POV JEANNE…"You still remember that?" I said with a chuckle at the end."Of course I do. It was a good memory, how could I forget it?" This man in front of me was my brother's best friend, Samuel Dawn. I heard that he had just finished his medical specialist education in England and was going to lead his family's hospital, considering he was the only son of the Dawn family."By the way, how is William's case progressing? Has there been anything new in the last of 8 years?" Hearing those words, I instantly fell silent and clenched my fists. Honestly, this was something I didn't want to discuss with anyone else anymore. I smiled slightly and said, "I don't want to hope that much anymore. To be honest, I've let him go, but it doesn't mean I don't love him." "Who do you mean you love?" Leo's voice suddenly sounded and I saw Leo walking towards us with his cold expression.I then flashed a smile at Samuel and said, "Ah, let me introduce you, Samuel. He is Leo Morgan, my future husba
POV JEANNE..."I feel uncomfortable." I looked at myself in the mirror with an uncomfortable expression. It's because the long maroon dress I'm wearing is too sexy for me. It exposes my entire back and cleavage."But you look so beautiful, Jeanne," said Leo who was behind me and he looked neat in a dark red shirt and black vest.Just as I was thinking about unrolling my hair, Leo caught my arm and whispered in my ear. "Don't take it off," he says with his breath tickling my ear.I can feel my face heating up, so I closed my eyes and then said, "Can you stay away from me, Mr. Leo?”"Sure, but only after I help you with the necklace," Leo said coldly and I could see he let out something from his pocket.There was a beautiful ruby jeweled necklace around my neck. I was a little mesmerized when I saw how sparkling the jewel was."Isn't it beautiful?" Leo said again and sounded gently.Hearing Leo's words, I smiled wryly and said, "I've never seen a gem like this in any jewelry store. Wh
POV JEANNE …"Oh? So you showed your fangs soon after Leo left here? I thought you'd be a bit more patient," I said as I grinned at the middle-aged woman in front of me. Olivia Morgan, anyone would recognize her name that had been spread in the media as the second wife of the United States Treasury Secretary, Issaac Morgan."I know the political world is full of gimmicks, but I didn't expect the cast to be so pathetic," I said again while looking at Olivia sarcastically. "You know acting like that is pretty tiring, Ms. Hart ..." "..." "So, let me tell you one more time. Leave Leo Morgan, because you're not worthy enough to bear the name of Morgan," she said with emphasis. It was quite calm around us as most of the guests were gathered on the left side of the main hall. It made me grateful because I could speak more freely. I snorted and then said, "I refuse." "I never said this was a choice, Ms. Hart. I told you to do it," she retorted haughtily. With a smirk I retorted, "I a
POV JEANNE…"Oh, calm down, Mr. Morgan. It was just a joke between friends," Samuel said as he glanced at me once. Then I saw Leo walking towards us, or rather Samuel. He seemed to be standing face to face with my brother's best friend and they both looked like they were about starting a war.Leo grinned as if mocking Samuel and after a moment he opened his voice. "Do you think your jokes are funny to listen to, Mr. Dawn? I think someone needs to say that he's going to take away your future wife." "After that let's see if you can still call it a joke?" Leo's words become sharp and piercing. I could see how Samuel's face looked provoked and finally replied to Leo's words, "Aren't you doing it to me now?""What do you mean?" And continued with Leo replying to his words. Seeing this situation, I sighed while closing my eyes. Looks like the two of them can't be in the same room — I thought frustratedly. "Stop this nonsense," I said as I covered my face with one hand. I took a deep
POV JEANNE…"Tsk! I already have my woman that I chose!" "Wh-What?! What do you mean? Aren't you supposed to come to this event for me?""Stop your delusions, Libby Murray." I watched silently as the two figures in front of me argued. What kind of situation is this? — I asked myself. Unintentionally my and Leo's gazes met each other. But I quickly turned my gaze and snorted. It's really funny to watch a low drama live — I thought. The next few seconds I only heard their argument, until I felt Leo pull my arm and take me in his arms while hugging my waist."Let me introduce you ...""..." "She's Jeanne Hart, the woman I chose to be my wife," Leo said and tightened his arms around my waist even more. I looked at the woman and stared at me with a hateful look in my eyes. While I just stare straight at her. Then I turned to look at Leo who was also looking at me. I could see from the look in his eyes that he seemed to be asking for my cooperation. I let out a long breath as I clo
JEANNE'S POV ... "Can we stop this conversation? Wouldn't you rather just take care of your son with that bitch?" The atmosphere suddenly became tense as Leo opened his voice. I turned my head towards Leo who was sitting next to me, and then looked at Isaac Morgan whose face turned serious. What the hell is this father-son relationship? — I said to myself. Unable to stand the atmosphere, I cleared my throat in an attempt to break the ice."Ahem! I think I drank too much," I said.Then I glanced at Leo who was sitting next to me while patting his side thigh a few times to signal him to get me out of this situation."I should take Jeanne home now," Leo said.I was grateful that Leo understood what I meant. Soon after, he took my hand and we stood up."Oh, too bad! Honestly I wish that you could stay longer. Maybe you can come to our banquet next time," Isaac said as he stood up. I just smiled in response, but Leo replied coldly. "We still have a lot of business to take care of fo
