✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿We arrived at Meadows Tower in silence. I was scowling and ignoring Adam, annoyed with him for reasons I couldn’t quite pinpoint. All I knew was that it irritated me when he didn't reach out, yet he acted indignant when I did the same to him.I felt a bit dizzy from the alcohol I had at the club, but I was still aware of my surroundings. I knew we were heading to the elevator, but this time I was leading the way. He had insisted I go first since we entered the building.I stepped into the elevator, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Adam followed, his usual confident demeanor slightly tempered by a hint of unease. I didn't bother to glance at him, keeping my eyes fixed on the elevator's panel as the doors slid shut.Five days. Five entire days without a word from him, and now he just waltzes back into my life as if nothing happened. And all he wants is to indulge in my body again. How dare he? And how dare I just let him?The elevator began its ascent,
✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿I was aware of what happened after Adam and I showered together. We lay down on the bed after I dried my hair using the hair dryer he bought for me here. I was aware that nearly an hour later, he carefully got up to answer his phone, which had started ringing. I was aware that he left the penthouse after taking the call.He left without saying goodbye, probably assuming I was already asleep. But I wasn't. My eyes were closed, but my mind was awake, so I felt everything. He was gone for almost an hour. Feeling a bit dizzy from the alcohol, I remained lying on the bed alone.When he returned an hour later, he lay back down beside me on the bed. I could still feel his embrace from behind, and we stayed like that until we both fell asleep.The next morning, he woke up before me. I found out because his side of the bed was empty when I tried to reach for him. He was already out of the room by the time I opened my eyes.Despite a slight headache from the hangover, I pushed my
✧ADAM MEADOWS✧"Are you really going to wait for Jake to admit that he's the mastermind behind what happened to your family before you take him down? Is that it?" Uncle Win asked, disappointment evident in his tone.I felt disappointed in myself too, because, honestly, I could have ended him anytime, especially since I've been with him every day since I became his driver.I’d labored over my revenge plan for more than a decade, moving and manipulating every piece until I had them where I wanted them. Always play the long game.But even I had to admit I’d gotten . . . distracted these past few months. Jazzlene had swept into my life like a sunrise after dark, awakening creatures within my soul that I thought had died a long time ago: guilt. Conscience. Remorse. Making me question whether the ends justified the means.Around her, my thirst for vengeance waned, and I almost—almost—gave it up. It all began when Uncle Win suggested I use Jake's daughter to get closer to the Crystal family.
✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿I STOOD AT THE FRONT DESK, my fingers trembling slightly as I tapped on the keyboard, searching desperately for the reservation. The couple in front of us looked increasingly impatient, and the woman’s face was turning a deep shade of red. She was yelling, her voice echoing across the huge lobby and drawing stares from other guests.Not only am I feeling flustered, but so is Violet, as we're the only ones manning the front desk right now. Brianna is on her day off, and our other regular receptionist, who's with us, has been in and out of the restroom since earlier because it's the first day of her period, and she's in considerable discomfort. She needs to change her napkin frequently due to heavy flow. As a result, Violet and I are currently bearing the brunt of the workload. It's also our first time encountering a guest who doesn't seem to grasp the concept of 'CALM'. Despite Violet's repeated attempts to reassure her and ask her to wait for our receptionist, she doesn
✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿“Get in.”I hesitated, glancing back at Violet and Leigh, who were still deep in their argument about who they were with the night we went to Castillano Club and where they slept. The idea of spending time with Adam was appealing, especially since we hadn't seen each other in a week, but the suddenness of the invitation and my unfamiliarity with his uncle made me cautious."That’s very kind of you, but I’m not sure," I began. I glanced at my watch and pretended to check the time. "Dad is on his way to pick me up.""Is that so?" He pursed his lips, appearing thoughtful. "It's my wife's birthday today. Auntie Cassandra, Adam's aunt. We don't have any other guests besides Adam, so I wanted to invite you to meet my wife. She would be happy to meet you, especially since I mentioned you to her. I told her you're like a sister to Adam," he explained. "But okay. If you're heading home now, maybe next time?" He smiled gently at me.Aunt Cassandra, Adam's only relative? His dad's
✧ADAM MEADOWS✧AS I drove towards the M-Power Hotel, my mind raced with worry. Jazz hadn't answered any of my calls, and I couldn't track her using the app on her phone. It had been a week since we last spoke, when she and Uncle Win visited my penthouse. Since then, I hadn't found time to check on her or visit our apartment to see if she was okay, as I was consumed with work alongside Rogel.What kind of babysitter was I?Just as I neared the hotel, my phone buzzed with a message from Uncle Win. He invited me to dinner at his house later. I didn't need to ask why; I remembered what day it was. Aunt Cassandra's birthday.I sighed, torn between duty and affection. Aunt Cassandra, my late father's sister, was my only close family left, and I couldn't decline his invitation. But first, I had to find Jazz.I replied to Uncle Win, confirming I'd attend dinner but emphasizing finding Jazz was my priority. Lowering my phone, I resumed driving.As I approached the hotel, my heart skipped a bea
