My parents returned after finishing their world tour. “Oh my goodness! You always told us you were just busy learning how to manage the company these past years. How on earth did you manage to get married, divorced, and even reclaim what your grandfather left me?” Mom pulled me into a warm hug and kissed me on the cheek. “My precious girl, don’t shoulder everything yourself next time, okay? Your father and I aren’t as useless as you think.” By the time she finished, tears were streaming down her face. Dad, who had finally pieced together the entire story, stood there looking like a fool. Realization hit him like a ton of bricks, and he pulled my mom into a tight embrace. “I didn’t know he treated you like that back then. I should’ve been there for you both. I didn’t do enough. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!” He then started crying, too. It ended up being me who had to comfort both of them. “It’s okay, it’s okay. I’ve already handled everything. Don’t worry about
My name is James Jonas. Thanks to my strikingly good looks, I was voted the campus heartthrob of our department. However, for some inexplicable reason, no girls ever wanted to approach me. It frustrated me to no end. How could a guy as handsome as me, the epitome of charm, fail to attract any admirers? Eventually, I resigned myself to hanging out with my buddies all the time. I convinced myself that my brilliance intimidated girls into thinking they weren't good enough. That was until I saw her. A girl from a neighboring department, with a bright smile and an even brighter personality. In that instant, I understood everything. If girls wouldn’t come to me, I’d just have to chase one down myself. My circle of friends, including my best friend Mia, fully supported my decision. In fact, Mia was the one who gave me the best advice. However, after I started dating Amy, Mia began acting strange, always looking at me like she wanted to say something but never did
I’ve known James Jonas for five years. From college sweethearts to walking down the aisle, countless people envied our relationship. "A perfect match, a pair made in heaven, the ideal love story…" I’ve heard these words so many times, but they never meant much to me. I knew James’s heart was with someone else. He’s known Mia Rodriguez for ten years, five years longer than he’s known me. The strange thing was that James and Mia always referred to each other only as best friends. Their bond seemed so pure, untouched by even a hint of romance. They ended up at the same college, in the same major. Yet, for reasons I still don’t understand, James decided to pursue me—a girl from a completely different department. Back then, I had dreamy ideas about college romance. James was handsome, polite, and incredibly charming. So, when he asked me out for the second month in a row, I finally said yes. During the first week, everything felt perfect. It was like the beginning
I originally thought we’d part ways peacefully, going our separate directions and never crossing paths again. Who knew James would refuse to accept the breakup? "Are you out of your mind? I’ve said it a hundred times. Break up, break up, break up! Why do you keep showing up outside my lecture hall every day?!" “And you know what’s worse?” I pointed at Mia, utterly baffled. “Why the heck are you bringing your so-called best friend with you? What? You can’t think for yourself anymore? You need her to make all your decisions?” The words came out in one angry breath without a pause, which said a lot about how furious I was. James scratched his head, putting on his usual innocent guy act. “I… I thought that since you’re both girls, she’d understand your emotions better and could…” From behind him, Mia chimed in, “Yeah, Ames, don’t misunderstand James—” “Ames, my foot!” At the time, I was in the middle of PE class. In a fit of rage, I hurled the basketball in my hands
Thanks to his dad's overly enthusiastic meddling, James and I got back together.I don’t know what Joe said to James, but Mia started showing up less and less around us. When Valentine’s Day rolled around, James surprised me with a big bouquet of roses. “Thank you!”I smiled shyly, leaning into his arms before planting a soft kiss on his cheek. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Mia standing at a distance, staring at us. Tears rolled down her face. So, she cried when she thought no one was watching? I glanced back at the bouquet of roses in my hands. It was funny. I'd told James before that I didn’t like roses. So who suggested roses in the first place? “Ames, I got us two tickets to the newest sci-fi blockbuster. Want to go see it?” I lowered my gaze and answered softly, “Sure, whatever you want.” James spun me around in excitement, smiling like a fool. “Ames, you’re the best!” When I glanced back to where Mia had been standing, her eyes were red as
It was hard to tell if it was a coincidence or deliberate, but Mia's seat ended up right next to James. With a cheeky grin and her popcorn in hand, she chirped, "Perfect! After the movie, we can grab dinner together." I kept my eyes fixed vaguely ahead. I had no interest in joining their conversation. This movie must’ve been the kind they all liked. By the second half, James and the others were huddled together, whispering enthusiastically. Me? I was so bored I couldn’t stop yawning. Seeing them chatting away happily, I decided to take a quick nap. Who would’ve thought that by the time I woke up, even the credits had finished rolling? As we left the theater, Mia was eagerly discussing the movie’s plot with James. The two of them grew more engrossed in their conversation, gradually drifting farther ahead of the group. That left me trailing behind with James’ buddies. Maybe my silence made everyone think I was upset because they started trying to cheer me up.
