Jasmine's eyes were so fixed on Colin that she didn't even blink."Why are you so nervous, Luna? Are you afraid?" Jasmine stopped before us. She gently patted the baby in her arms and asked me mockingly."You must be joking, Jasmine. You weren't afraid even after breaking the law. Why would an upstanding citizen like me be afraid?" I gave her a mocking smile, but my eyes were glued to the baby in her arms.It was not a particularly warm season, but she was holding a baby in front of so many people. She was clearly waiting for Colin and me. What was she trying to do?Recalling the things she had done before, I couldn't help but feel a chill in my body.She was a maniac, capable of anything. After her previous schemes had failed, she hadn't come to trouble us again and chose to disappear. That, in itself, was a huge problem."I hope so," Jasmine said."I wonder why you're blocking our way. We're all sensible people, so it's best to speak frankly."Jasmine nodded with a smile. "Lu
Colin was so furious that he was about to explode. He was struggling to keep his composure. I could hear him grinding his teeth as he said, "Jasmine, let me say this just once. There was never a question of me wanting you. In my eyes, you are no different than scrap paper on the roadside."His words were harsh. I could barely listen on, but they suited someone like Jasmine perfectly.I thought that with these words, everyone's knowledge of her past actions, and the basic decency a mother should have, Jasmine would realize we were being merciful and would back off.The world was huge. She shouldn't be clinging to Colin, who had no feelings for her. She should find someone who truly belongs with her.However, Jasmine wasn't like the rest of us. Her thoughts didn't align with ours. In fact, her thinking was entirely abnormal."Colin, it's fine if you don't want me, but what about our baby? You wouldn't abandon our baby, would you? He is yours!"The crowd erupted in shock.Colin was
In an instant, a whirlwind of chaotic thoughts flooded my mind.My vision blurred, and I couldn't see anything clearly. My ears buzzed, making it impossible to hear what anyone was saying. I felt utterly helpless, not knowing what to do.At that moment, I had to admit that I was just an ordinary young woman with a strong sense of possessiveness. I wanted nothing more than to live an ordinary life with someone I loved and who loved me back. I couldn't allow any flaws in the person I loved. I couldn't accept it!However, Colin was innocent, and so was I.Yet, we were the ones trapped in this situation.Between Jasmine and Colin, I would choose to believe in Colin.Even if something had happened between them, it was something for Colin and I to resolve, not for Jasmine to dictate publicly.She was a deceitful person, so she must be lying to us.Colin loved me so much. He would never do such a thing. Never.Loving someone meant trusting them. I must trust him.I gritted my teeth
Jasmine was pretending to be calm and used the excuse of needing to feed the baby to leave. It was clear that she was trying to escape.There was no way I was going to let her throw dirt at Colin and just run away! I was putting on a brave front previously, but I was confidently standing my ground now.Despite Jasmine's outward composure, I caught a fleeting glimpse of panic. If she was certain, why would she panic? Of course, it was because she was lying.I saw it, and I was sure many onlookers noticed it, too. People likely had already formed their own opinions regardless of her words. The baby wasn't Colin's, or perhaps Jasmine wasn't even sure who the father was.I couldn't understand why she would put herself in a situation where a simple blood test could resolve all issues. Wasn't she embarrassed to be exposed publicly?Moreover, bringing such a young baby out for so long wouldn't be good for the baby. It was really baffling for me that she would disregard the baby's well-be
"By the way, Mr. White, there's no need to go to the hospital. I'm a student at the medical school, currently working on a genetics project with my supervisor. We can easily do a paternity test right here."Jasmine's face instantly turned pale, and the panic on her face could no longer be hidden."Gavin, where are you? Get over here!" Jasmine shouted angrily.Then, several men approached. One of them was Lanky, who was always with her. So, his name was Gavin. I'll keep that in mind.Gavin's expression was grim as he reached out to take the baby. Then, he turned to leave. "Stop causing trouble and go home now. The baby may catch a cold."Jasmine was momentarily stunned, but she quickly changed her expression again. "Gavin, you're a coward! You don't have the balls to speak up when others bully me, but you have the nerve to mock me? I'll fire you. The baby is mine. You have no right to speak for him."I was truly speechless.Despite being a graduate of a prestigious university, sh
Resolving the issue privately would only benefit Jasmine. However, for Colin and me, it would be best to solve this openly since it had affected his reputation.The onlookers were only worried that the scandal was not sensational enough for their entertainment. They would even exaggerate non-existent details based on their own imagination, especially in such a public confrontation.Therefore, it was essential to clarify everything publicly.I insisted on a paternity test, but Jasmine stubbornly refused to cooperate. She became hysterical, crying and yelling as if she had suffered a great injustice, causing the police officers quite a headache. They kept asking if we could resolve the matter privately."No, she fabricated lies and made outrageous claims in public. She wouldn't even admit her mistakes. So, she must be responsible for all the trouble she caused. Additionally, I need an explanation because she has seriously defamed us."Just then, Gavin, who had been waiting silently
