The night before the wedding...On the big bed, Jeremy rolled around since he was unable to sleep. After that day she happily chatted with him, Jacques stopped showing herself to him.It's not like she locked herself or something. She comes and goes out of the house every day. There will be a hot breakfast on the table when he gets there but she would be nowhere to be found.He missed her terribly.He tried to have a peek in the morning when she was taking care of her planter, but all he saw was the tip of her nose as she was wrapped in a bundle. He knew that as winter approached the temperature was dipping, but he didn't think it was that cold for her to dress in a sleeping bag.Her outfits... he is partly to be blamed for that. After that night he barged into her room and tried to attack her, she started dressing more... modestly. It's not like she walked around in her birthday suit before that (although he much preferred it), but she'd be wearing short shorts and dresses that showe
Could this be just a coincidence?Jacques shrugged it off. It's not like it is still the feudal period and certain symbols are owned only by certain people. Anyone can use any symbol unless they are copyrighted.Maybe I should check if the logo is copyrighted? I just found that particular logo hidden in grandpa's belongings and I asked uncle Pat to use it for our company. Uncle was not pleased at first, but he agreed anyway since I insisted.Hehe... can I belong to some family who secretly rules the underworld or am I the heir to a very rich conglomerate?That would be great! It would certainly be a very interesting "rags to riches" story.But no... that kind of acquired money never stays. Everyone knows what they say about those who won the lottery. Most of them lose it!Jacques, let's get rich by working hard! That way, you'll know how to handle your money.But wait...someone's trying to kill me...Could this be related to that?The sudden reveal of "friendship" between uncle Pat an
"She asked me to bring her here..." Mikhail scratched the back of his head with an awkward chuckle.Jeremy rolled his tongue inside his mouth. More than anger, what he felt was an embarrassment. He thought his sister would listen to his advice and stay put just this once, but she didn't."She didn't listen to you, it seems," Mikhail added and Jeremy took a deep breath.Why isn't she in the hospital with the husband she claimed to feel so sorry for? What is she doing here?The image of Jacques hugging Scarlett and sobbing came to his mind."One moment, Mike," he patted his shoulder, stopping him from speaking. He walked to the door."Bobby!" he called for Bobby standing outside. "Find Scar and ask her to not leave Jacques alone even for a moment. Daisy... ask Daisy and Scar to stand guard. She cannot be alone," he nodded as Bobby patted his arm and left.Jeremy let out a deep breath. "You were saying..?" he sat on the chair and pointed at another chair for Mikhail to sit on."Isn't it
"Hey, Scar!" Jacques whispered. "Gerard... is he-""He's still in the hospital," Scarlett shrugged.Charlie made sure of it."But I heard Emma is here. And she was talking to Tara some time ago and Tara is now outside wanting to talk to you," she whispered back."Emma?" Jacques's face twitched."Don't worry about her. She'll have to pass me to get to you. I heard Jeremy was not glad she was here and... I bet she is wearing a champagne white dress," she smirked."Why?" Jacques was confused for a moment, but then she realized it. "But my dress is pure white...Don't tell me you lied to her purposefully... That color will wash her out though..." Jacques giggled. "Scarlett, you're savage!"Jacques doesn't like to create troubles, but that doesn't mean she won't laugh at those who fall into their own traps."I kept my promise to Jerry," Scarlett fixed Jacques's hair a little. "You're really shining like the moon!""I am?" Jacques looked at the mirror once more.I do!Although she hardened h
"Missy," Patrick patted Jacques's hand, seeing her ashen face."Yes," Jacques snapped out of her depressing thoughts and she could hear the bridal march. Her eyes were clouded and she closed her eyes and took in a deep breath remembering Scarlett's words.The mascara will smudge!She pulled back her tears with difficulty.She saw everyone standing up, waiting for her to walk through the aisle. Daisy was trying to stand beside Tara who was sitting by the aisle.Is she trying to protect me in case Tara tries to trip me or something? Daisy has done a lot for me already.Scarlett was turning and looking at her with a smile. As they met eyes, Scarlett nodded, placing her hand on her chest as if telling her that everything was fine.Jacques realized one thing.The love everyone has for me... The efforts everyone is putting into saving my life...Why am I thinking about my wishes here?Her eyes ended up at the man standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for her to come to him. She has spen
Throughout the ceremony, Jacques had to remind herself that this is not a real wedding. It was too real to be a fake wedding and it did make her feel a little nervous because she could see Jeremy was treating it as a real wedding.More than that, she felt like all those eyes watching her were burning her back. She never was in a spot like this before and it made her more nervous. Thankfully she remembered to say "I do" at the right moment.But maybe he realized her nervousness, Jeremy often looked at her with a gentle smile and it made her nervousness fly away."I pronounce you man and wife!"The Priest announced and everyone clapped. Jacques's heart started to race.The kissing would be next right? Which side should I tilt my head? It would be awkward if our noses clash. Maybe we should have practiced kissing as he suggested?Ahhhhh! What should I do?"You may now kiss the bride," the priest said the dreaded words. Jacques gulped and turned to the side and he had a gentle smile on hi