In the private room, the only person I knew well was James. Mia, however, was in her element, rallying the crowd to keep pouring drinks for him. Some of the guys looked a little guilty, sneaking glances my way as they raised their glasses. It wasn’t hard to piece it together. Mia had probably put them up to this. I had to admit she had her ways. Getting this many people to follow her lead wasn’t easy. Then again, they’d all been friends far longer than I’d been in the picture. As the alcohol started to take effect, James suddenly turned to me, his face flushed, and pulled me into a drunken hug and kiss. “Ames, Ames, you’re so beautiful. I like you so much.” Smiling faintly, I placed my hand between his alcohol-scented lips and my face. “My dad likes you, too. He said I have to marry you.” Internally, I scoffed. Joe could keep dreaming. Before James could lean in again, Mia stepped forward, prying him off me. “James, calm down. Look, even Ames is tired
Since the last encounter, things between James and Mia have become complicated. Even though James still accompanied me to class, his mind was clearly elsewhere. His eyes often wandered to empty spaces, and a conflicted expression lingered on his face. I didn’t think too much about him while I diligently took notes during lectures. What could he possibly be struggling with? Did he trade his IQ for those good looks? Caught between Mia’s subtle pressure and my constant attention, James seemed to buckle under the weight. He even started losing weight at an alarming rate. Oh dear, how heartbroken I was for him! So, naturally, I took it upon myself to restore his health. Every day, I dragged him to the cafeteria for nutritious meals. I piled his tray with chicken, beef, and vegetables, all while wearing a worried expression. “James, are you getting too tired from keeping me company in class? You’ve lost so much weight. Eat more, okay? Otherwise, I’ll feel so bad for y
My name is James Jonas. Thanks to my strikingly good looks, I was voted the campus heartthrob of our department. However, for some inexplicable reason, no girls ever wanted to approach me. It frustrated me to no end. How could a guy as handsome as me, the epitome of charm, fail to attract any admirers? Eventually, I resigned myself to hanging out with my buddies all the time. I convinced myself that my brilliance intimidated girls into thinking they weren't good enough. That was until I saw her. A girl from a neighboring department, with a bright smile and an even brighter personality. In that instant, I understood everything. If girls wouldn’t come to me, I’d just have to chase one down myself. My circle of friends, including my best friend Mia, fully supported my decision. In fact, Mia was the one who gave me the best advice. However, after I started dating Amy, Mia began acting strange, always looking at me like she wanted to say something but never did
My parents returned after finishing their world tour. “Oh my goodness! You always told us you were just busy learning how to manage the company these past years. How on earth did you manage to get married, divorced, and even reclaim what your grandfather left me?” Mom pulled me into a warm hug and kissed me on the cheek. “My precious girl, don’t shoulder everything yourself next time, okay? Your father and I aren’t as useless as you think.” By the time she finished, tears were streaming down her face. Dad, who had finally pieced together the entire story, stood there looking like a fool. Realization hit him like a ton of bricks, and he pulled my mom into a tight embrace. “I didn’t know he treated you like that back then. I should’ve been there for you both. I didn’t do enough. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!” He then started crying, too. It ended up being me who had to comfort both of them. “It’s okay, it’s okay. I’ve already handled everything. Don’t worry about
Mia’s child had just turned one month old. By then, my battle with Joe had reached its peak. In the middle of the chaos, I found time to finalize my divorce with James. Then, I filed an official report accusing Joe of embezzling company funds and using the corporation to cover up illegal overseas transactions. Joe was arrested. As for Mia, she finally got what she wanted—marrying James. Their child had already started preschool by the time news of their struggles spread. The two lived a miserable life. Neither worked, as Mia claimed she was too busy taking care of their child, and James said he was too ashamed to face the outside world. Every day, they argued over trivial matters.
