"Hmm ... I'm about to be transferred from my office and transferred to a new office. The company opened another office, I was appointed secretary, and ... it's in this town!" In the last sentence, Nerry said it with joy.
"Is that true?" Rita and Simon said together.
"Yes! I will move next month," continued Nerry. "So, get ready, your house will be even more full."
"Wow, this is amazing! I really pray you can work in this town, we are together again." Rita stood up and hugged her sister with a big smile.
Clarabelle smiled, but there was a feeling of uneasiness rising at the edge of her heart. Nerry was going home to Rita's house. It meant she seemed to disturb Rita's family togetherness. Would it be fine if Clarabelle stayed with them for a long time?
After eating, Simon and Nerry returned to their respective offices. Clarabelle thought she'd better talk to Rita about her worries.
"Maybe it's better for me to find another place to live. I don
James' car arrived at the Hayden family's mansion. He stopped near the terrace. From inside the house, Ann-Mary appears with Crystal. The two of them got into James' car, then the car drove away from the house."Jordan isn't answering my calls. I texted five times today, none of which he read." Crystal spoke in an uneasy tone. "I was really worried, James.""I didn't think Jordan could fall back again that badly. Your brother is very fragile when injured. I hope we can find Clarabelle soon." Ann-Mary joined in."Yeah, I hope so too. Frankly, the office was a bit shaky because Jordan didn't want to work anymore." James replied, keeping his focus on the wheel."I'm so sad to think about Lala. Is she okay? She's alone, she has no family. Why did Jordan hurt Lala? Then she chose to leave. I'm glad they've been happy for a while." Crystal saw James in the rear-view mirror."I don't know, Granny. I don't know why he could judge that Lala and I have a spe
Jordan and James sat opposite each other. Ann-Mary and Crystal let them talk alone. It was time for the two brothers to finish their feud that had not ended for too long."Are you ready to start your fight?" James looked at Jordan.After showering and changing clothes, Jordan looked fresher. In front of Jordan was the hot food that Ann-Mary had made for him.“Why are you doing that? For me or Lala? You don't gain anything from helping me find Lala." Jordan stared at James' face. James looked so calm.“It's the company that will lose if I leave one Hayden out of work. Many jobs are waiting for you. If Lala comes home, you will be fine." James gave an excuse.Jordan tugged at the corners of his lips. The reason James uses is always business. All for the company. But that time Jordan knew for sure, that was not the main goal of James looking for Clarabelle."You think I believe?" Jordan asked with his eyes fixed on James."I'
It was late afternoon when Jordan and James arrived at their destination. They went straight to the address given by James' men. James was driving, he deliberately stopped the car across from the address they got."Why do you stop here? I'll go straight to meet Rita and ask where Lala is?" Jordan was restless and impatient."Joy, we don't know if Lala is really here. If you appear suddenly, it will trigger unexpected things." James tried to explain why he didn't enter Rita's yard."What do you mean?" Jordan was starting to get angry."If it turns out that Lala isn't here, you ask Rita and her husband about her, what do they think? Do they need to know what happened between you and Lala?" James spoke his mind, asking Jordan to think too."Well, okay...." Jordan understood what James meant."We make sure this is Rita's house. Then we follow her. If indeed she and Lala communicate then they might have a meeting." James pushed back his seat and
James' words made Nerry smile broadly. What was going through James Hayden's head to ask such a question? "I'm too young to have a business this big, sir. Moreover, I prefer to work in an office. I'm not good at sales." Nerry immediately said about herself. "This is my sister and brother-in-law's shop. I think they will be here soon." "Ohh, I see." James smiled slightly and nodded. "Simon started this business several years ago. After marrying Rita, they were both able to develop it more quickly. And, this is what happened." Nerry spread his arms showing her sister's success. "Okay, good." James smiled again and nodded. Rita and Simon's names were mentioned. James was sure his journey would not be in vain. James could tell Nerry might not have been twenty-five yet. Her attitude was like a newly grown woman. But she looked smart and full of spirit. "I'm still curious, Mr. Hadyen came to this town, there must be something. Sorry, I'm too curious." Nerry was not shy about asking.