"You're not a Princess, honey buns," Jeremy trailed his hand on her cheek. He saw his wedding band reflecting the sun and his lips curved to a smile.He didn't know how much she remembered of the ring exchange. Her fingers were cold and she almost dropped the ring as she was very nervous.But yeah... I am married to her!On her hand placed on her lap was an identical ring to his. The rings turned out great and they fit them both perfectly.We are married!"You're a Queen by right," he added and placed a kiss on her cheek.She really is! At least, according to Alexander Volkonsky and his supporters."Queen?" Jacques was confused.By right, he says?"Yeah, my queen," he smiled.He watched the frown line between her eyebrows melt as her lips curved up. "You're smooth, Jeremy," she chuckled.God, she's beautiful!Jacques didn't want to talk more to that man with a buttery tongue and decided to look around. People in their homes on their way were waving at them and she waved back with a sm
Jacques looked through her misty eyes. Everything looked blurry and she saw Jeremy and Dr. Kruger by her side with their eyes red with tears.Ah, isn't this wonderful?When Jacques went to the doctor's office, the doctor was already wearing a dress and seemed to be contemplating whether she should attend the wedding or not.The moment Jacques entered, she hugged her and started to tear up. "I'm so glad you're here, dear," she said and took a good look at her. "You're so pretty!"Jacques could see how much she loved Jeremy. She is the one who raised him after all. She would want to see him getting married too.It was not hard to convince her to attend the reception. She was feeling a little hesitant to ride on the carriage with them, but Jacques convinced her to get on.Jeremy looked happy and that's all she needed, but she didn't understand why he entered the room holding his weapon in his hand. She didn't think he'd be carrying a weapon while he was wearing a tuxedo but it seems like
Jeremy tried to regain his balance after he was pushed and he saw the little figure falling on the floor. He balanced himself and saw the little figure kneeling as the tiger was in an attack stance.Oh, No!Jacques was not willing to die."No, Khan!" She shouted and crossed her forearms to cover her face. She shut her eyestightly as if that would have her.Her voice was loud and clear and that was followed by Wyatt's authoritative command."Khan, stay."Just a second after Jacques felt something warm and soft hugging her and she opened her eyes to see little Benny hugging her.She felt a strong pull from behind her and a lot of shouts. Thankfully she didn't hear any weapon going off.She saw the distance between the tiger and her increasing and the big cat getting pulled back by Wyatt.She didn't know how it happened but the tiger looked calmer now."You okay, Jacques?" That familiar voice was shaking in terror and the next she felt was everything around her blackening as she was surr
Jacques's heart pounded looking at the sharp eyes of Wyatt. The tiger was staring right at her and licked its lips.Jacques felt a shiver passing through her spine.Fear of death...She used to foolishly think for some time that death would end it all and death is a sweet release from worldly troubles.But now, facing the big threat in front of her, she realized that she wanted to live more than she thought she did.She gulped seeing Wyatt taking a puff with an odd smirk looking at her. She was terrified.But she stared right back at Wyatt. She remembered Jeremy's words that even Shaun's boss cannot hurt her.I am Joel's woman. I cannot show myself to be weak when he is near me!She felt a big hand enveloping hers. That familiar big hand was rough and warm.Yeah, I am in the safest place on earth.I am by Joel's side!"Come to the point, Wyatt. Don't waste my time," Jeremy said, placing her hand on his lap.It was like he is assuring her that he is by her side and no one can touch her
Jacques couldn't take her eyes off the little boy with pretty green eyes. Those eyes reminded her of Gerard and the baby she lost.She fixed the long unkempt hair of the boy by running her fingers through them. The boy had a pleasing smile. He was shy at first but then started to play with her hair.She got some snacks for the boy from the others and he was happily chomping on them while talking non-stop.Should I just bring him with me?Jacques wondered. His father left him out in the cold. He wouldn't mind if someone else raises his son, right?But... She was told that Wyatt came running here as soon as he heard the news that his son is with Jeremy. News from Wyatt's town is that he was searching every nook and corner of his town for his son.Ugh!Jeremy, sitting at a distance from her, watched her without blinking. She was casually wiping the boy's snot, wiping his face, and was holding him the whole time.And the smile on her face...He could see a different kind of smile on her f