POV JEANNE... "Wait for me here," Leo said. I was a little surprised when I felt Leo's lips kiss my forehead briefly. With disbelief, then I looked into his eyes while smiling stiffly. "Can you stop this fake over-the-top act?" I said between my smiles. Leo patted the top of my head and whispered right in my ear, "I don't think it's too much to show to the public."After that I saw him move his head away from me and then put a gentle smile on me. "I'll be back soon," he said and then quickly left for another room.While snorting softly, I then seated myself on one of the chairs in the corner of the room. This place was one of the cafes that Leo had just bought. He told me before that he bought this place to cover up his family's mafia business. For minutes I just sat there with a cup of americano that was getting cold. I repeatedly cast my eyes around the cafe and occasionally glanced at the clock on my arm. I guess it's time for lunch — I thought as I looked at my watch which
JEANNE'S POV..."That coward ... every time I imagine he touching your body, I really want to skin him," Jerry said and I knew very well that he meant my ex-fiancé, Adam Moss. "Oh, honey, be patient. At least with this body of mine he's already in my trap. I just need to seduce him a little more and I'm sure the Hart family wealth will be within my grasp.""If it's too hard to seduce him, I'll take care of it," Jerry said, "This will be easier to kill a man with no clear status than the previous two."I closed my eyes while catching my breath to control my feelings. My head felt like it had been hit by a giant mace. I never thought that I would ever have a close relationship with someone so cruel. Although Adam was the jerk who ruined me, I thought it was all over with Lily having an affair with Adam and stabbing me in the back. But as it turned out, Lily had an affair with a man who seemed to be a murderer. Worse, he could go and roam freely in the city center. I can't deny that s
POV JEANNE … "What?!" I got up from my position. I stood behind Samuel's body and then released my grip on Samuel's arm. "We met long before you knew my brother, you say?" I asked in astonishment. For a moment, our eyes met as Samuel glanced at me. However, not long after, he took his eyes off me again. "Forget it." "..." "No matter how well I explain it to you, it won't change anything," he said. She then released my grip on her arm and walked out of the room. CREAK! SLAM! I, on the other hand, was still rooted to my spot and staring at her disappearing figure from behind the door of the room. Not even the banging sound of the door closing made me flinch. I then threw myself back onto the bed behind me, sitting down while staring at the door. With a bitter smile, I muttered, "What the hell did he say?" I paused, trying to digest what Samuel had just told me. At least I tried to dig up my memories of Samuel back then. However, I couldn't find anythin
POV JEANNE…SLAP!I slapped Samuel as soon as I regained my consciousness. Staring at him without a word coming out of my mouth. He looked surprised and seemed to freeze for a while. Until he finally looked at me with a soft gaze full of regret. "I'm sorry...""...""I couldn't hold myself and —""I-It's late," I interrupted him and immediately turned my back to him. I bit my lower lip, trying to hold back all the emotion inside me. "Jeanne, I —""Go back to your room," I said, "I'll open the door for you from this room." Then I walked in and went to the door that connected this room with the second floor corridor. CLICK!After the lock opened, I immediately opened the door to my room.I then turned around and looked at the balcony door. Samuel was still standing there, looking at me before he finally lowered his face. Shortly after, he walked towards me."I'm sorry."Those were the last words I heard from him, before he walked out of my room. SLAM!Immediately afterward, I sl
POV JEANNE…"Good night, dear...""...""...and have a good rest."After chatting for a while with Aunt Lydia a.k.a Samuel's mother in the TV room while enjoying a cup of warm tea, our conversation finally ended at midnight. Aunt Lydia then escorted me to one of the rooms on the second floor. It was the same room I remembered from my first stay at Dawn's family home. "Thank you, aunt Lydia and good night to you too," I replied. CREAKShe didn't answer me and just gave me a smile as she closed the door. However, only halfway through closing the door, I saw her suddenly stop. "Ah, I almost forgot to say this," she said as she opened the door completely again. "Yes? Do you need anything?" I asked back. I saw that afterward, Aunt Lydia was smiling and seemed to be teasing me. "By the way, Samuel's room is next to yours," she said in a teasing tone. I knew where this was going, but I chose to pretend I didn't know. Smiling awkwardly, I replied, "I see." "Well, just in case you