Rita was still surprised that a strange man had come to the house."Hey, what are you doing?" Again, Rita asked the man. He stopped but still turned his back to her.Clarabelle appeared from behind Rita. She also stared at the man who stood not far from the terrace of the house."Jordan?" said Clarabelle."What? Jordan?" Jumping slightly, Rita turned to Clarabelle.No choice. Jordan turned around and looked at the two women who must have been very surprised to see Jordan there."Lala..." Jordan called.Clarabelle didn't move. She didn't expect Jordan to suddenly appear in front of her. How could Jordan find Clarabelle at Rita's house? Clarabelle turned to Rita. There was a suspicion that Rita leaked Clarabelle's whereabouts."I didn't tell anyone. Not at all." Rita knew what Clarabelle's look meant to her."Lala, are we going home?" Jordan stared with a mixed face. Glad to have finally found Clarabelle. There was also guilt filling his chest. If Rita wasn't there, surely, she would im
Jordan watched his brother who looked cheerful. Immediately James's expression changed. Frankly speaking, it had been a long time since Jordan had seen James have such an unsightly face."Nerry? I don't think I've ever heard of her." Jordan spoke to his heart."Okay. I'll be in Mr. Sanders' office tomorrow. I think this is a good first step." James was still on the phone.Jordan looked up at the ceiling again. He flashed back to meeting Clarabelle at Rita's house."You are a little bit different. Why don't I notice?" he smiled. "You're a bit fatter, but only in the belly.""Why are you smiling?" James sat on the edge of the bed, right beside Jordan."I should be asking." Jordan sat up and looked at James. "Who's Nerry?""Rita's sister. She came up with a great idea for a business. She was so excited. I'm so curious to try what she expects." James folded his arms, crossing his arms."You know Rita's sister?" Jordan was even more
Jordan was surprised Clarabelle spoke loudly to him. She was different from when she was at home. Clarabelle tended to oblige and did what Jordan asked. But there was no way Jordan was going to force what he wanted. The consequences would be even worse for his relationship with Clarabelle. Jordan had to hold back, looking for his way to get Clarabelle to hear him. "Lala ... please, I am sorry ...." Jordan's final sentence appeared. Usually, Clarabelle melted easily when she heard the word sorry. "Okay. I'm not going to get angry and hate you. Just... please go home." Clarabelle looked at Jordan, then she turned and continued walking briskly toward the house where she lived. Jordan would not budge. He chased after Clarabelle, following behind until they reached the front of the house. "Go home, I am living well here." Clarabelle lowered the stress of her sentence. "No, I'm not coming home," Jordan said the same words Clarabelle had said earlier
Nerry and Andrew came in through the front door."Hey, Lala!" Andrew immediately ran to Clarabelle and hugged her indulgently."Hi, honey. So handsome. You are tidy and cool, where are you going to go?" Clarabelle broke into a smile. She forced her troubled heart out of the way."Aunt Nerry...." Andrew turned to Nerry. "She wants to take a walk. Will you come with us?""O, really? Where?" asked Clarabelle."We wanna go to the beach, just for a few minutes," Nerry answered. She watched Clarabelle's face which looked a little puffy. Then she settled on the small sofa across from where Clarabelle sat."Wow, that must be fun." Clarabelle smiled again."You look sad. Do you miss your family?" asked Andrew, looking at Clarabelle.Clarabelle looked at Andrew. The handsome boy was considerate too, could see the sad aura on Clarabelle's face even though she was trying to act normal."Yeah, you are right. I miss my family." Clarab
