She excused herself to go to the ladies' room hastily, avoiding the gazes of the people around her. Her face was wet. Viona cried, thinking about her son's fate. But it didn't stop there; she was also overwhelmed with deep regret about her past. If she hadn't acted recklessly, caught in the whirlwind of lust, perhaps things wouldn't have been so messy now. Perhaps Stevan would have been born under different circumstances. Stevan, the child who was destined to be hers, the pride of her future. The child she believed was meant for her, and fate had something else in store for her. She was sure that what was meant for her could never be taken away by anyone else, especially not Stevan's destiny as her child.If she could have been a more morally upright woman, Stevan might have been born under his biological father's protection. Viona tried to recall who else had been involved with her while she was with Sebastian. She had a list of possibilities to ponder. One of them could be Stevan's
The more the news about Sebastian spread, the higher the frenzy became. Not only the alleged sabotage of Christopher Lim's car resurfaced but also a new case emerged, grabbing everyone's attention. It turned out that someone had recorded Sebastian spending time with Viona and Stevan. Headlines stated that Sebastian was seen with the woman who had ruined his marriage, and this news was confirmed by a former maid at the Lim mansion. The former maid spoke to the media about all the turmoil in the former employer's family life. She was paid a considerable sum by a TV station to become a witness in the story. Moreover, videos and photos of Sebastian hugging Viona were circulating widely. All the news and speculation continued relentlessly, causing Sebastian to become weary and turn off the television.The unemployed man sipped his black coffee, trying to calm himself. It was too early in the day to be in a bad mood like this. Sebastian walked away from the lounge, taking a tour of the magn
Sebastian's confession led to his conviction and imprisonment. He did not object and even discouraged the lawyers and Wilson from obstructing the police's efforts.Sebastian had admitted that he was the one who sabotaged Christopher Lim's car due to his long-held envy and jealousy. The police decided to imprison Sebastian and held a massive press conference in front of the media and the public. One of the police officers announced the findings openly, revealing the shocking truth that Sebastian had murdered his own brother out of jealousy. Various reasons behind Sebastian's actions were revealed in the conference.The public was divided into two camps. Some believed, while others were skeptical.Sebastian had hardcore fans who had been by his side, including Wilson and his loyal bodyguards. They stood with Sebastian, even as Da Lao Ban Lim donned the prison uniform.Wilson looked more shocked than Sebastian as he witnessed Sebastian's transition from being the big boss to becoming an
Sebastian Lim sat in the courtroom, calm and unreactive. He stared straight ahead, paying no attention to Tera, Mrs. Herlinda, or anyone else attending the trial.The trial began as it should, but Sebastian wasn't truly focused on anything. He just wanted it to be over quickly and return to his prison cell. He was incredibly bored by every word spoken in the courtroom. He didn't show it, but everyone accused him. This made the trial seem lopsided. The evidence of the alleged crime wasn't relevant, and even his defense couldn't be relied upon. What made things worse was the prosecution calling witnesses with little relevance to the case.The lack of evidence and relevant witnesses hindered the trial, especially with Sebastian's lack of seriousness in his responses. He answered half-heartedly, occasionally appearing sleepy and bored.Tera watched everything from the spectator's seat. She couldn't help but observe how Sebastian responded to each question and the conditions around him. Fo
The video recording showed that what Sebastian had hidden beneath Christopher's car was not sabotage that caused the car accident, but a prankish and playful gift.The judges and the audience were truly shocked by this revelation. Even though other evidence pointed to sabotage on Christopher Lim's car, they couldn't accuse Sebastian of wrongdoing because the video proved that what he attached was a diamond gift, not something harmful.Sebastian Lim hadn't expected that such a video would exist inside the storage box of his late brother. The box contained several mementos of Chris and his wife, and it had never been discarded by Mrs. Herlinda.After the trial, Mrs. Herlinda hugged Tera and expressed her gratitude to her daughter-in-law."Where did you find this evidence, dear?""In the box of memories that Mom gave me. The box that contains the memories of Nora's parents. I found this small pendant...""Oh God, thank goodness. Thanks to your keen eye, Sebastian is saved." Mrs. Herlinda
Wilson's reprimand managed to silence Sebastian and Tera. The argument came to a halt, and both of them were lost in their thoughts.Sebastian Lim tried to digest all of Tera's explanations about what had happened to her. Sebastian had never expected that Tera would experience something so terrible, especially since she had left without any security detail. He felt a deep sense of guilt. Sebastian stopped gazing at his wife and closed his eyes while massaging his throbbing temples. Sebastian Lim thought quickly about various possibilities regarding his daughter's situation."Seb..." Tera called out.Sebastian just mumbled in response. He didn't even look at his wife."I am sorry, I didn't inform you about it earlier. If only I had told you about the airport incident sooner, maybe all of this wouldn't have happened. Perhaps the accusations against you and Nora's kidnapping could have been avoided.""Yes, you should have reported the incident to me. But it's okay; dwelling on what-ifs w