The wedding didn’t happen in the end. James outright refused to acknowledge Mia’s baby, which sent her into a fit of hysterics. By the time blood started pooling on the floor, James finally snapped out of it and rushed Mia to the hospital. Joe, watching my outwardly sorrowful expression, stood in silence for a long time. “This was your plan all along, wasn’t it?” I bowed my head, not saying a word. My silence was enough. “Amy, you look beautiful in that wedding dress.” He looked sadly at me as he said this. The unexpected compliment left me momentarily stunned. Before I could respond, Joe turned and walked away. He must have finally realized the extent of my plans and was rushing back to the company to make an emergency move. However, I was prepared. Joe had hidden a portion of the Jonases’ shares in the shadows, hoping to use them as leverage against me. Fortunately, I had anticipated this long ago. Over the past months, I’d been quietly purchasing share
A month and a half passed in the blink of an eye. On the day of the wedding, the whole city’s eyes were on the union of the Moores and Jonases. The grand ceremony was like a dream brought to life. Jewels were glinting under the light, and champagne flowed like rivers. “Joe, congratulations! This marriage is a power move, no doubt!” Various influential guests approached Joe to offer their well-wishes. As for my parents? Well, their island-hopping trip had left them conveniently stranded on some remote beach. They couldn’t have made it back even if they tried. The ceremony progressed smoothly. The priest guided James and me through our vows. We were just about to exchange rings when— “Stop! I object!” The shout came from a heavily pregnant woman bursting through the doors, clutching a megaphone and shouting at the top of her lungs. Her dramatic entrance froze the entire venue. “Who… who is she?” whispered a curious guest. “I think she’s that woman who was
Joe wasted no time. Within a month, he had drawn up a transfer agreement. The condition was clear: if James acted against the marriage in any way, the contract would activate. James, of course, didn’t want to marry me. However, now he was trapped. If he refused, he’d lose his position as the Jonas heir. Mia, on the other hand, had vanished. No one knew where she had gone. James suspected his father had hidden her away, but he didn’t dare confront Joe about it. Meanwhile, my family’s company hit a rough patch, and by the time I sorted it out, half a year had flown by. With my parents off traveling the world, they entrusted me fully with the company. In the midst of it all, Joe chose an auspicious day, and James and I quietly registered our marriage. The wedding ceremony was set for a month and a half later. Joe explained that the custom-made wedding gown he’d ordered for me from abroad would take precisely that long to finish. James, meanwhile, was a
“What are you talking about?” Joe said, reaching over to wipe my tears. Through the watery blur, I caught a glimpse of something unsettling in his eyes—an unhealthy obsession, a madness barely concealed. My hands clenched tightly behind me. How disgusting! Was he trying to replace my mother with me in his twisted mind? I quickly turned my head, taking a step back. “James loves Mia more than he loves me. If I marry him, how can I guarantee my children would have a father’s undivided love?” Joe’s gaze lingered on my pale neck without shame, his voice unnervingly gentle as he said, “Then tell me, Amy, what will it take for you to agree to marry James?” “I don’t want to marry James! I don’t love him anymore!” “That’s not it.” His tone grew even softer. “Have you forgotten how deeply you love him, Amy? You’re just upset right now. You love him, so you must marry him!” Tears streamed down my face. “I won’t do it! Marrying him will only end in divorce. That’s wor
Just as I expected, James and Mia became even more entangled in their affair. Eventually, they ended up in bed together. That night, I brought Joe to the hotel where they were staying. Inside, we heard the faint rustling of clothes being hurriedly put on. By the time we walked in, the bed was empty except for James, who was fumbling to button up his pants. Tsk. He’d been sneaking around with Mia so often that it was no surprise. The once vibrant face I’d known was now pale and gaunt. I couldn’t bear to look at him.“Slap!”The sharp sound of Joe’s hand meeting James’s cheek echoed through the room. “Thud!”James crumpled to the floor from the sheer force of it. “Hasn’t Amy been good to you? You’re about to marry her, and you’re sneaking around with another woman!” “Dad, I…” James tried to defend himself, but it was too late. “Slap!”Another blow landed. Joe was livid, his fury radiating through the room. It seemed like he was about to grab a chair an
Chris handed me a stack of photos. “Miss Moore, this guy catches a whiff of temptation and forgets he’s a taken man. Honestly, you still want someone like him?” I flipped through the photos nonchalantly, leaning against the armrest of the sofa with one hand propping up my chin. Smirking, I glanced at him. “Sounds like you’ve got some strong opinions about him?” Chris adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses with a feigned air of indifference before replying calmly, “Not at all. I’m just raising an objective, unbiased concern.” Watching him deliver this nonsense with such a serious expression, I couldn’t hold back a laugh. When I first hired him four years ago, I knew he had talent. Who knew he had such a witty personality under the surface all this time?