. Because for her, what the McKennel family has entrusted to her is a burden of responsibility and a debt of gratitude that she will never be able to repay. "You don't have to consider this a debt of gratitude, Emily; we're your parents. What you receive is right, and we're happy to do it. We've made other arrangements for Jason and Jared; you needn't worry about that. Oh, and also for my future grandchildren." That's what Charles said a few hours ago. And after that, Emily was such a trending topic in their office that even the whole of Eastonville understood her life story. 'A different version of Cinderella story', as they say. And as Emily had expected, some employees did make her the subject of conversation. For better and for worse. She had experienced it all in one day. Now, she felt like she was being tossed around in the ocean. She felt he
Emily sat alone at L'Restaurante, waiting for Alex to arrive as promised. Unfortunately, Shila couldn't join Emily because she had something urgent to do. Moreover, Shila thought Emily would need time to talk more with Alex alone.Emily had told Shila a little about Alex, and her best friend even encouraged Emily to open her heart again to any man who loves her and can give her happiness.Of course, Emily had the same thought, but not so fast.Her and Alex's relationship had been established for a long time, just as two people who were friends. However, it may turn into a couple or even more than that, but imagining it the day after the divorce feels a bit inappropriate."Have you been waiting long?" asked Alex, who immediately sat down and noticed Emily's frowning face. He felt guilty for coming late. However, he had his reasons.Alex then took something out of his coat pocket and handed it to Emily, who was wide-eyed as she watched what the man in front of her was doing."What is th
Emily began to enjoy her days with her new status in romance. Let's say she was unlucky in this regard, but at least not with her career fortunes. She is fortunate.She was now the owner of a design and construction company, in line with her interest in design and art, although she had studied business and marketing at the time. But that didn't stop her from being passionate about what she loves.Now Emily is sitting in her room with several sheets of designs on the table right in front of her. She observes which of the pictures is the most interesting."You're still working; while you called me this morning and complained that you weren't feeling well?" Shila grumbled while preparing warm milk for Emily.Emily didn't immediately answer her best friend's nagging but stayed focused on the work in front of her. She was in good spirits, so she didn't want to dwell on complaints related to her pregnancy condition. She could not let herself become lazy just because of the erratic pregnancy
Emily didn't give Jared an easy answer. Of course, it was a subtle rejection of his question about her heart.Only a few days she divorced Jason, and accepting another man to fill the space in her heart is certainly not an easy thing. Moreover, her breakup with Jason was due to quite complicated problems.Emily wants to give her heart a chance to heal first. Moreover, the great responsibility given by Charles makes Emily much busier than before—other things that can make Emily forget about her pain and heartbreak.Not to mention the project she will work on according to Jared's request. Of course, in the end, Emily accepted his request to help him work on a music school building.There was something else that made Emily interested in working on this project. Jared promised Emily that if she was willing to work together, Emily could use one of the art rooms in the school. And even if she agreed, the school would not only be a music school but an entire art school."Do you idolize me so
Emily was stunned when she heard the threats and challenges coming from Jason. Unusually, the man wanted to deal with Emily to make a challenge that risked many things. Although the reason was clear, to seize what Charles and Emma had given Emily, hadn't Charles prepared for his children? Or did Jason not know about it?Jason turned his body around and left Emily alone in her room in a crowded gloom. Indeed, Emily should not take and accept what the McKennel family gave her for granted. She could still work on things, but how could she refuse if this was a form of love from Charles and Emma McKennel?Emily let Jason go. She didn't want to get in the way of the man causing new problems. As for the challenges coming her way, Emily didn't want to overthink them because it would only split her focus.However, the most important thing right now is her career and what Charles has entrusted to her. Including her project with Jared.Not because Jared is someone from her past but because of a
Three months laterJason visited Emily and brought her a box of chocolates and a bouquet of her favorite flowers. Lili and Peonies that Jason still remembers today.Emily seemed happier than before, and of course, Jason's feelings also began to slowly calm down because he was freer to meet his son and spend time with Liam and Emily.She no longer rejects Jason's presence because she also needs him in Liam's care. She doesn't think of another love; her life is only for Liam now. She will do anything for her baby."Have you eaten yet? I brought your favorite food. Chinese food and spaghetti," Jason said with a bright smile.Seeing what Jason had brought and placed on the dining table, the two hazel eyes rounded."Seriously, Jase, this is a lot. Who's going to finish it?" asked Emily. "I'm on a diet."Jason chuckled at his ex-wife's words and got up and walked over to her, and grabbed both her hands."You still have to breastfeed Liam, and then your figure will return on its own.""What
In a different place, Jason repeatedly clucked and swore because Alex didn't come. Where did he go to relieve himself for so many minutes? Jason suspected that instead of going to the bathroom to relieve himself, Alex was meditating.Jason looked at the black clock in his hand. The long hand of the clock had changed to four. That meant he had been in his apartment for over twenty minutes."Where is he?" muttered Jason.Jason checked his cell phone. It was dead, so he couldn't use it to contact Alex. After charging it in the car, it finally turned on.Jason hurriedly searched for Alex's contact name. As soon as he wanted to call, three messages appeared from the person he was waiting for.Jason opened them. There was one slightly long video there. A little suspicious, Jason finally played it. In the video, he only saw a white image. Jason snorted in annoyance."What is he doing exactly." Just about to press the button again, Jason heard a voice. The white video finally changed, showing