That day, Tera truly came home.Home, in the truest sense of the word. She returned to a place where not only her beloved brother was, but also a father she had never longed for.Thomas Vic was seated in a wheelchair, with Tora standing behind him, pushing the wheelchair closer to Tera, who sat silently next to the car. Tera couldn't display any reaction when both her father and brother were there.Tera felt like she was trapped in a dream. She had dreamt about this once, but she couldn't remember when. In the dream, she had seen Tora and Thomas Vic standing side by side, bearing striking resemblance in different ages. No matter how much Tera denied it, Tora undeniably inherited various facial features from their father, and the resemblance was becoming more pronounced now."Not now. I need time!" Tera refused when they tried to speak.Tera turned and left the lobby of Thomas Vic's residence, walking briskly through the vineyard road, then entering the very fertile grapevine garden. T
Everything changed after that day. Tera and Tora started living in Thomas Vic's house. They got to know Thomas's children from Jasmine Rose and Lily Vic, who didn't resemble Thomas at all. They acted like typical rebellious young adults, enjoying parties and rarely staying at home. Jasmine, on the other hand, never agreed to meet Tora and Tera, keeping herself locked in her private room.During their stay there, Tera realized that Thomas's life wasn't as good as she had thought. He received no respect from his wife or children. At home, Thomas seemed to submit to Jasmine as if she were the master, not his wife. He might be the head of the vineyard and wine factory, a man respected by his employees and in his business, but at home, Thomas was mistreated by his wife and children. He received no rightful honor as the head of the family, no love was shared within.Rose and Lily were the perfect rebels, the heirs to the vineyard and wine factory, a heritage passed down from Jasmine's paren
Three Months After Tera Spent Time with Nora!Sebastian Lim sat restlessly beside Tera—precisely inside the aircraft cabin soaring above the European land. They were en route to Switzerland for a year-end holiday after completing business in London. A brief vacation amid the CEO responsibilities at Trust Group was a privilege Sebastian cherished. When else would he have the time and opportunity to introduce Nora to the outside world, especially to snowy Europe? Nora would undoubtedly love the winter season, as the little girl often watched it in her favorite shows."Sir, is it true that Mrs. Herlinda will join us in Switzerland?" Tera asked, trying to ignore her boss's uneasiness."Yes, but not for a few more days. Mam is busy handling business in Indonesia.""In that case, may I leave earlier from this holiday?""What do you mean?""This is the year-end vacation I've been looking forward to all year. I promised to spend it with my sister in our hometown. So, I intend to ask for permi
On the first day as Nora's caregiver, Tera Vic took on the responsibility, leaving all meetings and tasks to fulfill the duty assigned by Da Lao Ban - taking care of a tantrum-throwing toddler longing for her father.Tera invited Nora and Sofia to play together in Sebastian Lim's private room within the main office. The room was filled with various toys, dolls, a fridge with play food, a hot water dispenser for making milk, a bottle sterilization machine, and other necessities.Originally Sebastian's resting place, the room transformed into a temporary bedroom for his child during office visits. Tera had heard that occasionally Da Lao Ban brought his toddler to the office, spending the entire day in the room due to Sebastian's unending business engagements.Sebastian Lim, known as a single man with a child, appeared worn-out and tired that day. Some new employees, like Tera, initially speculated about Sebastian being a single father due to a pregnancy outside of marriage, but Tera's s
Tera bid farewell to some guests in the Lim family mansion's flower garden. It was Mrs. Herlinda's birthday, and Sebastian organised an exclusive surprise party for his mother. Tired of repetitive pregnancy questions at the main event, Tera sought solace in the quiet right wing of the mansion near an artificial lake and lush trees, enjoying a cup of sweet tea.Unexpectedly, she found Raymond and Ethan there, sipping coffee and laughing. Seeing three cups, she guessed one was Sebastian's."What are you doing here, dear?" Sebastian appeared, embracing Tera."You startled me!" Tera exclaimed as she turned around."Look, we have a Tera here!" Ethan grinned.Sebastian explained their presence, and Tera playfully accused him. The trio enjoyed coffee while Tera and Sebastian shared a moment on a sofa.Raymond remarked on the surprising turn of events, referencing Sebastian's past visit to a club in a state of sexual frustration. Ethan chuckled, pointing out their happiness at Tera and Sebast
