Chapter 23
She met Kyle while working part-time. Maybe it was the rarity of seeing a fellow countryman abroad, or the joy of finding kinship in a foreign land, but he’d lingered to chat after ordering.
She’d responded out of professional courtesy, never imagining those brief exchanges would weave the threads of her future.
“Jennifer, there’s no need for such words between us. This time the preparations were a bit rushed after all. Next year, I’ll definitely throw you a more suitable and grander birthday party, okay?”
Jennifer didn’t speak. She took a bite of the cake. The expensive cream was smooth and sweet without being cloying, but in her mouth, it felt rather tasteless.
She subconsciously clenched the bracelet in her hand, the amethyst beads clicking against each other.
Truth be told, she didn’t like any of these gifts. What she really wanted was to leave this place and return to Kyle’s side.
If only Kyle were here.
She missed him a little. She wondered if he had found out where she was, if he was still anxiously searching for her.
Once she got home, she’d stay put and keep him by her side wherever she went.
This was probably Jennifer’s first expectation-free birthday since meeting Kyle.
After eating cake and returning to her room, she gazed at the twinkling star decoration on her vanity, unable to sup- press a pang of sadness.
Hadn’t they agreed on using signals if separated? Days had passed-why hadn’t he come for her?
But the thought faded as Jennifer sighed. After all, the Halls had shifted their focus overseas these years. When it came to influence, they couldn’t rival the Hills who’d always been the leading force domestically.
She would wait a little longer. But if he dragged things past the wedding date, she’d settle the score with him properly once she got back.
Jennifer had thought the most Kevin would do was keep her locked up here, trying to wear her down. She never imagined his plans went far beyond that.
With just one week left before the wedding, he suddenly blindfolded her and took her somewhere.
When the cloth covering her eyes was removed, she found herself surrounded by meticulously arranged decorations.
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Chapter 23
Countless white roses formed a heart, while further away, phalaenopsis orchids spelled out “marry me.”
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In front of her, Kevin wore a perfectly tailored black suit, with every strand of hair meticulously styled, showcasing his utmost dedication.
Standing nearby were Larry and others, their smiles stiff and forced, eyes shifting away guiltily whenever they met hers.
Surrounded just like Jennifer, Kevin knelt on one knee, gazing up with unconcealed nervousness as his heart ham- mered wildly against his ribs, threatening to burst free.
“Jennifer, I love you. Will you give me a chance to care for you and share the rest of our lives together?”
Time seemed suspended. Kevin desperately wished this moment would stretch longer while simultaneously craving her immediate response.
Kevin’s mind was tangled in two conflicting thoughts when sudden commotion shattered the silence.
Frowning with irritation, he rose to investigate just as Kyle burst through the servants’ blockade flanked by police of- ficers.
“Don’t move! Police.”
“Jennifer!”
After a week of captivity, Jennifer finally heard the voice she’d been waiting for. She instinctively turned toward the sound, ready to run to Kyle-only to have her wrist seized abruptly.
“Jennifer! You can’t-just stay… please.”
The moment Kyle appeared, Kevin knew his stolen days had ended. Yet seeing Jennifer rise without hesitation still made his heart ache.
A raspy voice sounded by her ear. She turned to see the hand gripping her wrist, its knuckles prominent with a ring.
It matched the one he’d given her when she first arrived at the villa.
During her silence, tension hung thick in the air. Besides Kevin, Kyle too feared she wouldn’t choose him.
He was afraid-afraid she’d still pick the man who’d occupied her heart during her first crush.
But after a pause, she began prying his fingers loose, one by one.
“No, Kevin. I’ve moved on. You should live your own life too.” She hesitated briefly before adding, “People must look forward, Kevin. Don’t stay trapped in the past-you’ll only miss out on more.”
