That evening, I was chatting with Zara while we had dinner.She seemed to be putting on a brave face. While she laughed a few times, it lacked the genuine joy I'd seen in her hearty laughter before. It was clear Chris' actions had deeply affected her.Thinking a change of scenery might help, I impulsively invited her to visit me in Jinovy. With Colin away, I was feeling a bit lonely myself, and her company would be welcome. Plus, a break from her usual environment might lift her spirits.I'd extended the invitation before, but she always declined, worried about being a third wheel. Deep down, I knew it was more than that; she likely found leaving Chris unbearable.Admittedly, I didn't have high hopes for her acceptance. To my surprise, she readily agreed and even booked a flight for the day after tomorrow! She playfully mentioned that since I invited her, I should take care of her basic needs while she's in Jinovy.I wasn't the same person I used to be. While I might not be rollin
Colin told me Lagado was just a part of the Taylors' current collaboration with the college and that the previous run-in with Jasmine had only happened because she was here to lay the groundwork.The Taylors were planning to turn the mountainside into a villa area. They had specially picked out a village within a reasonable distance of the city that boasted fine countryside views for surveillance purposes.This was the village where the mudslide had happened.The project was centered on creating a neighborhood of colonial-style villas and thus included the development and reconstruction of the village. The design proposal was already underway, but a development like this required forcing out the current occupants of the village. The villagers did not want to leave behind the place where generations of their family had lived, and relocating them would be a challenge. Jasmine had bravely volunteered to take on the task. She had her reasons. The head of the Taylor family had pr
I never asked for money, power, or status. I never needed our love story to be something for the ages. So why was it so hard for my wish to come true?I wondered if there were others in the world whose love life was as plagued with troubles and obstacles as mine. If not, then what had I done to deserve such hardship?Jasmine was brazenly pursuing Colin, a man already in a relationship, and she was scheming to steal him from me. Why should I have to put up with the psychological abuse coming from this? What sort of world did we live in?My mother once told me love was as hard as life; both required careful nurturing. I hadn't taken her seriously before, believing that love was simple and needed nothing more than two people who cared deeply for each other.Now, I had to admit that love needed to be nurtured, and it took more than two people who cared for each other to make it last.Colin then told me he would be assigned to survey a remote area for the project and that reception
I couldn't help but wonder if Colin expected his trip this time to be exceptionally long. Neither Colin nor Ash had given me a clear timeframe for his return. As I glanced at the steaming bowl of oatmeal, Colin's message and location from a few hours ago came to mind. "I'm heading to the construction site. I heard the signal's spotty. I'll be cautious. Don't worry, I'll contact you once I've got a signal."I checked the latitude and longitude from the location pin. It was in a suburban area with overgrown weeds and dense trees. There was not a road in sight. It was undeveloped land. What could Colin, a designer, need to work on?My knowledge of civil engineering was limited, but from my understanding, the initial stages of a project typically require a professional architect team, not an artist. Colin's job focused on designing and crafting colonial-style elements that were added to a building after the main construction was complete. It was an on-site production. Unlike my Tudor p
Juggling my studies, my students, and the nearing completion of my project left me with no room for neglect. Colin's situation, while concerning, was something I couldn't directly control. The best course of action was to accept it and focus on what I could do. Patience and trust were key. I would wait and pray for Colin's safe return. Yet, I couldn't help but think that the dream of being with him felt distant. My head felt constantly stuffy and painful. Tears threatened to spill over, but I swallowed them back. Chaotic images flashed before my eyes. I told myself not to overthink, but my mind raced on.I couldn't keep crying because it wouldn't change the situation. It only proved that I was weak. Plus, those who cared about me weren't here to comfort me. What would I be crying for? However, what else could I do besides crying?It was dreadful to grow up. One would have to experience endless pain, helplessness, and challenges. I was once admired by many juniors and proud of
I headed to Colin's office after class to prepare for the next day's lesson. Finding it hard to concentrate, I set the mouse aside and sat at his desk to daydream.Suddenly, the sound of a cup being placed on the table brought me back to reality. Mr. Walker smiled and offered me a sip of water.Without thinking, I took a huge gulp, only to realize the water was warm. It settled in my stomach, instantly clearing my mind.I recalled my poor performance in the earlier class and felt utterly ashamed. I failed in my duties as a lecturer. If Colin had been there, he would have done a much better job than I did.My parents and Colin would be disappointed to learn that I failed at such a simple task. It seemed like I had much to learn. After finally making it through the day, I had no appetite for dinner or interest in going to Crystal House. All I could think about was Colin's safety. When I returned to the apartment, I collapsed onto the bed, unable to move. I stared at my phone, looking a
"I'm... fine... don't cry... not hurt... I'm really fine, baby." The last sentence came through the clearest. I finally heaved a sigh of relief. Just as I wanted to say more, the call abruptly ended. I found the line unreachable when I tried to call back.Nevertheless, at least Colin had responded and reassured me of his well-being. However, this sense of assurance was fleeting.Jasmine remained like a thorn lodged in my throat, causing me anguish with every thought. While Colin remained loyal to me, who knew what Jasmine would do to him after facing rejection? She harbored deep resentment and malicious intentions. Now that Colin was in Jasmine's territory, what obstacles orembarrassments might she throw in his way? Alone and isolated, Colin would have no one to turn to for advice or support. It must be incredibly tough for him.Jasmine was bound to take action; otherwise, she wouldn't have established such an elaborate scheme. My emotions worsened with each passing thought. I felt
I forced myself to focus on productive matters, unwilling to engage in pointless conversation with Winston. I didn't feel like talking, so I bent down to pick up the things from the ground and handed them to him. Quietly, I went to my easel, lifted the canvas draped over it, and sat down to gather my thoughts."Say, Ms. Luna, you look disheartened. You don't look too good. What happened?" Winston seemed to notice my unusual state of mind as he followed me back into the room. He stood beside me, watching me pick up my paintbrush, puzzled.Perhaps everyone was accustomed to my carefree demeanor. So, my sudden dejection and exhaustion surprised him. My hand, already holding the brush, paused momentarily. When I left, I had only tidied my hair without washing my face. The telltale traces of traces must have been too obvious for Winston to miss. Rubbing my face with my left hand, I firmly massaged my neck. I tried to appear more composed. "It's nothing. I'm just hungry," I replied