Jason ignored Alex's words. At Alex's house, Jason had a heated argument with the man. Shila even had to break it up. Because of the woman's words, Jason left and returned to his apartment to get something. He was going to get ready to meet Jeffry.Who would have thought that Alex would follow him? Finally, the man stopped at the door of his apartment."Move!" Jason said for the umpteenth time but did not get a response from Alex. Alex shook heis head. "You want to get into more trouble? If there's anything wrong with Jeffry, he can deny all charges," Alex explained. The man's face looked solemn."Then, you want me to stand by while he manages to make Emily the victim of his physical and sexual abuse? You want me to stay silent and let him laugh out loud in the hospital bed?" Jason's eyes were full of flames of anger.Alex looked down because he couldn't bear to stare at the man's eyeballs, which seemed ready to destroy his through invisible lasers. Alex clenched his fists. Honest
Shila bit her lip. Her heart beat fast because the two people she was waiting for had disappeared. "What are they looking for? What took them so long?"Evil thoughts about her two friends immediately came to mind. Maybe they were caught and were being beaten up by the burly guards.Shila shook his head. Her heart almost jumped when she heard a noise next to her. She thought she was caught too, but it was far from it as she saw Jason and Alex.Shila then approached the two of them. "Are you guys okay? Did you make it?"Jason nodded. "Looks like luck is on our side. We managed to get the footage." Jason took the pen drive he had saved and showed it to Shila.The woman let out a long sigh. Showing that a heavy burden had just been lifted. Shila, who had been filled with fear, could now smile broadly. "Good. With that recording, Emily can get out of prison right away."Alex patted his shirt. "Before that, we have to see the video."Jason put his arm around Alex. He slipped the car keys in
The three people who had just arrived were invited to sit by a man wearing a black suit. Jason thought it was not the same suit he had worn last night. The man, who was in his forties, looked fit. However, a few gray hairs appeared in his hair."So, what's your plan?" asked Jason as he looked through the documents before him."You haven't introduced them to me yet," said Mark, full of awareness, then took turns looking at Alex and Shila.Alex hurriedly held out his hand as a sign of introduction and seemed more polite. "Ah, sorry. I'm Alex, Emily's best friend."Mark welcomed the handshake kindly. Seeing what Alex did, Shila also did the same."Sorry, Jason was probably too excited to investigate this case. So, he didn't have time to introduce the two of us." Shila smiled sweetly. "Oh yeah, introduce me to Shila, Jason, and Emily's best friend, the current suspect."Mark also greeted Shila kindly. "Okay. I'm Mark Jefferson. Jason's father's best friend and the detective he appointed t
Jason's idea then made the three people pay full attention to Tamara. From now on, Jason will take over the investigation of the woman. Meanwhile, Alex and Shila will look for something about Jeffry. Both are determined to make the man pay for what he did to their best friend."I'm going home.""What for?" Shila's brow furrowed. "What about Tamara? Don't you want to investigate on your own?"Jason nodded. "I am. But I'll ask my parents to contact Detective Jefferson. I didn't get a chance to meet them yesterday."Alex patted Jason's shoulder. "Alright. You can go home; we will look for information about Jeffry.""Good. Then I'll go now. You guys take good care of it."Alex and Shila answered together with confidence.Jason excused himself and headed straight to his parent's house. Yesterday, he didn't meet them because Jared's presence made him emotional. The man who had the misfortune of being Jared's brother chose to leave rather than cause a more complicated commotion. If not for J
Emily was indeed much safer at Alex's mansion. After Shila and Jason took turns visiting her today, due to the weekend, the four got together and discussed Liam.Jason, suspicious of Tamara, let her stay in his apartment with Aaron. However, with Emily in Alex's residence, Jason has to go back and forth between his apartment and Alex's house to ensure Emily is okay.After all, he doesn't know Alex, and anyway, Alex is a man who used to be very close to Emily. Even now, Jason still couldn't accept that fact."I can't say anything other than one thing; I'm keeping an eye on someone who might shed some light on Liam," Jason said as he reviewed the files on the report Jason had filed with the police. "They're not moving at all. Look!"Alex looked thoughtful as she heard Jason's words."Don't you think someone influential plays a role in this case? Who knows if it's true? I can confirm that Jeffry is the one," Alex said."You mean Jeffry paid the police not to investigate this case? This i
Tamara had just finished showering. She waited for Jason, who hadn't called her. "Where exactly is he? He hasn't even called me all day." Tamara scowled and headed for her dressing table. She looked at her reflection. Tamara saw a beautiful woman with a charming smile before her. Tamara liked the shape of her face. "No wonder so many men like me. Because I am beautiful," she praised herself. Reminiscing about the many men, Tamara could hardly believe that she had been in a relationship with Jason's brother-her current boyfriend. Tamara shook her head. The man was nothing more than an asshole. Tamara was too lazy to talk about it. Tamara stroked her belly. "It's probably a good thing me and Jared's baby wasn't born. Although I'm sad, there's no way I can hide that fact forever." Speaking of babies, Tamara remembered Aaron—Liam's new name, the son of Emily and Jason. Jeffry's words replayed in her head. She remembered clearly when Jeffry told her to get rid of Liam. The baby she now
Jeffry didn't care that his cell phone kept ringing. He continued to curse Emily. That crazy woman had the nerve to stab him. Jeffry alerted his two guards to help. It didn't take long for the two guards to find Jeffry still on the bed with a knife stuck in his body.One of the guards called an ambulance. About fifteen minutes later, the ambulance finally arrived and took Jeffry to the hospital.The man swore that he would make Emily feel even more pain than before. Because of him, she had gotten into a place she hated.***Elsewhere, Emily managed to reach a pay phone. She called Alex and told him about her situation. Of course, Alex was surprised when he heard Emily's story. Even though it was late at night, Alex immediately drove to take Emily to his mansion. Alex also called Shila to come over, as well as Jason.Now, the three of them were at Alex's residence. Shila cried when she first saw Emily's condition. She was only wearing an oversized shirt and shorts. Emily wasn't even we