"Divorce isn't always a bad thing anyway." "..." "Sometimes, it's even a good thing to get away from a toxic relationship," she said, smiling at me, "So at least be happy. Maybe it's God's way of saving you from the harm that will come to you if you stay with him." Hearing those words, I fell silent and immediately thought about my relationship with Samuel. If I think about it, our relationship is too toxic to maintain. Even though Leo said he loved me and I was already in love with him, the way he expressed his love sometimes made me feel uncomfortable. "You're right, auntie," I said later, "Thank you for giving me a new perspective." Lydia then replied me with her warm smile. "Of course, dear," she said and then glanced at Samuel with a meaningful smile. "..." "Moreover, you can count on Samuel from now on," she said in a teasing tone, "He will glad to help you." I see where this is going - I said to myself. Instead of rejecting him outright, I just smiled
POV JEANNE … "How was the food, Jeanne?" "It's delicious," I said as I smiled at the woman in front of me, "You've always been a talented cook, auntie." I was currently enjoying dinner at Dawn's family home. I occasionally glanced at Samuel who seemed to be enjoying the leftovers on his plate quietly. "Ah, you praise me too much~" Lydia — Samuel's mother — said with an embarrassed smile. "Hm, it just common taste," Samuel said suddenly, "Besides it, I think you put too much —" Samuel stopped what he was saying and smiled awkwardly. I followed the direction of Samuel's gaze to his mother, who was already glaring. "N-No, it's not," Samuel said then and stammered a little, "I was just joking. Mom's cooking is the best, hahaha." Then Lydia's sharp gaze softened as a smile spread across her face. "Thank you~" she said. "Hm, but it would be better if you didn't cook anymore," Samuel said again, not long after that. "Samuel!" Lydia said half shouting. I was jus
POV JEANNE … "Is it really okay?" I asked. I was currently in Samuel's car and we were heading to Dawn's family residence. After rejecting Samuel's propose, I decided to go home. But Samuel suddenly invited me to have dinner with his family. And I don't know what came over me, but I said yes. "After all, this is your quality time with your parents," I said again. I looked doubtful at Samuel who was sitting in the driving seat, right next to me. He then glanced back at me. "Calm down," he said, chuckling softly, "Don't you already know my parents?" I lowered my gaze and then said again, "Yes, but it's been a long time since I've seen them." "..." "Isn't this supposed to be your time with them anyway?" I said again, "You once said that you often don't have time to spend with them, even to enjoy dinner together." A second later, Samuel chuckled softly. "Oh come on Jeanne, I'm sure they'll be happy to see you," he said casually. "..." "They already think of you
POV JEANNE…"So that's the problem...""...""I think he's gone too far," Samuel said, "And it's best that you separate from a temperamental person like him." "...""You'll only put yourself in a toxic relationship if you continue to stay with him," Samuel said again, "Moreover, your marriage is only a contract. What's with a guy like that? Only dare to give the woman he loves with a contract marriage. Tch! He's a loser."I smiled weakly when I heard Samuel's words. What he said was true, nothing good would come from maintaining a relationship with a temperamental person. However, on the other hand, I still love Leo. And even though I said earlier that I didn't want this child I was carrying, I still had the conscience not to throw it away. "I also think it's fine to be the father of the child you're carrying. Of course, if you don't mind," he said again. My eyes widened when I heard the sentence that came out of Samuel's mouth. However, instead of answering him, I smiled bitterl
POV JEANNE… "Leo, what did you do?!" I said in a high tone to Leo just after he poured the drink on Noah's face. But he seemed to ignore my words. The next second, Leo seemed to grab Noah by the collar and then he punched Noah's stomach and face.WHACK! WHACK!"You bastard! How dare you approach my wife when I'm not around," Leo said as he kicked Noah several times in the stomach. I, who saw this, immediately approached Leo and tried to stop him. "Stop it! Leo! Enough is enough!" I said.I tried to bring Leo a little away from Noah who was crying in pain on the floor while holding his stomach."Ugh! Cough! L-Leo, listen to my explanation, this is all just ... a misunderstanding — Cough!" Noah said, stammering in the middle of his groaning and coughing."Misunderstanding? You said that after I caught you approaching my wife, hm?!" replied Leo and then I heard him laugh sarcastically, "Don't you remember what you did back then, huh?!" "Leo, don't! Stop it! This is all just —""Sh
POV JEANNE…"Yes, do it that way..."CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!"Give a more natural smile — Yes! Good!" Amidst the hustle and bustle of the people around me, my gaze focused on the figure of Noah who was still in the middle of a photo shoot and recording session for an advertisement. "It was only a month ago that he did a 'face reveal' as Noisjy, and now he has a lot of advertising jobs," I said as I smiled at him.After I left Marea Restaurant yesterday, Noah immediately contacted me. We had originally promised to meet in person at Ocean Prime Restaurant, but Noah suddenly informed me that afternoon that he might be a little late because he had another job to do. I finally decided to go to his studio, which also happened to be not far from Ocean Prime. I then turned my gaze around and found the studio crews looking at me hatefully. It seems that apart from being a crew, they are also fans — I thought.With a smile of astonishment, I then said, "And there are also many troublesome fans