"Where's my grandson? I can't wait to hug him!"That cheerful voice sounded crisp. Clarabelle missed her so much. Clarabelle quickly met Crystal who had just stepped into the house."Oh, my God!" Crystal widened when she saw Clarabelle. "Look, honey. Your baby's grown this big."Crystal held Clarabelle's womb and rubbed it with overflowing joy. Clarabelle smiled. Her eyes filled with tears. The warm welcome seemed to wrap up all the things she wanted to forget before. Hayden family. The family will always be a part of her life."How are you, Lala?" Ann-Mary hugged Clarabelle instead. Her sweet elegant voice, Clarabelle also missed."I'm very well." Clarabelle smiled. There was a sense of unease also gathering in her heart. "I'm sorry, for leaving quietly. For sure, I don't want to disappoint anyone. I'm sorry.""My son who doesn't know how to take care of his wife. Why are you sorry? It's Jordan who has to apologize. In the past, he promised
Bright sun. The snow started to melt slowly. Winter was shifting, spring would come in a few weeks. Clarabelle sat by the window. She looked at the street and the scenery in front of the house where she lived. Calm, quiet, and cool. From behind her, the fragrant aroma of hot coffee was wafting into her nostrils. Clarabelle turned her head, Jordan standing with two cups in hand. The handsome face was not smiling, but a cheerful look emerged from the glint in her eyes. "Warm drink for my heart. Just milk. Coffee for me." Jordan handed one cup to Clarabelle. "Ah, I've been imagining sipping hot and fragrant coffee. Why do you give me milk more?" Clarabelle pouted but she accepted the cup from Jordan as well. "You have to be healthy. Later, when our baby is born, you can drink coffee." Jordan sat next to Clarabelle. He inhaled the aroma of coffee in his cup, then took a few sips. "Hm, pregnant women don't have a problem drinking coffee." C
The snow just a few minutes ago stopped. James' black car stopped and parked in the garage of the big house. James got out of the car and quickly turned around, opening the car door from the other side."We are here. Come on, Babe." James held out his hand.Nerry took James' hand and got out of the car. She looked around. The parking lot was just so wide. There were several cars in the garage. All clearly classy cars, cars not seen on the road too often."They are waiting." James smiled. He took Nerry by the hand and ushered her into the house through the side door, straight into the living room."Sir, I'm very nervous." Nerry watched James. The girl's face was blushing. James was smiling broadly with joy."Take it easy. You won't be punished for falling in love with Hayden. And don't call me Sir," James said."Yes, sir. Oh, James? Weird." Nerry smiled faintly. Beautiful, with a blush on her face. James laughed. It was always fun to see Nerr
Jordan stopped in his tracks at the question. What did he just hear? He turned around. His eyes met those beautiful eyes that made him fall in love. He stared at Clarabelle's round and clear eyes."Are you sure, you want to leave me? And our baby?" Clarabelle looked at Jordan. His hand touched his stomach.Jordan was still digesting what happened. His eyes were getting darker."After everything you've done, chocolate shop Lala Joy, leaving your posh Sydney mansion, never minding Hayden's office, and letting all those women go... you're going to walk away from me?" Clarabelle spoke quietly. Her eyes looked shady. Slowly her lips smiled."Lala...." Jordan couldn't believe what he saw. Clarabelle said something beyond her imagination."I miss you too, Jordan Gerald Hayden. Deep in my heart, I always want to hug you." Clarabelle's thin lips curved into a smile again.Jordan immediately came back and held Clarabelle's hand. "What do you say?"