✧ADAM MEADOWS✧"Hi, Auntie," I greeted her as she opened the door for me. I carried a somewhat large shopping bag with a signature brand logo. A slight smile played on my lips. I had promised her last night that I would send a gift today, but after Jazz mentioned the vault and the photo album, I felt compelled to investigate for myself. Uncle Win wasn't home; he was at the company. Only Auntie Cass was there."Hello, Adam!" Aunt Cassandra responded warmly, her eyes lighting up upon seeing me. "Come in, come in."I stepped inside, feeling a mix of determination and anxiety. Despite appreciating Auntie Cass's hospitality, I couldn't shake the urgency of uncovering the truth behind those photos. But for now, I needed to distract her because she didn't know my real purpose for coming today."Here's my gift." I handed her the shopping bag as we settled into the living area."Goodness, Adam..." She seemed lost in admiration as she examined every detail of the bag. It was a signature ladies'
✧ADAM MEADOWS✧I couldn’t let my parents' true killers escape justice, but I had to be smart about it now. I needed Jake's testimony to bring the mastermind down. But first, I had to ensure Jake and his family were safe from any further harm. After they had dinner, I safely drove them home. I only dropped off Jake and his wife since their child took a taxi alone back to their apartment, which worked in my favor so they wouldn't recognize me.After ensuring they were safely home and parking the car in their mansion's spacious garage, I excused myself. I called my secretary, Ezra, to pick me up. Rogel was busy dealing with the changes in our plans, as he needed to manage my other men and the vacant warehouse where we were supposed to take Jake's family.Taking a deep breath, I knew what I had to do next. Even though it was late at night, I had Ezra drive me to Uncle Win's house. On the way, I sent Uncle Win a text to inform him that I was coming over because the plan had changed.☆゚.*
Special Chapter Six – Last PartA month later . . .✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿It has been a week since Adam and I got married. Our wedding wasn’t grand; it was a private ceremony, just as we both wanted for the tranquility of our lives. Only family and close friends were witnesses to our union, including his Uncle Win. Although Adam was initially hesitant to invite him, I insisted because, no matter what, he is still Adam’s biological father. After the wedding, Uncle Win returned to Canada.As for my friends, only Leigh couldn’t attend because her vacation leave wasn’t approved. But I understand, as she is new in her job in Australia. She promised to make it up to me once she returns.So far, everything has been going well. Even though the news of our marriage has made it to the media and the internet, the public still doesn’t know that I am Adam’s wife. He personally ensured that no media outlet could publish our pictures, especially mine. Additionally, all hotel employees who knew about us had
Special Chapter Five✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿"ARE you sure? Why? Is there a problem with the hotel?" Brianna asked with a note of concern when I mentioned my plan to resign. It was just a plan, not a certainty yet.I gave a faint smile. “No, no problem. Just, uh, personal issues,” I replied, hoping she wouldn’t press further. It seemed she noticed my reluctance to elaborate and didn’t pry any deeper.At lunch break, I received a message from Adam asking me to come to his office to join him for a meal since he was at the hotel. As usual, I made my way there discreetly. I pretended I had a task from Sir Mikko, since people here still didn’t know about our relationship.When I arrived at his office, I found him already settled on the sofa in the center of the room. He had also set up the food on the glass table where we always ate when I was here.“How’s my princess doing today?” he greeted me with a broad smile as he turned in my direction. Before I could get closer, he stood up from his seat an
Special Chapter Four ✧ADAM MEADOWS✧“Baby, what are you doing?” I asked Jazz as I lay on the kitchen counter, my hands tied with her bra, completely naked.Jazzlene was rummaging through the fridge, her bare feet making soft padding sounds against the cool kitchen tiles. She was focused, her eyes scanning the shelves with determination. She wore nothing below the waist, just the shirt that matched her pajamas, its hem barely covering her hips, with no panties since I had taken them off earlier in the bedroom.Jazzlene’s movements were swift but purposeful, clearly on a mission. I had no idea what she was looking for in the fridge. We had just started foreplay when she brought me here and declared she was in charge. I wasn’t sure what her plan was, but I was nervous with my hands tied.She shifted aside a carton of milk, then some leftover takeout containers, all the while muttering softly to herself. Finally, her eyes lit up as she spotted what she was looking for—a can of whipping c