And that's when she saw some movement behind the tiger. She thought she saw a piece of clothing sometime before, but she dismissed it.But now, that piece of clothing has moved.Is that a child?All of a sudden, she could move. She saw Jeremy pointing the weapon at the tiger and there were some tens of the volunteers pointing their weapons."Don't shoot!!!" Jacques waved her hand and walked towards the tiger.She wasn't thinking about anything but that child. They might shoot at the tiger but the child is bound to get hurt.Jeremy was stunned.Is she really walking towards the tiger? Is she trying to protect the tiger? She was scared of the huskies and now she is walking towards a....Is she stupid?He signaled others not to shoot but his weapon was trained on the tiger."Reckless idiot!" he mumbled, seeing the tiger crouching a bit as if it was going to lunge.Second, he felt his heart slipping to the pit of his stomach. He heard a ringing noise in his ear and his eyes darkened.The t
Jacques was surprised to see the number of pickup trucks lined up in the road. Noticing Jeremy's car, they all gave way to him. She oddly felt proud, although she knew this respect was for Jeremy.He's the King, alright?She didn't think that many would volunteer for this when today is Black Friday and was impressed.Rather than shopping for Christmas, they preferred to help every kid have a Christmas tree in their home?"That's a lot of volunteers," Jacques said."Yeah, every year the number of volunteers is increasing and the number of trees needed is decreasing," Jeremy said, waving his hand to Charlie parking his truck."So more people are buying fake Christmas trees these days?" Jacques said with a chuckle."Ha... That's a very genius observation, Chippy! "Jeremy turned to look at her with a teasing smile."Chippy? Not you too, Brutus," she hit him in the arm.Actually, she understood what that meant. It just means the prospects of the households in this area is getting better an
Jacques stayed silent as she didn't know what to say."I had terrible morning sickness and it was a time when I had a promising career ahead. I was just twenty-nine and I thought it was not the right time for the baby. So I..." Dr. Kruger took a deep breath."It's rare... complications after abortion... but...I became an Attending Physician... When I decided it is time for me to become a mother...It... five miscarriages, going through all the fertility treatments available, clinical depression, and a suicide attempt later, I quit my job and my husband brought me here. John... he was my pillar of support..." Dr. Kruger wiped her eyes."No one here knows this... Not even Jeremy..."Jacques got up and squatted beside Dr. Kruger and held her hand. She could feel the pain in the doctor's heart."I got better here. My husband, bless his soul, he's the one good thing I did right in my life. He did a lot for me, lost a lot for me, but he never even thought of losing me... And Jeremy... When w
Sometime later, Scarlett's family joined them in the backyard and they all played games and chatted merrily. Except for Scarlett and Jacques, everyone else got drunk.Jacques helped Scarlett in taking care of the leftovers and cleaning the kitchen. Then Scarlett decided to stay in her parents' home and Scarlett's brother helped bring Bobby there.Both Jeremy and Bobby were too drunk to drive. Jacques decided to drive Jeremy home but Dr. Kruger asked her to stay the night here since it had gotten late already."I can drive..." Jeremy said with a slur."Go to bed," Dr. Kruger patted his back."Yes, mom," Jeremy hugged her. "I love you, mom. So much.""Me too, Jerry. I love you," Dr. Kruger said with a chuckle and patted his back."Jeryl...Jerly...Jacques..." he started giggling as he slurred.He walked towards Jacques holding out his hands, "My wife, my love... here... let me..." he puckered his lips and tried to kiss her.Maybe he was seeing double, he couldn't quite catch her lips and
Jacques once accidentally got in contact with acid when she was in school. It was just a drop and the acid wasn't very concentrated and even then it gave her a first-degree burn.If this acid is for hurting her, it should be a concentrated acid.How much will it hurt if Jeremy pours it on Stella? Won't her bones melt?A shiver ran down Jacques's spine.Wait...It could've been me!That acid... it might have landed on my face!Viper... Viper is the guy who wants me dead and this woman for her own benefit made a deal with him!Without saying anything, Jacques turned to walk inside.Stella's sobs intensified and she knelt on the floor knowing her fate."Please... Linny... please... help me... I wasn't thinking..."Jacques almost stopped hearing that pitiful cry, but then she walked without stopping.It could have been me.Scarlett hugged baby Cia in her bosom as they walked at a larger pace towards Bobby's house. Soon after, they heard the sound of glass shattering on the floor, followed
"Stella!"Hearing Jacques walking closer, Jimmy stepped aside.Jacques's stepmother walked in with a bright smile replacing the scowl she had till then, as soon as she heard Jacques."What brings you here?" Jacques put on a bright smile to match her stepmother's."Oh, dear," Stella wrapped her arms around Jacques for a hug and Jacques put up with it.She saw Scarlett behind Stella and she pulled out her phone to record after passing the baby to Bobby. Jacques nodded with a smile.They predicted the next one to come for her under the nudge of Emma would be her stepmother.Jacques hasn't paid a cent for them for more than two months and they have never lived without her money and it would be hard for them to survive.They do not know how to spend thriftily and not to mention all the debts they are under.After talking to Gina, Jacques never cared for them. Although her stepmother would be too proud to talk to her, Emma would have found a way to make her come to her. And recently Charlie