James left his room. He called Susan and was forced to wake her up. The news James gave her about Clarabelle shocked Susan. She quickly got ready and met James in the parking lot. "Susan, help me. This is a bad situation. Jordan did a stupid thing again and hurt Clarabelle." James started driving the car out of the hotel. It was getting light, but the sun would not show itself. "What do you expect from me?" Susan asked. "I'll calm Jordan, he is so down. He's feeling stupid and sorry again. I think he's even more screwed up because their baby is in danger." James sounded restless and worried. "You, I need you to calm Clarabelle. I don't know how she feels about Jordan after this. I'm almost certain she will ask for a divorce." Susan looked at James. Was it that bad? Susan didn't know what to say. She also didn't know what she could tell Clarabelle later either. "I plan to go home today, to Sydney. Because I have an important meeting to attend. I don't know. By the weather and the
Jordan panicked. He trembled to see Clarabelle even having trouble sitting up."Lala... Lala...." Jordan didn't know what to say.While the blood flew and spread over the snow."Jordan, it hurts...." Clarabelle said while holding her womb."Doctor ... we go to the doctor. Wait, I'll take the car. Hold on," Jordan said between confusion and fear.He stood up and walked back to his shop. He had to get the car immediately and take Clarabelle to the hospital. Clarabelle was getting paler. A piercing coldness, accompanied by pain hit her womb, legs, and waist, and spread throughout her body. She could barely move anymore.A few minutes later, Jordan came. He helped Clarabelle into the car. Clarabelle was limp, but her body was also stiff from the cold. With a heart not abysmally, Jordan began to accelerate his car. It wasn't snowing any longer, but the roads were tough enough to walk on, Jordan couldn't have been driving as fast as he usually did."Uhhh ... it hurts ...." Clarabelle squeez
Clarabelle was surprised by Jordan's reaction. She tried to break free, but Jordan would not budge. He was even bolder in action. He kissed Clarabelle. He let go of longing by hugging his wife tightly. Clarabelle initially wanted to rebel. Unfortunately, her heart and longing were not in line. The heart refused, but the longing that Clarabelle felt forced her to accept the intimacy that Jordan threw at her. A strong pounding overtook Clarabelle. A pleasant beat, which raised her desire unstoppable. Clarabelle gave up. She began to enjoy Jordan's touch. "I miss you. So much...." Jordan whispered, softly. Clarabelle was getting excited. There was no refusal, Jordan went further. The game continued. He pulled Clarabelle onto the bed. They continued the journey of longing and love that had been held back for too long because of anger, disappointment, and fear of getting hurt even more. Outside the snow was pouring again. Even the sound of the wind howling could be heard. The longing th
Jordan's car shook. Clarabelle clutched her chest with fear rising so fast. The car nearly collided. Jordan swiftly returned to position and controlled the steering wheel. Fortunately, he was able to dodge so that the collision did not occur."Oh, my god...." Clarabelle still felt her chest beating fast because of the shock.Jordan was back in control of his vehicle. But he was also just as surprised. He took several deep breaths, calming himself down."Sorry, I am sorry," Jordan said without looking at Clarabelle. He focused on driving.Clarabelle didn't answer. In his heart he was grateful, there was no accident. He couldn't imagine if a collision had actually occurred. It wasn't just her and Jordan who were wretched, but the tiny baby in her womb as well.The rest of the way to Jordan's shop, no one spoke. Jordan parked his vehicle and went straight into the garage. Clarabelle went back to holding Jordan's cheek, then to his neck."Hurry up, go inside. You have to take medicine." C
James sharpened his gaze. Nerry's two beautiful and tapering eyes were watery. What was she worried about? Why was the girl so sad?"Nerry, what's wrong? I am serious. I'm not playing with you. I promise....""That's not it. I'm sorry," said Nerry.James covered his mouth. He had better hear what Nerry would tell him. Maybe he was too quick to ask Nerry to be his girlfriend let alone enter into marriage. It felt the same as the story of Jordan and Clarabelle."Knowing you in person, having moments together, for me... is like a dream. It doesn't make sense. You suddenly appeared in front of me. All my days have changed in an instant." Nerry began to express what was raging in her heart.James waited. He knew Nerry wasn't done yet."To be honest, if I'm really with you, I'll be like Cinderella. From a simple life, I will enter a palace. Can I do that, sir? Am I worthy enough to stay by you? To know you are already extraordinary for me."James smiled at Nerry's words. The young woman who