Special Chapter Three✧ADAM MEADOWS✧I thought I’d finally have Jazz all to myself for an entire week once her parents headed off to Hawaii. But just as I was planning to take her back to my penthouse, her obnoxious older brother decided to show up, claiming his flight was delayed by a day. So now, here I am, stuck in their house.I’m sitting in the dining room, watching as Jazz prepares dinner. Zane and I are seated across from each other at the counter, locked in a silent standoff. His arms are crossed, and every so often, he shakes his head and lets out a low chuckle, like he’s trying to get under my skin.“Something amusing?” I shot him a glare, the tension between us palpable. We were never like this before Jazz and I started dating, but I get it—he still can’t fully accept me.I couldn’t help but recall the serious conversation we had last month after we shoved each other into their backyard pool.[FLASHBACK]Zane was leaning against the porch railing, his eyes narrowing as he lo
Special Chapter Two✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿THE CITY lights shimmered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Adam's penthouse bedroom, casting a gentle glow over the plush surroundings. The air was warm and heavy with the scent of passion as we lay intertwined on his bed, our bodies still humming with the echoes of our intimacy. Nestled in his arms, under the soft blanket, I felt an overwhelming sense of closeness and contentment."I'm embarrassed to go home tomorrow. Mom and Dad will definitely suspect something," I murmured. Earlier, I texted my mom saying I'd be late coming home because there was an event at the hotel and I had to work overtime. But after my first round with Adam tonight, he told me he couldn't let me go home just yet—he wanted to spend more time with me. So, I was forced to message my mom again, telling her I'd be staying overnight at the hotel. "You know how parents are—they have the weirdest sixth sense.""Then don't bother going home. Stay in my penthouse instead. I'll
Special Chapter One✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿"Crystal flower number two hundred thirty-one," I whispered softly, a smile forming as I admired the delicate crystal rose Adam handed me after I got into his car. He was waiting for me in the parking lot of M-Power Hotel, arriving slightly ahead of me to avoid being seen leaving together by the staff.“Do you want me to stop giving you flowers?” he asked, leaning in for a quick kiss, a playful smile on his lips.“No, not yet. Stop when we reach a thousand.” I giggled. Ever since he returned from Singapore, he's resumed his habit of giving me crystal flowers. The last count was two hundred ten before he left, and the collection has grown quite a bit since then.“So, where to now? Your place or mine?” he grinned at me.“Your place. Meadows Tower. I miss lounging in your penthouse,” I smiled back.“All right. Let’s go.”It's been a month since Adam officially started courting me after getting permission from Mom, Dad, and even Zane. Despite still holdi
Epilogue Five months later. ✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿“HAPPY anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Hart.”That’s all I hear here at the banquet. Today is Mom and Dad’s 30th wedding anniversary, and the celebration is being held at M-Power Hotel. My brother, Zane, organized this surprise party for them and covered all the expenses himself. He didn’t ask me for a contribution since he earns more than me. However, he still doesn’t know I have the five million dollars Adam gave me.Speaking of Adam, it’s been twelve months since he started pursuing me. Exactly a year today, and it’s been five months since he left for Singapore.Yes, it’s been five months with no contact between us. Whenever I ask my brother about Adam, he can’t give me any answers because Adam’s friends haven’t replied to the group chat. Plus, all of Adam’s social media accounts are deactivated, so he can’t be reached through private messages either.The event continued until it was time for us to give our messages to our parents. I went first
✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿“Why haven't you forgiven him yet if things are already fine between him and your parents?” Camille remarked.We were seated at a table, with Violet and I attending the university’s annual alumni charity gala—an event I had accompanied Mom and Dad to last year. This time, it was held at the M-Power Hotel. As official alumni now, we were also invited. The only one missing was Leigh, who’s currently in Australia for work. Despite the distance, we still manage to catch up through video calls whenever we all have time."How many months has he been trying to win you back?" Violet asked, taking a sip of her wine. I couldn't help but notice the men stealing glances at our table. In the past, it was me who drew their attention, but now it's Violet, especially since many here know she’s the daughter of the renowned businessman Jake Crystal. Several men had already approached our table, asking Violet to dance, but I turned them down on her behalf, remembering what Adam once said
✿♡ JAZZLENE ♡✿"From Adam again?" my brother asked with a furrowed brow as he saw me in the living room, carefully arranging crystal flowers in a transparent glass vase."Yeah. That’s the thirtieth one the guard handed me this morning, one for each day. I think he won’t stop until we patch things up.""Are you two meeting in secret at the hotel? You’re both in for it if I find out."I sighed. "We’re not meeting, you paranoid. Adam rarely drops by the hotel. From what I’ve heard from Sir Mikko, he only visits twice a week. He’s more often at Meadows Group.""Good. Because if I find out you're entertaining that jerk, I’ll tie the two of you together."It’s been a month since I started working as a receptionist at M-Power Hotel. I knew Adam was serious when he said he'd give me the position I wanted, but I’m not the type to take advantage. So, I spoke to Sir Mikko and told him I’d apply for the receptionist role. Instead of backing out, I seized the opportunity so I wouldn’t have to stru