I purposely made a trip back to Southsville with Colin to discuss that matter with my family.Honestly, my heart wasn't set on this. Since childhood, I dreamed of opening an art studio, living on my own terms, and painting when inspiration struck.I wanted to have tea and browse my phone when I felt lazy or pack my bags and wander around the country, enjoying a free and easy life.However, that was just my dream. My parents were very insistent on having a stable profession. They were especially supportive of me becoming a lecturer at Jesselton College.The job matched my major, allowing me to continue doing what I loved while spreading my passion to more people, which was a good prospect.Colin said that being a lecturer wouldn't stop me from owning my own studio. Once everything had settled down, I could start working in the studio.Being able to meet my parents' expectations while fulfilling my lifelong wish made me incredibly happy. So, after returning to Jinovy, I officially
The following spring, when the flowers were in full bloom, I finally married Colin.All our classmates and friends from Lincoln University came, including Flynn and his wife and child. His son was very active, running around and even hugging my leg. He said I was pretty and wanted to marry me when he grew up, which made us all laugh heartily."You can't do that. She's my wife." Colin squatted down, pulling the boy onto his knee while tapping his tiny nose playfully.The little boy thought for a moment and then nodded seriously. "Are we not meant to be together in this lifetime? Well, then, I'll marry her in the next life."I was shocked that such a young boy like him could talk with such seriousness. Just as I was about to ask where he learned all that, his mother came over and picked him up before kissing his cheek lovingly. She apologized. "He's just talking nonsense. Don't take it to heart."His father missed out on being with his true love in this life because of us. It was my
Luna furiously scolded me, asserting that I didn't deserve Queenie's love and that Queenie had been blind to my true colors all those years. Driven mad by desperation, I chased after Queenie, determined to tell her I was wrong and plead for another chance to prove myself. However, the young man intervened, delivering a swift and punishing combination of punches and kicks that knocked me to the ground. Humiliated, I struggled to get up and fight back, unwilling to lose to another man.Despite his youthful appearance, the look in his eyes as he glanced at Queenie was undeniable. It was a blend of love, desire, and possessiveness only a man could understand.I was consumed by the thought that he wasn't worthy of my precious Queenie's love.Nevertheless, my body felt heavy and powerless. It was as if the strength had been drained from me. The blows rained down on me, bringing with them a strange sense of relief amidst the pain. Part of me yearned for him to kick me harder, inflict
I wanted nothing more than to run to Queenie, to hold her tightly and tell her how much I missed her during those endless days apart. I wanted to kiss her deeply and feel the warmth of her embrace. I called out, "Queenie, I'm here."Seeing me seemed to jolt Queenie from her joyous state, replacing it with a vacant expression. Mere moments before, she had been smiling brightly, her eyes aglow with happiness. Now, she appeared lost, her initial elation dissipating into a blank, unresponsive gaze.I couldn't understand why she had turned so distant upon seeing me. The love and joy that once shone in her eyes were nowhere to be found. As I observed her, I wondered if our time apart had caused her to forget. Or perhaps the events of the past had wounded her so profoundly that she had stopped waiting for me.The thoughts terrified me, and I dared not ask for fear of confirming my suspicions. All I wanted was to hold her, kiss her, and tell her how much I missed her. Yet, it seemed tha
I had no interest in Daniela's pregnancy, so I kicked her out of the house. My friends came to console me, each expressing their sympathies with a drink because they didn't know how else to comfort me.The money I had sent to Queenie's account was quickly returned as the account had been closed. Her phone number became unreachable, and when I sought her at her parents' home, I found the elderly couple waiting anxiously for their daughter's return. I lost not only Queenie but any connection to her. I grew disinterested in everything, neglecting my company and spending my days in a drunken haze.Then, my uncle came. We drank through the night as he shared tales of his hardships, the painful memories of his mother, and the years he spent alone, suffering.He said, "Everyone has their fate, Flynn. And choosing one thing often means losing another. Just as you've chosen to fight for the family business, you've sacrificed a part of yourself. But you must rise and fight me with all you'v