"For someone who's not fighting for anything, you also don't have the right to question me!" Sebastian replied."Are we going to continue like this? Arguing and fighting! Are you tired? I am exhausted. It's sickening to keep arguing with you!""If you're feeling sick, then I'm nauseated! I'm sick of your attitude!" Sebastian growled."Seb, what's wrong with you? Are you the same Sebastian I met yesterday, or are you a disguised ghost?""Cut the crap, Tera! Answer honestly, who's in your womb!" Sebastian didn't accept any nonsense and attacked her with a loud voice.Tera was stunned. She didn't expect Sebastian to respond so harshly."Seb..." Tera whispered."Don't cry! I don't want to see tears today! No more melodrama or nonsense! I just want an honest answer. Whose child is it, Tera? Is the child mine?"A teardrop rolled down the corner of Tera's eye. Her eyes widened perfectly due to the pressure and Sebastian's anger. She didn't expect the calm morning to turn into chaos."I don't
which is cool in the middle of thriving vineyards. A woman steps between the cabernet sauvignon on the left and right. Cabernet sauvignon is one of the most famous types of grapes and is widely used as the main raw material for making quality wine. The fruit grows abundantly, clustered and hanging ready to be picked. Tera enjoyed the view and the very cool morning air with a big smile on her lips. A smile which then received a reply from several plantation employees who were cleaning the grass which was getting taller. As obstetricians often recommend, Tera tries to have a healthier and stronger pregnancy. This morning she decided to take a morning walk as a form of light exercise that could strengthen her womb. Even though she was lazy and still sleepy, Tera fought it well. She must be able to do light exercise for the good of the child in her womb. Tera took in as much oxygen as possible and then exhaled slowly. A fresh morning intake will improve his mood. Last night Te
"this is it?" Sebastian murmured. His voice was weak. He lowered his head, avoiding Tera's gaze. She nodded softly, "Yes, this is it." She replied softly."Goodbye, Tera." Sebastian said without looking at the woman."Seb," Tera replied in kind.He turned away, his shoulders slumped, and his body language defeated.Tera stood there, motionless in front of her cabin. In the hallway, without looking back, she leaned against the wall for support. Her face was wet from the flowing tears. For some reason, the tears never failed to accompany her in moments like these.Even though this separation wasn't their first, the pain still felt just as strong."You're home already?" Thomas exclaimed as he appeared from the opposite hallway.The middle-aged man hurried to Tera, who was standing there crying by the wall. He embraced her and held her for a while, the young woman's body had become frail and fragile during the time they had been apart.Tera let her tears flow, fully venting her emotions.
Tera was restless, thinking about her unborn child, but she couldn't stop Sebastian Lim from being passionate behind her. He tried different positions to find comfort in their lovemaking, settling into the one that worked best for him. Tera moaned with pleasure, kissing as if there was no tomorrow, and Sebastian's hands firmly gripped her ample breasts."Give it to me, darling!" Sebastian exclaimed, raw and vulnerable.He released their kiss and focused on reaching his desired climax. His movements became more aggressive, rough, and Tera lost control.Amid the relentless pounding, Tera convulsed and her entire body tensed and trembled. She let out incoherent sounds of ecstasy as she reached her peak. Sebastian followed seconds later. He shuddered and thrust harder, his mouth letting out rough profanities as his body contracted and convulsed.It was an intense union filled with pent-up desire. They surrendered to each other, consumed by a longing that couldn't be contained. Tera and Se
Was last night's affair so terrible that it made Sebastian turn so cold, indifferent, and arrogant towards me? Question after question swirled in Tera's mind. The Sebastian Lim she met at the party last night was entirely different from the Sebastian Lim who had barged into her room and the one she encountered this morning. The Sebastian Lim at the party had been vulnerable, openly sharing his feelings and even expressing concerns about infertility and the condition of his heart. But when he forced her last night, he reverted to the Sebastian Lim Tera had known. And now, this morning?Yes, indeed. This morning, Sebastian became even colder and more indifferent. Any trace of the gentleness and warmth that Tera had glimpsed had vanished without a trace. Sebastian looked at Tera with disinterest, and his glances seemed filled with aversion.Tera regretted her curiosity and following Sebastian, finding herself trapped in the elevator. Knowing the consequences, she should have stuck with h
What happened felt like a dream that had never come true. If only Tera hadn't woken up without clothes and only covered in a thick blanket, maybe she would have thought it was a dream in the midst of her loneliness.Tera squirmed and stretched her extremely tired muscles. It was a quick, intense lovemaking that had left her feeling completely fulfilled. She longed for all those touches. She missed Sebastian greatly. This morning, he was the only thing on her mind. She couldn't get Sebastian out of her thoughts, and all the images from last night consumed her.Thomas Vic was puzzled by his daughter's behavior. He glanced at Tera several times and became suspicious when he saw her smile grow wider and more mysterious."Uh-huh...," Thomas cleared his throat, breaking Tera's reverie at the breakfast table, "It seems like someone is in a good mood this morning.""A beautiful morning should start with happiness. So, smile, Dad.""What happened last night? Did Arnold confess his feelings to