Queenie would then jump off the cliff, leaving me to jolt awake in a cold sweat. I endured each twilight in my hopeless vigil, counting down the days.On the 75th day, the door finally unlocked. I stepped outside and realized that this was the neighborhood where Queenie and I lived. All this time, we had been mere yards apart.My mom truly knew how to break a person's spirit. All I had to do was lift my head to see the pomegranate tree planted in our yard.I stumbled toward our home, my wounds screaming as I desperately called for Queenie. But the immaculate house stood eerily silent, echoing my footsteps like thunder.Except for Queenie, every possession remained meticulously in place—the exquisite clothes, expensive jewelry, and designer cosmetics.Queenie was gone, and the thought of losing her drove me into a frenzy.I collapsed in the middle of the room, sobbing uncontrollably. Regret consumed me. I should have never let my family's threats manipulate me and left Queenie to
I clenched my fists, barely resisting the urge to rush over to Queenie's side. All I wanted was to embrace her and whisper assurances that I would protect her, always. But I knew I had no right to do so.My dad's threat hung heavy in my mind, and the stares of Daniela and her mother bore into Queenie like daggers. One wrong move or word and those blades would descend upon Queenie, cutting her to shreds.The pain was unbearable. I felt sorry for Queenie. I was powerless and couldn't help her. With all my heart, I wished for her to stay strong and survive. She deserved better than me. Daniela's mother slapped Queenie, calling her a whore and a homewrecker, accusing her of seducing other people's boyfriends.Queenie stood rigidly, her gaze filled with humiliation. Her lips trembled, and the light in her eyes gradually faded.I winced in agony but held myself together, picking up Daniela and walking away.Countless times afterward, I berated myself for choosing to take Daniela away
We both knew the truth—neither of us could cross the chasm that had formed between our hearts.After that, I went home almost every day. We managed to maintain a semblance of normalcy in our day-to-day lives. We prepared sumptuous dinners and tended to our garden. I even considered adopting a pet to keep Queenie company while I was away.However, no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't rekindle the warmth we had once shared. Queenie hardly smiled anymore. No matter what I did to cheer her up, she would only give a half-hearted smile, her eyes remaining cold and distant.I knew something had transpired during our separation, but she refused to discuss it. My attempts to uncover the truth through private investigators were in vain. Any evidence had been meticulously erased.Eventually, I realized Queenie was simply biding her time, waiting for the moment when she would be forced to relinquish all hope and leave.A month later, my mother joyfully told me that Daniela was pregnant an
I grabbed a brush from the bathroom and scrubbed myself furiously, desperate to wash away the overwhelming sense of filth. Even as the rough bristles tore into my skin, drawing blood and causing searing pain, I felt no closer to feeling clean.My mind was consumed with thoughts of Queenie and the nearly five years we had spent together—the happy moments, the arguments, every single memory.At that moment, I realized I was terrified. Never before had I experienced such abject fear. Knowing Queenie's uncompromising stance on love and fidelity, I knew she would never forgive me once she discovered my transgression.She would undoubtedly turn and leave, heedless of any pleas I might make. I probably wouldn't even have the courage to ask for her forgiveness in the face of her justified anger.I regretted everything. If I had listened to my friends and taken Queenie away from all this, none of this would have happened. But I had hesitated. Even now, I couldn't be certain if my hesitati
Yesterday afternoon, my dad called and demanded that I make a decision within two days, or they would take action.I felt cornered because I genuinely didn't know how to talk to Queenie about this. The mere idea of her packing her belongings and leaving, accompanied by the unspeakable anguish it would inflict upon me, was a burden too heavy to bear.I wasn't sure if I could ever have a semblance of normality in my life again after that.So, I gathered some friends to drink with me. I drank heavily because I had made a decision—a disgraceful, heartless decision. The thought of what I would have to face the next day made life seem hopeless, so I drank even more.Before losing consciousness, I handed my car keys to my assistant, using my last bit of clarity to tell him to take me home no matter what state I was in.Even if it meant returning to the Hayes family's residence, he should not leave me out on the streets. Despite the imminent breakup, I wanted to part ways with Queenie in
My mom proved to be even more ruthless than my dad. She found me, dropped to her knees without a word, and begged me. She reminded me of the years they had spent raising me, pleading that I ensure they wouldn't be left without a sense of security in their old age.In essence, they were pressuring me to abandon everything. I was to pursue money and power for their sake, secure the Hayes family's head position, and ensure our grip on wealth and influence. Their priority was maintaining their luxurious, elevated lifestyle. My happiness, my desires—whether I even wanted those things—meant nothing to them. Sometimes, it felt like I was nothing more than a tool for achieving their ambitions.My dad told me bluntly that he would go after Queenie if I didn't comply. He said, "You're right. I'm incapable of outmaneuvering your uncle. But no matter how incompetent I am, I can easily make Queenie's life in Harveyton unbearable."To be honest, that day was the coldest my heart had ever felt